Choosing The Right Large Bird Cage For Your Bird

2009-05-26T15:10:00.008-04:00

Picking the right bird cage for your bird is very important and not an easy task. First, it is not just an everyday purchase because it is a rather expensive acquisition. Secondly, your bird will be around for many years as a part of your family, so you want to make sure you make the right choice. In order to make the right choice, there are a few points to consider such as: cage size, shape, bar spacing, materials and quality, features, accessories, and location.

Bird Cage Size

The first thing to consider when shopping for large bird cages is size. Unfortunately, the larger the cage, the larger the price tag. However, you have to keep in mind that this is where your bird will be spending the majority of its time eating, playing, and sleeping, even if you let it out every day to play. It is very important that your bird has enough room to spread out its wings and stretch. Also keep in mind that you don’t want your bird’s tail feathers to touch the cage when it is sitting on its perch as it can damage its feathers. Some birds like climbing and hanging and would prefer a taller bird cage with horizontal bars on at least two sides of the cage. Birds that fly around would need a wider bird cage, since birds fly horizontally and not vertically like helicopters. Also keep in mind that you will be adding toys, food bowls, and perches that will take up extra room. Birds in cages that are too small can display behaviors that are undesirable such as screaming, biting, feather plucking, and psychological disorders.

Bird Cage Shapes

We already discussed the importance of size, which will have some impact on the shape of the cage you buy. There are many different shapes of bird cages out there such as: rectangular cages, corner cages, hexagonal cages, and round cages. Please be aware that round cages have been found to be detrimental to birds’ psychological health, according to some veterinarians, because there are no corners for the bird to escape to when stressed.

Bar Spacing

Bar spacing is also very important. You want to make sure that your bird can’t squeeze its head through or become stuck between the bars. Smaller birds, such as parakeets, finches, small conures, and lovebirds require a bar spacing of ½” to 5/8”. Medium Birds, such as Conures, Senegals, Caiques, Mini Macaws, and Small Cockatoos can do with ½” to ¾” bar spacing. Last but not least, larger birds such as African Greys, Amazons, Macaws, Congos, Eclectus, Hyacinths, need a bar spacing of ¾” to 1”. If you have multiple birds in the cage, consider the smallest bird. Remember that these are just guidelines.

Bird Cage Materials and Quality

Bird cages can be built from a lot of different materials such as: acrylic plastic, wooden, bamboo, thin wire, stainless steel, and powder coated metal. The bird cages that are made out of wood or bamboo can be very beautiful, but remember that birds peck and pick which will chew up your cage and they have all day to do so. Plastic bird cages can chip and this can become a health problem if a bird swallows a piece. Powder coated and stainless steel bird cages have a non-toxic finish, are very strong, and will last very long. Stainless steel bird cages offer a stylish look, are the easiest to clean, and will last the longest. Decorations on bird cages such as swirls and curls are to be avoided as your bird can get caught, hurt, or possibly even killed by them.

Bird Cage Features

Something you may want to consider is whether to buy a bird cage with a play top, dome top or Victorian top. Bigger birds like to get out and play. If you don’t have a play stand already then a play top bird cage with ladders, perches, and a toy hook, is a good choice.
Also, large doors are another great feature. Large doors are nice for easy access, cleaning, and getting your bird out. Remember, your bird doesn’t always want to come out! Also make sure that the doors have a secure latch on them. Your bird has all day to pick at it and to figure it out, and they can be quite the escape artists!
You should clean your bird’s cage at least once or twice a week, and more often if you have larger or multiple birds in the cage. Therefore, it is important to choose a bird cage that is easy to clean. In addition, buying a bird cage with slide out grates and slide out trays makes for easy cleaning. The easier it is to clean your bird cage, the more often you are likely to do it. Seed skirts are also a nice upgrade. They prevent seed hulls from falling on the ground, and you having to sweep them up over and over again.

Bird Cage Accessories

When adding bird cage accessories, remember to add several perches, and to stagger them so they don’t get soiled. Also make sure the perches vary in sizes because it helps to keep your bird’s feet in good health.
Be sure to buy your bird several bird toys. Rotate the toys so that your bird has something new to play with every now and then. Keep in mind to buy larger bird toys for larger birds since they can shred up smaller toys and swallow pieces. Birds are very curious and get bored easily so be sure to buy them a nice toy. Remember they like shiny things, bright colors, sounds or bells, climbing toys or ladders, and different textures.

Bird Cage Location

When placing your bird cage, keep in mind that the bird cage should be away from windows and drafts. However it should still be in an active part of your home where your bird will get more attention and will help with its social development.

Shopping for Large Bird Cages & Parrot Cages

Choosing The Right Large Bird Cage For Your Bird