How to Shop for a Bird Cage

A cage is arguably the most important purchase you will make for your pet bird. Since most birds spend several hours a day in their cage, it's critical that it be safe, easily cleaned and appropriate to the species. Cages come in many different designs and materials, and with a few simple steps you can find a great cage that suits your bird and your home.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Internet access

1. Research your pet bird's species to determine what kind of cage would be suitable. In general, an absolute minimum for cage size is one-and-a-half times the bird's wingspan (width and depth). Bar spacing of up to 1/2 an inch is appropriate for small birds such as cockatiels, 3/4 inches for medium birds such as conures, 1 inch for large birds such as eclectus, and 1 1/2 inches for very large birds such as macaws.

2. Consider the shape of the cage. Vertical cages, while more common, do not give your bird as much space to move around. Most birds kept in a vertical cage will spend almost all of their time in the upper third of the cage. Horizontal cages are best, but can be hard to find. Cages with flat sides are easier to clean and see out of, so round cages should be avoided.

3. When it comes to bird cages, bigger is always better. Remember that minimum cages sizes given are exactly that--minimum--and recommended sizes are much larger. Consider buying a flight cage, especially if your bird will spend long periods of time in its cage. Not only will your bird be happier if it has more space, it will be healthier as a result of exercising by flying from one end of the cage to the other.

4. The diameter, or thickness, of the cage bars is an important consideration when choosing a cage for a large bird. Macaws, cockatoos and similar large parrots can easily damage or destroy cages with thin bars.

5. Choose the cage's material. The most popular are powder-coated wrought iron and stainless steel. Both of these are good choices for most birds, but stainless steel will hold up better if you have a large bird with a powerful beak. Avoid cages that are painted or made of galvanized metal, since these can cause health problems in birds that chew on the bars.

6. Consider the ease of cleaning the cage. Cages that easily can be easily broken down are the easiest to clean. If the cage does not break down for cleaning, make sure it has large doors to allow easy access to the interior. Avoid cages with plastic bottoms, as these grow mold easily. Be sure that if the cage has a bottom grate, it slides out for daily cleaning.

7. Check online reviews for models of cages you are considering. This is especially important if you are buying a cage online, since you won't be able to closely inspect it before purchase. User reviews of cages can clue you in about problems with specific models or manufacturers, and can provide information about ease of cleaning (see Resources below).

Tips & Warnings

• New cages must be cleaned and sanitized before use, preferably with a bleach solution.
• Cages with horizontal bars make climbing easier. This is especially beneficial for parrots.
• Stainless steel cages are very expensive, but they are nearly indestructible and will probably outlast both you and your bird.
• Beware of decorative cages. Often these have scrollwork that can trap toes.
• Make sure that the cage doors have bird-proof locking mechanisms. Parrots, in particular, tend to be escape artists and may require padlocks.

Resources

• Read reviews of cages, online retailers and much more at ParrotChronicles.com.