how to choose a bird cage

Choosing a Parrot Cage The single most important item you will ever purchase for your parrot companion is its cage. There are many factors that must be considered in making a safe and appropriate choice for your bird:

As humans, we seek out nature to enjoy the massive expanse of openness, beauty and the sense of freedom that it conveys. Compared to the freedom they experience in the wild, our parrots are severely restricted in captivity. A cage is your birds primary environment and it is of the utmost importance that they be able to move freely, flap their wings, climb, play, do acrobatics, forage and perch at multiple levels within that environment. Keeping your bird in a cage that doesnt allow for participation in these activities will be detrimental to the physical and mental well-being of your companion and may lead to the development of stereotypical behaviors such as screaming, feather plucking and aggressiveness. Therefore, the first rule when choosing a cage is to buy the largest possible cage that you can afford from both a space and financial perspective.

Cages should be purchased with functionality and safety taking precedence over eye appeal. Fortunately, there are cage manufacturers who are combining the best of both worlds by making safe, functional and attractive cages. There are many choices when it comes to cage style. Here are a few important considerations to ponder:

Cages come in a variety of shapes from rectangular to round. Although round cages may be attractive, they really cut down on available living space for your bird and as such arent recommended.

Again, size matters. Be sure to choose a cage that offers as much horizontal and vertical space as possible. Small birds such as finches and budgies need a large horizontal cage where they may fly from one side to another. Large parrots like the Macaws and Cockatoos need a large vertical cage so they may climb up the bars but they should also be wide enough to allow for wing flapping.

Dome Top cages provide more space for your bird to climb and play. They also allow for easier placement of toys and perches within the cage.

Play Top Cages have a built-in play area on the top of the cage which provides an alternate space for your bird to hang out under supervision.

The best of both worlds can be achieved by the purchase of a dome top cage and a separate play gym that is portable to different rooms in the house so that your bird can participate in all aspects of family life.

Bar spacing is an important safety consideration when to choosing a suitable cage. Your parrot should not be able to put its head through and get wedged in the space between the bars. Additionally, the diameter and strength of each bar should be large enough to ensure that the bars can not be bent or broken by your bird.

A combination of vertical and horizontal bars will help to facilitate climbing and allow for more options when hanging toy accessories in the cage.

Sturdiness and durability are key factors in ensuring your bird will have a long lasting and secure environment. Cages are made out of a variety of materials each with pros and cons and varied lifetimes.

Metal is the most durable of the materials commonly used. Metal cages are typically powder-coated iron or they are made from stainless steel.

Powder coated cages come in a variety of fashionable colors and are less expensive than Stainless Steel.

Stainless steel is the safest, most durable, toxic-free, easiest to clean cage material available. If you can afford a stainless steel cage, it will be the best cage investment you can make.

Acrylic cages may allow for an enhanced view of your bird but, it is reported, that they are not as durable as metal bar cages and they offer restricted opportunities for climbing.

Wood cages are most often used for smaller, non-destructive bird species (i.e., finches, canaries). Wood cages are difficult to clean and definitely not recommended for hookbills who will ultimately chew their way out of the cage.

New cages should be inspected thoroughly to ensure that they do not present any hazards that will endanger your bird as follows:

Nobody has perfected the self cleaning cage yet, but, there are many factors that will make your job easier:

The safest, strongest, non-toxic, and easiest-to-clean cage material on the market is stainless steel. A stainless steel cage is the best cage investment you can make if you can afford it.

Compared to stainless steel cages, powder-coated cages are less expensive and available in a wider range of stylish colors.

Although the self-cleaning cage hasn’t been perfected yet, there are a number of things that can ease your workload:

There are several shapes for cages, ranging from round to rectangular. Round cages are visually appealing, but they significantly reduce the amount of living space your bird has available, so it is not advised to use them.

Step 1: Bar Spacing

The distance in meters between the cage’s bars is known as bar spacing. When choosing a bird cage, bar spacing is the most obvious and non-negotiable component to take into account. Other components are more arbitrary. Basically, the bars should prevent your bird’s head from poking through.

In addition to preventing injuries and escape, the bar spacing should be designed to encourage physical activity like climbing, flying, and playing. Click on the species of your bird to view more information, or view the chart below from our well-liked Bar Spacing Guide.

Step 3: The Look

We parrot parents place a great deal of importance on the appearance and design of the cage after taking the bird’s health and happiness into account. The cage should complement your lifestyle in addition to fulfilling your bird’s needs.

Either a formal living room or a relaxed family room could house the cage(s). Perhaps you’re even fortunate enoughor insane!to have a bird room of your own.

We’re looking for something that not only complements the design of the room or area it will be placed in, but also looks excellent. It is advised that you give careful thought to your bird’s color as well as the colors in the area.

A cage puts your bird on display. Therefore, you want the cage’s color to stand out against your bird’s primary color scheme. Furthermore, it is difficult to appreciate your bird from the outside of the cage when the cage and bird are the same color!

FAQ

How do you choose the right bird cage?

Choose a cage that is a minimum of twice as wide as your bird’s wingspan. A cage for multiple birds should be even more spacious. A stainless-steel birdcage is affordable and durable. Make sure the bars are close enough together so the bird can’t squeeze through.

Should a bird cage be tall or wide?

The Association of Avian Veterinarians (AAV) says that bird cages need to be at least wide enough to accommodate stretched wings, but tall enough for long tailed birds. The bird needs enough room to be able to walk around and flap its wings vigorously without hitting them on anything.

Should a bird cage be vertical or horizontal?

For younger birds and smaller species that are not too strong, horizontal bar arrangement is the preferred option. The bars are easier for them to grip and climb. Another reason you may want to get a cage that has the bars arranged horizontally is if you have a bird with any form of disability.