Some of the decorative bird cages can be used as a home for a live bird. These cages are made out of several different materials and can be used as a attractive decorator item. Although they are very nice to look at and some of the antique bird cages should not be used for the living birds.

If you are wanting to use the bird cage as decoration, the cage can be used in several different locations such as wall hanging. It has been seen a cage was cut in half and both peaces was attached to the wall. The interior was filled with vines. The cages can be used as a centerpiece or as a plant holder. These cages can be manufactured out of all types or material including acrylic, metal, stainless steel, iron, or even a bamboo bird cage. Be imaginative using these cages. You may even want to use some of the bird cage accessories to help with the look you are trying to achieve.

There are even different regions of the world to be found in the bird cage design. The Oriental, Tuscan, and the Arabian bird cages to name a few. There are even whimsical designs such as hot air balloons or globe shaped cages. And the architectural designs like the domes or arches are also available. The Victorian cages are always very popular, some with marble tops or gold trim. Found in some of the pet stores, department stores or in many or the retail stores with a wide variety of prices depending on the style, design and material the cage is made out of.

The antique bird cages are not meant to house any birds. They are treated with chemicals or paints that can be very toxic for the bird. Zinc and lead are very common in the chemicals that was used to design theses cages. No amount of scrapping, sanding or paint removal can make these cages safe for the bird. As most birds love to chew and nibble, this is very dangerous for the bird. But they do make lovely decorative cages. Placed on a bird cage stand or even as a center piece, these cages look great.

Common to the antique bird cages, the seed guard mesh was typically crafted out of lead. Lead poising will cause devastating neurological damage while zinc can cause life threating anemia. Most of the cages do not offer enough space inside the cage for the bird. It is very important for the bird to be able to stretch out the wings and even walk around inside the cage. The tail feathers should not touch the bottom of the cage or even the back of the cage while the bird is standing on the perch. It is very important for a large bird to be housed in a large bird cage so they will not be cramped and possibly even hurt their selves.