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Introduction
Where you live on this world, and where you place aviaries, or cages are just as important as one another, hence the page name "Location". On some other pages on this site, we already talked about where to house cages and Aviaries, but I would like to go into more detail on the subject. We have already talked briefly about where on this world you live, but were not explained in any great details on why it is important. Climate, and location together are something to think about, since some of your birds may have come from different climates. I will try to explain all of these in the article below
Northern vs Southern Hemisphere
Everyone knows that the Southern Hemisphere is warmer than the Northern Hemisphere, the climate on both sides can differ greatly. Birds native to these areas, which do not migrate, have evolved to become used to living in those environments. They may struggle if moved to a completely different climate, even if it is artificially created. The reason that some birds migrate is usually due to the lack of heat, or cold, lack of food, or to breed. Birds which are from a colder climate often migrate to other colder places as their seasons torn warmer, whereas birds from a warmer climate will migrate to warmer places as their seasons turn colder.
Smaller birds which are primarily insect eaters often migrate towards the autumn, because insects become scarce in the colder months. Since humans have been feeding these small birds in their gardens, some insect eaters choose to remain, and rely on garden feeders to support them during winter months.
Some places here will not get as hot as there, and some places here will not get as cold as there. Each climate is different to some degree, and it is these conditions which need to be imitated when buying birds from these climates. Some birds should 'never' be kept in captivity, such as the nightingale. Birds like these will end up constantly flying at the cage walls, trying to get out, when their body clock tells them it is time to migrate. Many end up killing themselves in the process through injuries, stress, or exhaustion.
The hours of daylight will play an important part of their lives, as well as the amount of UVB they receive. You may notice that birds from warmer climates have more vibrant colours than birds from a colder climate, this is because of the sun, and the amount of UVB they receive on a daily basis.
Cage or aviary placement
Cages & aviaries, which are housed indoors, should not really be housed in bedrooms, kitchens or living rooms. The dust from dried droppings, or feathers can interfere with human respiratory system, which can lead to COPD. There are other health factors to consider too, such as Chlamydia, allergies, noise pollution. Humans also have many bad habits, which can have a negative effect on their birds. Some of our bad habits can kill our feathered friends without us knowing what it is that killed them. Birds need uninterrupted sleep for their wellbeing, sudden noises can cause panic during the night. Flashing lights can frighten your birds while they are asleep, again causing panic.
I will explain why birds should not be kept in bedrooms, kitchens and living rooms below in their own sections.
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Bedrooms Although a bedroom is a place for sleeping, humans can often make a lot of noise during the night when your birds are trying to sleep. Some people are night owls, like to keep a light on, read a book, watch the TV, talk on a phone, all whilst in bed. Talking in their sleep, sleepwalking, coughing are other things people do which can interrupt your birds' sleep. Dried droppings, and feather dust, which become airborne, can harm human health. |
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Kitchens & Bathrooms Fumes from cooking, burning pots n' pans, strange smells, fumes from chemical cleaners are the most common things to worry about in kitchens. Most people keep various types of chemicals in cupboards in their kitchens, opening these or having leaky containers can harm your birds. Kitchens are really the worst place to keep any pet. |
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Living rooms Noises, smoke fumes from tobacco, flashing lights from a TV, loud music, too much foot traffic, air fresheners are among the common issues when keeping birds in a living room. There is no quiet place for them to reside when they need their rest. Since people spend a lot of time in their living rooms, it is not healthy for humans, because of the dried droppings, feather dust which become airborne. |
I could probably think of a lot more to add in the sections above, but I think you get the general idea. Conservatories can also be added to that list, they are heat traps, they can literally cook your birds to death. My best guess is to use a spare room, which is warm, well ventilated, but not cold. Always try to plan where you intend to place your cages, or aviaries beforehand, and consider all the above as well.