What really is the right size birdcage for a parrot?

I hear this question asked over and over. But the question never stops there, it is followed up with this statement: I’ve been told so many different sizes of cages for the same bird, I’m so confused! If you have been faced with this same dilemma, rest assured your not alone.

Most of us have heard this statement: Buy the biggest size cage you can afford! Only to find later they have wasted their money on a cage that is much too small for their new pet companion. Let alone-created behavioral problems that will be hard to undo. Lets face it most of us are penny pinchers and will dish out only as much as we think we need to. I have found people really do have the best intentions for their parrot, and given the right information they would have gone the extra mile to purchase the “right size cage” in the first place! I have also found that the potential bird owner would have chosen a different parrot type if they had realized the size and cost of the cage, for the bird they have chosen. I would have to say this is a much better statement: Buy the largest size cage you can afford then decide what kind of bird will be comfortable in this cage, and match your lifestyle!

I have also heard this guideline for choosing the right size cage: The right size cage should cost two-thirds the price of the bird, if not more than the cost of the bird! Ok, I will have to say we are getting closer with this one! This statement is about right! But what about the variables, like the price differences between some one who is selling a bird cheep just to unload it, or someone who raises “quality“ pet birds, this price difference can be quite considerable! Or a cage that will be purchased “used” as opposed to one that is bought shinny new. What about the price differences of high quality cages compared to cheap cages. Or maybe even someone is given a bird.

So why if these statements are so vague are they the standards we will hear over and over again when deciding what cage to purchase? Well because they are starting points. Some other questions you’ll have to ask your self are:

• How much time will your bird be spending in its cage?
• Is this cage used for sleeping or playing?
• What kind of personality does this bird have?
• Will you be taking vacations?
• Do you have children or other pets?
• Will there be a time when you might have to deviate from your first intentions?
• How often will you be able to completely clean the cage from top to bottom?
• Will there be more than one bird in this cage, and if so will it be used for breeding?

In this article I am going to try and give you the tools needed for you to make a logical decision on cage size or maybe even bird size, for a cage that is right for you. But first I’m going to advise someone who already has a bird, who may be wondering if their cage is appropriate for their bird on not. Take a look at your bird’s feathers. If you see a lot of broken wing or tail feathers you can probably guess this is not the right size cage. Of coarse this may or may not apply to a bird that is mutilating his or her own feathers. Although excessive feather damage can cause a bird to over preen its feathers! Also take into consideration if you are giving your bird enough baths, showers or misting. As dirty feathers can look (let alone feel) awful. Ok that said and done we can move on to the good stuff. But first we should break for a cup of coffee. If you would like us to let you know when we return to discuss this matter further please contact us. Be confident that we will respect your privacy and not give or sell your email address to any one.

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