Bird Cages

Your bird cage choice should be entirely dictated by the type of bird you have. You can choose a bird based on how much space it takes, but once you've decided on a certain breed, get a cage with it in mind. Let's cover what you'll need to consider, in order of importance.

Are you shopping for a canary or finch?  Cockatiel?  Parrot?  Lovebird or Parrotlet?  Macaw?  Chicken? 

First Up? Size and Shape of Cage

• Follow About's breed-by-breed guide to how big you cage should be for your bird.
• Remember that these are only minimum requirements. Your bird would love as large a cage as you can provide.
• Keep in mind your breed's height, width, and wingspan. It should be more than able to stretch out its wings fully and stand tall.
• This means to remember your cockatiels with long tails, high headfeathers, and long beaks, too.
• Bars should be spaced so that your bird can climb and poke around, but not fly out of the cage.
• If you're keeping different sized birds in the same the cage, the spacing should be appropriate for the smallest birds, of course.
• Make sure the bars won't let your bird's head get stuck betwixt them. Ditto for any other limbs.
• Fancy bar-work could catch limbs as well.
• Small birds such as canaries and finches like to fly side-to-side the most, so their cages should be wider rather than taller.
• Some birds, like budgies, like to move every which way. They need tall and wide  cages.
• Tall birds such as parrots, need to be able to climb vertically, but also need their wingspan room.
• These climbers need horizontally-oriented bars.
• Birds generally like angular cages more than cylindrical ones.
• Long cages (around 5') for small birds (like canaries and finches) are often called flight cages.  Your small birds would love them.
• Very tall cages, suited for larger birds of a slew of small ones, are often called aviaries.  They allow for much more flight and freedom and can even be outdoors!

Materials

Stainless Steel  Elegant, simple, clean, and non-toxic, these cages will last indefinitely and add some class to your decor. Since there's only one layer, nothing will erode or decay. Easy to clean. Cons - Expensive. $500-$3000	Powder Coated Wrought Iron  Easy, non-toxic, and streamlined, these white cages are almost as good as steel. Cons - If the coating is chewed off or it's not cleaned often, it will be obvious against the white. Much less expensive than steel. $120-$300.	Plastic  While inexpensive and lighter, these cages are easily chewed through, broken, and look cheap. Not a good idea for anything more than temporary transport. Under $100, usually.	Wood  Cheaper ones  have a done-it-yourself feel, your bird may chew on it a whole lot. Could also be a fancy, artisanal, expensive.  Less likely to be chewed if coated with a bird-proof varnish.	Luxury  Wood, brass, acrylic, glass, and steel can combine to create works of art that can house your bird. For the wealthy bird lover who wants the very best.

• When thinking about the aesthetic of your cage, remember how beautiful your bird is. Do you want it to pale in comparison to its cage?
• High fences make good breeders. Want to have two birds side-by-side? Maybe you should get a double cage. 

Keep in Mind

• Look at for sharp edges for the safety of all your household.
• Doors, gates, and latches should be bird-proof and not human-proof. You're going to want to get in and out without a struggle and you don't want your pet to fly around without your consent. Or, worse yet, get stuck in a doorway mid-escape attempt.
• Make sure the cage is lead and zinc-free. Your bird is going to gnaw on whatever is around and you want it to be non-toxic.
• Do you have any family members who shouldn't be trusted with a bird? Cats? Dogs? Children? Keep the cage out of reach and train the troublemakers the best you can.
• This cage is going to be a prominent part of its room's decor. Design accordingly.
• Birds create a bit of mess. Make sure your setup is easy to clean.
• A pull-out tray on the bottom  of the cage allows you to clean more simply. So do mini-doors where you can take out the food and water dish without disturbing the bird.
• The bird should perch at your chest level in order to feel appropriately safe and not overly superior.

Related Products
Pet Bird Basics	Perches	Toys	Stands	Food Dishes

External Links

• About -- Minimum cage sizes and bar spacings for each bird breed.
• Finch Niche -- Whether an aviary is right for you.
• Finch Niche -- The story of one woman, 8 finches, and a homemade, walk-in aviary.
• Pet Education -- What do do with your cage and accessories.