What size do I choose for my bird?
The Avian Haven hut is available in four sizes: extra large for larger birds in larger cages such as Macaws and Cockatoos; large for Amazons, African Greys, etc.; small, for Conures, Cockateils, Quaker Parrots, etc.; and extra small for smaller birds in smaller cages such as budgies and lovebirds. To make sure the hut fits in your bird's cage, here are the dimensions:
Extra Small hut dimensions: 6" W x 7" H x 5 1/2" D
Small hut dimensions: 9" W x 10" H x 5 1/2" D
Large hut dimensions: 11" W x 12" H x 7 1/2" D
Extra Large hut dimensions: 12" W x 16" H x 10" D
How do I introduce my bird to the hut?
Some birds will be thrilled with their hut from the moment they see it, other, more timid or younger birds, need to be introduced to the hut gradually so that they do not perceive it as a threat. You should unwrap your hut and place it in an upright position near the cage, on a table or chair, where your bird can view it and become used to its presence. If your bird does not seem to fear the hut, go ahead and place it in the cage over a perch. If your bird is very young and having trouble perching, chances are that he/she will think that the hut is a predator if you place it high in the cage. For these birds, place the hut on the floor of cage, securing it to the cage using the tab in the center of the back of the hut. In all cases, within a few days, you can place the hut over your bird's favorite perch.
Is the Avian Haven hut safe for my bird?
No pet bird item is 100% safe. On the advice of a board-certified Avian veterinarian, the Avian Haven hut is made of polyester, an inert material. The fabric is heat-treated to strengthen it so that large pieces cannot be torn off and ingested. It is normal for birds to chew on their hut.
The Avian Haven is safer for your birds than typical "floored" huts. When birds sleep, their feet naturally contract to grasp and hold onto a perch. Unlike many other huts on the market, the Avian Haven hut does not require your bird to sleep with their feet in an unnatural position or on a fabric floor that your bird can potentially catch a foot or toe in (a documented cause of injury and death to pet birds). The Avian Haven hut hangs over a perch, enabling your bird to sleep in a safe, natural perching position. If you have a disabled bird who cannot perch or feel that your bird has a need to relax his/her feet, you can drop the hut to the floor of the cage and secure it to the bars of the cage with the tab on the back side of the hut.
If your bird chews heavily on the hut, be diligent and replace it promptly if any part becomes frayed.
My bird is not using the hut. Should I remove it?
No! It can take birds MONTHS to start using their hut. Parrots are prey animals and need a place of privacy/security in their cages. When we first developed the Avian Haven hut we had two rescue Amazons, Max and Melinda, who were afraid of their own shadows, not to mention their huts. After four months of biting and chewing on their "toy huts", both parrots suddenly discovered the new "rooms" in their cages. They have been using them on a daily basis ever since.
Do you support any particular charities?
Yes. We donate 10% of sales of our huts to Dr. Irene Pepperberg's The Alex Foundation. We also provide donations of product to a variety of avian charities.
