Thefinchfarmstore Blog What Cage Should I Choose for My Pet Bird?

One of the most important basics of bird ownership is providing your pet with the proper living space. With the variety of sizes, colors, and models of bird cages today, it's easy to become overwhelmed when shopping for a home for your pet. Although it seems there are endless choices when it comes to the types of pet bird cages available, there are a few simple guidelines you can remember that will make the process of choosing one much easier.Things to Look for When Shopping for a Bird CageSizeThe first thing to consider when choosing your bird's cage is size. Each species of bird has different cage size requirements based on their own body size. It is always better to buy the largest cage you can for your bird. Keeping a bird in a cage that's too small can lead to negative behaviors such as screaming, biting, psychological disorders, and feather plucking, to name a few. A good cage should be large enough for your bird to walk around comfortably, and fully extend and flap its wings. Don't forget to take into account the space that will be lost when you add your bird's perches, food bowls, bird toys and other pet bird supplies!CraftsmanshipAll welded spots on your bird's cage should be smooth with no sharp edges. Always choose a cage manufactured for the purpose of housing live birds. Decorative cages commonly found at thrift stores may contain harmful metals and sharp edges that might become a safety risk to your bird.Shape & DesignRectangular cages are preferred over round cages, because a round cage does not give a bird a safe corner to escape when it is feeling vulnerable or stressed. The round bar positioning in round cages may also affect a bird's feathers, particularly the tail feathers. Any animal in a round cage could easily get a toe, beak, tail, or entire foot or ankle caught in the small space where the bars gather at the top of the cage. Birds are very intelligent animals and round cages may also be detrimental to a bird's psychological health. Corners in a cage provide your bird with a place to feel safe and secure.Bar WidthThe bar width should be chosen carefully. Your bird should not be able to fit its head through the bars of its cage. All bars on the cage should be parallel. Special consideration should also be given if you are housing a large bird. In this situation, it is best to select a cage design with horizontal and parallel bars, to ensure your bird has a means of climbing and exploring inside their cage. Your companion pet bird will thank you!Refer to the simple chart below for choosing a cage for your pet bird. As always, feel free to contact our helpful team of support agents with any additional questions you may have by emailing customersupport@thefinchfarm.comSpeciesMinimum Cage SizeBar SpacingFinch18" by 18" by 30"1/4" to 1/2"Canary18" by 18" by 24"1/4" to 1/2"Budgie18" by 18" by 24"1/2"Cockatiel20" by 20" by 24"1/2" to 5/8"Lovebird & Parrotlet24" by 24" by 24"1/2"Indian Ringneck Parakeets24" by 24" by 36"1/2" to 5/8"Conure24" by 24" by 24"5/8" to 3/4"Caique24" by 24" by 36"5/8" to 3/4"Amazon, Mini Macaw, Goffin Cockatoo & African Grey34" by 24" by 36"3/4" to 1"Large Cockatoo36" by 48" by 48"1" to 1.5"Large Macaw36" by 48" by 60"1" to 1.5"