These diets have been reformulated, but many fruits, like strawberries and grapes, that make nice treats contain high levels of iron and provide more than the bird can metabolize. Along with a good diet, owners need to provide a fresh supply of water, keep the cage clean, and be aware of household hazards. Owners frequently buy sandpaper perches to keep a bird's toenails trimmed. This has never been documented to work, but what is known is that the sandpaper can create abrasions and sores after long-term use. Compression clips and paper clips used to hang toys should never be placed inside a cage.
Birds can become dangerously caught, slipping their beak into the clip area.
Bedding could also cause a potential problem. Materials like corn cob, cat litter, cedar shaving, and nylon should not be used. Good, old-fashioned newspaper is an inexpensive, safe choice. Another good option is nonabsorbent, particulate bedding, such as crushed walnut shells. Most bird owners are educated about cage safety, and the problems that are cage-related today are minimal.