First time bird owners must consider where they will home their newest companions. Birds treated with care and given attention will become a valued member of a bird owner’s family. However, to ensure a bird’s basic needs are met, a bird owner should purchase a cage that will feel like a home for the bird(s). Remember that a bird cage should make your bird feel free and secure at the same time. There are many types of bird cages to select from, but it is important to ensure you purchase the correct bird cage for your feathery friend. This buying guide will provide the foundational knowledge needed to purchase a bird cage, so that you will feel confident about your purchase.
Key Features to Consider
- Style
- Durability
- Bar spacing
- Dimensions
- Which bird cage is best for your bird(s)?
What is a bird cage?
Simply, a bird cage is a cage meant to house pet birds so that they don’t fly around an owner’s home. Bird cages provide a sense of safety for pet birds because they secure birds into their own space. Birds that roam around freely in one’s house pose a risk to themselves, their owner, and the house because they can damage the house or cause harm.
Bird cage styles to choose from
Choosing a bird cage style is not just an aesthetic decision, but a crucial one for ensuring your pet bird has the proper cage to meet their specific breeds’ needs. Some cages can have rounded or squared edges, which satisfy different aesthetic needs. A few different cages are as follows:
Stainless steel:
Typically known for being non-toxic cages, stainless steel is an ideal choice for any bird regardless of its breed. The grid-like design on stainless steel cages makes them a great choice for birds like parrots that enjoy climbing.
Stainless steel hybrid:
These bird cages combine the practical strengths of stainless-steel cages with the enhanced aesthetic appearance of other materials like wood. These cages are best for bird owners that want their bird cage to match their living space.
Plastic-coated wire
These cages tend to be one of the most cost-effective bird cages on the market. However, their plastic design poses a risk for some breeds of birds that may chew on the cages. The plastic coating may contain toxic materials, so it is important to research which birds are susceptible to plastic poisoning.
Floor-based
These bird cages are stationed on the floor and tend to be very large. They are not ideal for every home because they occupy a lot of floor space so that the pet birds do not feel confined.
Hanging
These bird cages are convenient for people living in apartments or smaller spaces because they do not affect the floor space. Furthermore, these cages are great for houses that have other pets like dogs, or kids because they separate your bird from them.
How durable is your bird cage, will it last?
Steel is the most used material to construct bird cages because of cost and strength. However, steel is susceptible to corrosion, and it can oxidize, which creates rust. Oftentimes, powder-coated bird cages prevent the issue of rusted steel, but as mentioned, the plastic coating is toxic to some birds.
Bar spacing
There are many kinds of birds, and their sizes differ; therefore, you will want to purchase a bird case with appropriate-sized bar spacing. If you buy a cage with bar spaces that are larger than your pet bird, then your bird will not be secure in their home as they can fly out of their cage. Unfortunately, most bird cage manufacturers construct bar spaces as extremely narrow exclusively for smaller cages, and just wide enough bar spaces for larger cages. This becomes an issue when looking to purchase a large cage for smaller birds.
Purchasing a bird cage with the wrong bar space can harm your bird’s health and wellness as their head can get stuck between the incorrect bar spaces.
Dimensions
Bird cage dimensions widely vary to accommodate the different breeds of birds that exist. However, refer to this website for a minimum guideline for cage size and bar spacing for your pet bird’s breed.
Which bird cage is best for your pet bird?
Now that you know about bird cages, and perhaps want one, let’s look at a couple options:
Wooden Outdoor Aviary Bird Cage
Equipped with a weather-resistant design, this bird cage includes a gray asphalt roof to protect against rain and sun. The wooden construction of this bird cage is safe for birds in tandem with
powder-coated metal for better ventilation.
The design of this bird cage values play as your pet bird has a vertical pillar for them to peck or chew. There are four perches for your bird to decompress and relax. This cage is large enough to house more than one bird. This extra-large bird house is spacious enough for your pet birds to live comfortably.
Overall dimensions: 31.75″ L x 22.5″ W x 62.5″ H.
Includes 90-day warranty.
PawHut 22″ Parrot Bird Cage Open Play Top
Included with this bird cage are two feeding bowls and two wooden poles to help your pet bird live comfortably. The rooftop of this bird cage can convert into a cageless play top, so your pet bird can play outside their cage and bond with you. This bird cage’s design does not compromise safety, as its manufacturers constructed it with heavy-duty steel wire.
Overall dimensions: 16.25″ L x 11.5″ W x 22.25″ H.
Includes 90-day warranty.
PawHut Large Double Rolling Metal Bird Cage Bird House w/ Removable Tray Storage Shelf
This bird cage includes wheels, which allows you to transport your pet bird throughout the house to change their scenery. It is a durable choice as it is made of high-quality steel metal wire and sturdy plastic construction. Included with this bird cage are two easy to clean removable trays to catch your pet bird’s seeds.
Overall dimensions: 37.5″L x 18″W x 40.25″H.
Includes 90-day warranty.