Does cage color matter to birds?

This may seem like a dumb question, but I'm curious.

Before we got our lovebird, he was caged in a nice white cage in the store, and when we brought him home, we housed him in a black cage, and for a while he seemed somewhat depressed. He didn't play with toys and was not interested in anything. He got over this in about a month, and now he's active and plays with everything we put in his cage.

I don't know if his depression phase was related to the cage color, the new enviornment, or another factor. I was just curious if birds have a preference for the color of their cage?

I personally don't think that cage color matters all that much (at least I have never read this anywhere). I would attribute the "adjustment time" more to the environmental changes ... it took your little Mango a chance to get used to the new enviroment of his new and loving home ... I know that birds can see color better than humans can, and I know that birds have favorite colors (I know that Hamlet, our sunny, loves orange and yellow, and can't stand purple). If I had to guess I would hypotothise that their favorite colors would run closely to the colors they have in their plumage ... but these are just my thoughts ...

only thing i would say about color is really shiny cages that are mirroe like could cause some potential behaviour issues

Think its probably more to do with adjuting to their new environment, than cage colour.

This is a good question tho' and one I have to say I've never really thought about.

That's good to hear.

After reading that I got my sun conure a much larger cage that I was hesitant about buying because it was black.

Also, can anyone suggest ways to help her adapt to her new cage better? She's had so much change recently, and I want this adjustment to go smoothly. I was going to let her play in it when I'm there to watch her, and then return her to her regular cage when I'm not there. I was also thinking about opening both cages, and putting them front to front, and see if she wanders into the new cage (I put some toys and things in there).

I don't know what to do.

Lol, I must be the worst mother ever...anything new Iggy gets (cage, toys, travel carrier) he just gets thrown in, no introduction, no mercy, lol. I think if you're worried about more change, just do what you're doing and make it as attractive to your birdie as possible, and take little steps until you think that it's not stressful anymore. Might take some time if your bird is nervous, but eventually it'll be okay. Just make it a positive experience.

I have had black, white and metal cages and the color really does not seem to matter at all. Although, if light is an issue (as in not as much light as we want for our birds) I'd feel black cages would be a little darker. I don't know though. When looking at cages, I go by what will first serve my birds best, and then what will look best in my house. I mean these are not small things like coasters, they stand out and there is no reason why the cage can't look good

Ultimately though, I don't think color matters to the birds.

nope cage colour doesn't matter. Unless if its purple of course.

What's wrong with purple cages (aside from them looking goofy)???

Put her favourite toys in and favourite foods, she'll soon be in there.

Have to admit that when I got Kito a larger cage, I just put his toys perches and food in and in he went. No problems there, he didn't bat an eye.

I've also not had any problems moving my birds into a new cage ... quite the opposite actually. They have been in there before anything is in there lol - no perches toys food nothing - just them running around the bottom and climbing the sides squeeking and "talking" to eachother.

I only got this one because it was a great size and a great deal. It's used (I washed and disinfected it first), but it's in good condition.

I put her in it for during the day with some toys and food, and she seemed happy there, but I returned her to her old cage to sleep in so she wouldn't wake up in a new place. She's adapting quite well.

indigo said:

What's wrong with purple cages (aside from them looking goofy)???

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For some reason a lot of birds don't like the colour purple. It's mostly with larger birds, but either way i would still avoid them. Plus like you said they look goofy.

I think in the end its not so much the color that counts, its the size

indigo said:

I think in the end its not so much the color that counts, its the size

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very true.

A little late to the conversation...

Regarding color - I don't think it matters as to the color so much as to whether your fid chews the bars. If your fid chews the bars - go stainless steel. If not, match your decor. Actually, as a rule of thumb - go stainless and get the largest size you can afford.

As for the change in house. Do it quickly. Construct the new house in your fids presence, let them play in the new house as you move the toys and then remove the old one quickly. Keeping their sleeping area (which is also their retreat area) the same seems to have mattered most with my past house changes. Also, plan to make the change on a weekend. Fids are naturally curious but opposed to change. With you around, it makes the transition easier. I also turn it into a party because 'meanie-Mom' that I am, withhold certain treats the week before and then strategically place the delights in the new house. It helps them explore the nooks and cranies while 'rewarding' and making the new home pleasurable.

The only caveat is if you have an overstressed fid (eg, past abuse, frequent homes, feather-picker, etc.). Here, though it may sound strange, include them in the house selection. Show them pictures, tell them that you want to buy them a new space, etc. Be very aware, especially if they have been gone through abuse or multiple homes that the terms 'a new home, new house, different home/house, etc' may trigger stress. These are words they may associate with the past (they have memories and they are smart). Unless the cage was a harm to them, move slowly and include them in what you pick. Sounds strange, but it does help ease that form of stress.

Yeah I always include my fids in their new house selection. With the aviary we are building (if the weather ever decides to play nice) we have shown the little guys every design we have made up. They usually just turn their backs or make out their looking just so they get the paper, and then shred it but it keeps them happy.

Peta,....Are you currently under the care of a medical professional?
They don't care, they just want you to feed them. Stop asking their opinion on building design and start thinking for yourself. your the adult, remember? You will be checking with your cactus if it needs a water top up next.

No red I'm not, but yes they do care, and no they don't JUST want you to feed them. No I won't be checking with my cactus if it needs water, I don't have them. I always think for myself and manage just fine.

I love a woman who thinks she is thinking for herself.
they are just soooo cute when they make those little thinking noises.

(but I love the cut and thrust of the joust even more, thanx hon xxox).