One of the behaviors that we have forced our captive pet birds to adopt is to eat and drink out of bowls and cups. Having their food essentially delivered in a food or bowl is something that these foraging creatures would never encounter in the wild. It’s a concession that allows the human caretakers to provide for the bird’s dietary needs in a way that is convenient for both parties.
It is important to clean the bowls properly every day, even if you were only offering dry food or seeds from that bowl. The primary materials used in bird bowls are ceramics, stainless steel, and plastic. While plastic bowls can offer some features not found in the other types of bowls, extra care must be taken in keeping plastic bowls clean.
The porous nature of plastic makes it a prone to collecting bacteria which can be harmful to your bird. They need more thorough cleaning and will not have as long a lifespan as would bowls made from stainless steel.
Let’s take a look at some of popular bowl and cup choices for your avian companions.
Bird Cage Plastic Cup
This plastic cup features a clear plastic guard that keeps seeds in and protects the contents of the cup from stray bird droppings. It comes in three sizes to suit birds ranging from finches to medium-sized parrots. The cup can be attached to either horizontal or vertical bars and will fit any cage. It is easily removed for refilling and cleaning.
Medium Bird Cage Bowls
These stainless steel coop cups are available in 10 (296 ml) ounce and 20 ounce (591 ml) sizes. The cups are dishwasher safe and rust resistant. Easy to clean stainless steel helps you keep harmful bacteria away from your birds. The wire hanger can be easily moved around the cage offering flexible placement options.
Large Bird Cage Stainless Steel Bowls
These large, sturdy, stainless steel cups come in a 20 ounce (591 ml) and 30 ounce (887 ml) size. As with all stainless steel bowls, they are easy to clean and can go in your dishwasher. The unit includes a welded face attachment and solid clamp that holds the bowl in place. It’s great for larger, mischievous birds that might like to dump bowls that are not adequately secured to the cage.
Advantages of using Bird Cage Bowls for feeding and watering
- They are a convenient way to provide your bird with food and water.
- Some plastic bowls offer features to help control food debris.
Bowl Buying Tips
- Buy a bowl that is the right size for your bird species and cage. Remember that it takes up some of your bird’s living space.
- Look for bowls that mount securely to the type of cage you will be using.
- You want bowls that are easy to remove for filling and cleaning.
- Stainless steel bowls are easier to clean than plastic ones and can handle being washed in a dishwasher.
