How Do I Choose a Cage for My Parrot or Other Exotic Bird?
An essential item for any new bird owner that they will need from day one is a cage for their feathered friend. While no bird should remain in their cage constantly, it is the place where they will sleep at night and where they will eat and play during the day if no one is at home. It should be a safe and comfortable haven for your bird. The truth is, a good cage is an investment, but it will likely last the lifetime of your bird — which may be 30 years or more.
This brief guide will help you choose the right cage for your parrot or other exotic bird while avoiding some pitfalls that many bird owners fall into.
What size cage do I need for my bird?
Cages come in a range of sizes, and it is critical that you take into consideration the size of your bird and their needs. Keep in mind that your bird will not be flying around in their cage, so it doesn’t need to be overly large, but it should be big enough for them to move around comfortably to a few different perches, eat their food, drink water, and play with some toys.
For smaller birds such as cockatiels and small conures, a cage at least 22×17” or 26×20” should be sufficient. For medium-sized parrots such as large conures, pionus, eclectus, and smaller Amazons, Greys, and cockatoos, you’ll want a cage that is at least 24×24” or 32×23”. Large Amazons, cockatoos, Greys, and macaws would need an even larger cage. There are also some smaller birds, such as toucans, that actually require a much larger cage than other birds their size.
Where can I purchase a cage for my bird?
We always recommend purchasing your cage from a reputable store that understands the unique needs of birds. Lately, many people have been choosing to purchase bird cages on Amazon.com, but this can be problematic for a number of reasons.
Sure, bird cages on Amazon are less expensive. But do you really know what you’re getting? Many of these products are cheaply made in China and are of very low quality. Not only that, but they can pose a significant hazard to your bird’s health.
Problems with Cages Purchased from Amazon
When you purchase a cage of unknown quality from a site like Amazon, you are taking serious risks. Many of the cheap cages there have:
- Bars that are welded with sharp edges, which could cut your bird
- Flimsy, thin bars can be bent or broken by a bird’s strong beak
- Metal that may contain lead or other materials that are toxic to birds
Purchasing a Cage from Todd Marcus
Rather than taking a chance, it makes much more sense to buy a cage from a reputable company. It may cost more money upfront, but it is a worthwhile investment for your bird’s long term health and safety. All of the cages that we sell have:
- Rounded edges at all joints
- Bars that are an appropriate thickness for the size of the cage
- Metal that is lead-free and powder-coated for durability and protection
What’s more, whenever you purchase a bird with us, we will always advise you on the best options for your new pet and even give you a discount on the cage and the shipping cost.
Final Thoughts on Bird Cages
Your bird will likely spend at least a few hours a day in their cage, so it’s important to choose one that will be a safe place for them to call home. We also recommend having a separate play area for your bird, rather than one on top of the cage, as this can cause birds to become territorial. And while they may have been more common in years past, you should never buy a round cage for your bird. Each bird you own also needs their own cage — never assume that they will be friends with other members of your flock!
Here is a quick recap of everything you should know about buying a cage for your bird:
At Todd Marcus, we’re always happy to help you find the right products, from bird toys to parrot food, for all of your bird’s needs. Feel free to reach out to us at any time with questions!
