How to Buy a Bird Cage
Buying the right bird cage is an important decision which can affect the health, happiness and longevity of your bird! If you're a new bird owner you may be baffled by the choices available. Here are some tips to help you select the best cage for your bird!
Types of Bird Cages
Single Bird Cages:
A basic, all-purpose cage for your bird. Single cages can be flat across the top or be dometop or play top styles.
A play top is an area where your bird can play, exercise and feed outside his cage. Play tops can also be purchased seperately for use with flat-topped cages.
Flight Cages:
A Flight cage or flying cage is a wide cage that gives your bird(s) room to fly. These are great all-purpose cages, especially for multiple birds or for small birds like finches.
Breeder Cages:
Cages intended for bird breeders who must house multiple birds in close proximity to each other. These bird cages are often built to be interconnected or stacked one on top of the other, usually with a panel between them which can be removed for breeding.
Travel Cages:
Smaller, utilitarian birdcages used for transporting your bird.
Decorative Cages:
Bird cages designed to be an attractive addition to your home. Examine these carefully to be sure they are sturdy and safe enough for your bird!
1) Choose a cage with enough room for your bird. The cage should be roomy enough that your bird can sit on his perch and stretch his wings without any of his feathers touching the cage. The width should measure no less than 1.5 times the width of his wingspan, preferably more.
If your bird will be spending a lot of time in the cage, buy the largest cage you have room for and that you can afford! Make sure there is also plenty of room for perches and toys to keep your bird busy and happy while he is in his cage.
2) Spacing of the cage wires and bars - The wires or bars should be close enough together that your bird cannot get his head stuck, but far enough apart that he is easily able to climb on the cage and won't get his feathers caught.
3) Select the right type of bird cage for your purposes and your bird.Whether you have a Macaw, cockatiel, parakeet or finches, all birds have individual needs. Does your bird need space to fly around freely? Will he be out of the cage most of the day and just need a cozy place to sleep? Do you want a cage that will complement your home's decor? Or do you just need a small cage for transporting your bird? See our sidebar for more information on different types of birdcages.
4) Buy a cage that's durable and safe. Plastic and wicker cages are pretty, but most birds can destroy them easily, potentially harming themselves in the process! Wire cages are strong enough for small birds like finches, if you have a larger bird consider a metal or wrought iron cage. Powder coating makes a cage easier to clean.
If you have your heart set on a decorative cage, look for one made of a suitably sturdy metal for your bird and examine it carefully to make sure there are no twisty little pieces of the decoration which your bird's wings or tail can get caught on.