Cages

A cage is a small enclosure designed to confine animals or objects. Cages are used for keeping pets, transporting animals, capturing wildlife temporarily, or housing animals in laboratories, zoos, or farms. They are typically constructed from materials such as metal wire, wood, or plastic, and are designed with doors or latches for access, along with features like feeding or watering devices, perches, nesting compartments, bedding, and ventilation.

There are several common types of cages. Pet cages for small mammals (such as hamsters, gerbils, and rabbits) are often made of wire with a plastic base. Bird cages vary in size and may include perches, feeders, and seed dishes. Rodent cages may be multi-level to maximize space, while transport cages are designed to be sturdy and escape-proof. Aviaries are larger, open-topped enclosures that allow more flight and social interaction among birds. In research and agricultural settings, cages are used to contain animals for study or production while aiming to minimize stress and contamination.

Welfare and ethics are central considerations in cage design and use. In many jurisdictions, standards address cage size, ventilation, enrichment, privacy, cleanliness, and safety to reduce stress and injury. Critics argue that confinement can restrict natural behaviors, prompting ongoing debates about alternatives such as open enclosures, free-range systems, or enriched habitats.

Beyond their practical function, the term “cages” is also used in metaphor and culture to denote confinement or restriction, and appears in various historical and contemporary contexts.