Our three birds haven’t ever complained about their lodging arrangements. They have seemed very happy with their little bit of real estate. However, today Laura and Isaac asked if they could make a few modifications to the bird cage. I agreed, on the condition that they would put it all back the way it was before if I didn’t like what they did. With that settled, they started creating.

I was shocked when I came into the kitchen some time later. The birds’ new lodging was amazing! It was now three cages combined using cable ties to stabilize the structure.

Often people express concern over children and birds. I suppose all animals are at risk with children, but birds are especially vulnerable since they are caged so much of the time and not able to escape their tormentors. However, in our home, the birds don’t suffer much at all. Not only are there very strict rules about how we treat animals around here, but our animals are a tad bit spoiled. The birds especially are almost always free to explore outside of their cage. They are often on someone’s shoulder or sharing someone’s shower. They are frequently offered nibbles of whatever we are having to eat, but only after the children ask me yet again, “Is this safe for the birds?”

I’m so proud of the kids for being kind to our little feathered friends. Now that the birds have triple their former space, I’m interested to see what other interesting things the children rig up for them. If nothing else, our birds are never bored! Oh, and you’ll have to notice the little walkway going from the cage to the hanging perch on the right. What next?