Is your budgie having trouble sleeping, and you are wondering if covering the cage will be beneficial? Are you caught at the crossroads wondering, What can I use to cover my budgie cage?. If so, worry no more, as we are going to discuss how to cover your bird and the type of cover to use.
The following is a list of what to use to cover a budgie cage:
1. Cage Covers
Can be purchased from any pet store and are of different types. They include:
1. Night Cover
This cover blocks light, sunlight, and UV rays from getting into the cage. It enables your budgie to get adequate sleep even in seasons when the daytime is longer than the night.
2. Day Cover
It’s made of a thinner and more breathable material. While using the cover, not all sunlight is blocked, which allows the budgie to go on with its activities. Day cover provides enough privacy and UV protection for your bird.
3. Catch
Covers the bottom of the cage to ensure that droppings and other materials are kept inside the enclosure. Made of thin material and doesn’t obstruct air flow inside the cage.
2. Blankets
A blanket darkens the budgie’s cage and provides ample sleeping space for your budgie, especially when you have to work late. The blanket should be cleaned and washed every few weeks.
So, can I cover my budgie’s cage with a blanket?
Yes, you can use a blanket to cover your budgie’s cage.
However, when covering the cage with a blanket, it is good to use a lighter one, as a heavy blanket creates a sense of darkness. Due to their sensitive nature, your budgies may feel vulnerable, leading to stress and anxiety.
A heavy blanket will also cause a build-up of moisture and odors as a result of a lack of sufficient air circulation, creating potential health problems.
3. Sheet
A sheet is as good as a blanket, but it will let in more light. Hence, you should use it if you have a dark spot to place the cage at night. A sheet is also the best to use during the summer days when it is warm.
4. Towel
You can cover your birdcage with a cloth towel. However, it’s not as preferable as the sheet since your bird’s claws can get tangled in it.
Should I put paper towels in my bird cage?
Yes, paper towels can be used in a birdcage.
Put them at the bottom of the cage since it is easier to change or clean them. They are safer for your bird since they are free of toxins, but always remember to throw them away every day.
What to Consider When Selecting Bird Cage Cover
When deciding on the type of cover to use on your budgie cage, there are several factors to consider:
1. The Material
The fabric of the cover used should be breathable, non-toxic, washable, and effective at blocking the sun.
2. Shape of the Cover
The shape of the cover used ought to match the shape of the cage for it to be effective.
3. Size
The cage cover must be large enough to fit the cage. This makes it easy to cover the cage at night and remove it in the morning.
4. Weight
The cover should be light for easy covering and removal.
5. Ventilation
The cover ought to be properly ventilated, as inadequate ventilation will make breathing difficult and raise the cage’s temperature.
6. Thickness
The humidity and temperature of your locality should dictate the thickness of the material you are using.
Benefits of Covering the Cage
1. Maintains the Sleep Cycle
Covering the cage helps in the establishment of routine. In the event of a change of time zone, covering the cage will help reset the internal clock.
If you are used to sleeping late, using a cover will train your bird to follow a different schedule.
2. Prevents Night Frights
A budgie can get scared at night when it’s time to sleep. Being in an enclosed space enables the budgies to feel protected and sleep in peace.
3. Minimizes Light
Covering the cage blocks out or dims any light in your home.
4. Warmth
A cover insulates your bird against the cold coming into the cage.
How Should I Cover My Birds Cage?
The way you cover the cage should not only be cozy but also allow air to enter the cage. A wrong move may cause your bird injury or long-term respiratory issues.
Thus, when covering the cage:
1. Ensure the cover is of a single layer, lightweight, made of a breathable piece of material, and of a dark color to block out any additional light or shadows.
2. The material used should not pill too much to avoid choking.
3. Pull the cage away from the wall for better circulation of air.
4. Cover the back and sides but leave the front open to allow air to get in freely. The uncovered side faces a darker corner to prevent a lot of light from coming in.
5. Cover the cage only at bedtime to improve your bird’s sleep.
You can cover the whole cage, more so on colder, windy nights, but ensure there is enough ventilation for your bird to breathe well.
What Time Should I Cover My Budgie?
1. At Night
You should cover your bird cage when your budgie is about to go to sleep and some hours before you go to bed, as you are not to keep your bird up until late.
The time you cover the cage should be consistent, and you should always remember to follow the natural light cycle.
2. When It’s Cold
Does covering a birdcage keep it warm? Yes, you can cover your budgie to keep it warm when it’s cold. If you expect a drop in temperature at night, cover the cage to insulate it against the cold.
3. When There Are Disturbances
To avoid disturbances and prevent your budgie from being stressed, you should protect it from loud noises if there are parties or fireworks shows in the locality.
The cover will help reduce the noise that reaches your bird’s ears.
Should I Cover My Budgies Cage at Day?
No, it is not a good idea to cover your budgies’ cage during the day. Budgies are social and love to interact.
Covering a bird cage during the day will make them feel isolated, under-stimulated, and anxious. It also denies the birds an opportunity to explore their surrounding environment.
If you cover your birds at night, covering them during the day will disrupt their routine, which can affect their health.
Should Budgies Be Covered At Night?
No, it’s not a must to have your budgies’ cage covered, but it helps them relax. Whether to cover the cage depends on where you live and what your bird is used to.
If your budgie cage is in a busy place with lights switched on and off all night, exposed to passing cars shining headlights, or your bird is always up very early in the morning, the cage should be covered to protect your bird from exposure to light.
Too much exposure to light can:
• Lead to a lack of quality sleep. This can make your bird tired during the day and cause illness.
• Stimulates egg-laying behavior
• It can lead to depression due to the loud noises at night.
However, as long as a dark, quiet, and secluded area is provided for your bird to sleep in, most will be fine without being covered at night.
How Do You Cover a Budgie Cage in the Winter?
It’s important to keep your budgie warm during the winter season, when temperatures drop. Use a large, lightweight blanket or sheet that drapes over the sides and top of the cage.
Make sure to leave holes to allow for fresh air to circulate and air out any bad odors. The cage should also be put in a warm area away from air drafts.