Are you in search of the best parrot cages for your feathered friend? Well, then you might have come across plenty of cage brands online and ended up in confusion. For the health and wellness of your parrot buddy, choosing the best parrot cage is a must.
- 1 Buyer’s Guide
- 2 Other Important Factors to Consider
- 3 What are The Different Types of Bird Cages?
- 4 Why do You Need a Parrot Cage?
- 5 What Goes in a Parrot’s Cage?
- 6 How do I Keep Birds from Messing in My Cage?
- 7 How Big Does a Parrot Cage Need to Be?
- 8 Where should I Put my Birdcage?
- 9 How much Does a Parrot Cage Cost?
- 10 How to Clean and Care?
- 11 What is the cage size for a parrot?
- 12 Where should a parrot cage be placed?
- 13 Is it ideal to choose a parrot cage with a play top?
- 14 Can parrot cages be moved as required?
- 15 What type of parrot is the most talkative?
- 16 Is it difficult to own a parrot?
- 17 Do parrots require a lot of room?
- 18 What’s the ideal thing to put in a parrot cage’s bottom?
Your parrot might outlive you, so it’s important that he’s safe and comfortable. However, we know that choosing the right cage for your beautiful bird will not be an easy task, so we’re here to make the job much easier for you.
A Quick Comparison of Our Favorites
| BEST OVERALL | Prevue Pet Products Wrought Iron Select Bird Cage |
| BEST VALUE | Jhsomdr 52 Inch Bird Cage Standing |
| PREMIUM CHOICE | Prevue Pet Products |
It can be overwhelming looking for bird cages as there are many awesome bird cages available in the market, and there is a vast array of information on the internet. Understandably, it can be difficult to get started, and that’s why we’ve prepared and compiled this guide for you.
Prevue Pet Products Wrought Iron Select Bird Cage
Pros
- Easy to clean and move
- Seed guard keeps debris from getting out
- Comes in different colors and sizes
Cons
- Birds might have a hard time getting to the play top
What struck me about this product the most is how many features and accessories come with it. It already comes with four stainless steel bowls, two perches made of wood, the cage stand, a play top, and even rounded seed guards for when your birds get messy.
I also think it’s great that it comes with a heavy-duty push-button door lock, so you can be sure that your bird will stay secure inside.
The pull-out bottom grille and the two debris trays, one located at the bottom of the cage and one on the play top, are very nice as they allow for easy cleaning. It also comes with castor wheels. With those features, plus the seed guard, and relocation, cleanup inside and even around the cage become a breeze.The downside of the cage is, because of how the bars are made, it looks like birds might have a hard time getting to the play top if they are not frequent flyers.
Jhsomdr 52 Inch Bird Cage Standing
Feature
The cage consists of 2 doors and a door latch with a chain for secure locking and maintenance. It is equipped with a solid polished wooden perch and four large feeding trays. The cage comes with a slide-out floor grid on which birds can stand while the cage is cleaned. It also consists of a removable sand tray that lets you replace the bird’s sand easily.
Pros
- Ultrastrong construction Easy to clean
- Easy to assembleSturdy
- Wooden perch and large feeding trays
- 1 slide-out floor and 2 doors
- 4 durable swivel casters
- Removable sand tray
Cons
- Seems to be a bit flimsy
- Instructions are not clear and hence, difficult to assemble
Bosely Standing Wrought Iron Large Bird Cage can be easily moved as it is equipped with 4 durable swivel casters. This birdcage is simple to assemble as it comes with the necessary hardware and detailed step-by-step instruction for quick assembly. The price of a Bosely Standing Wrought Iron Large Bird Cage is $269. Here are some of the pros and cons of this bird cage.
Prevue Pet Products
Pros
- Sturdy and spacious
- 2 large front doors and 6 smaller side doors
- Bottom tray slides out for easy cleanup
- 4 double feeding trays and 3 wooden perches
- Wheels for moving the cage
- Bottom shelf for extra storage
Cons
- Flimsy feeding trays
- Challenging to assemble
Prevue Hendryx Pet Products Wrought Iron Flight Cage
Pros
- Easy to clean and move
- Lots of access doors
- Shelf for extra storage
Cons
- Horizontal gaps might be big enough to cause harm
- Birds might hurt themselves if they play with the spring-loaded doors
The product’s powder-coated wrought iron construction makes it a durable cage, and I like that it comes with four plastic double cups and three wood perches.
It also has eight access doors: two large front entrances and six small side access ones for the feeding bowls. It’s also nice that it has a pull-out grille and tray; anything that makes for easy cleaning is always a great thing to have in a bird cage, especially a large one such as this.
Something specific I love about this bird cage is that there’s a storage rack at the bottom for easy storage. There’s no need to walk too far because the pet products you use for your birds will always be at reach, and will remain to be at reach even when you move the cage.
Speaking of moving, this Prevue bird cage also comes with castor wheels. I think that’s nice so when there’s a need to move or relocate the cage, it won’t ever be a problem no matter how heavy it gets.Unfortunately, there are horizontal gaps in the cage that your bird’s wing can get stuck to, so it can hurt itself, and there’s a possibility that your birds might injure themselves if they play with the spring-loaded doors at the side.
Lilithye Bird Cage Open Top Standing Parrot Parakeet Cage
Pros
- High-quality cage made with strong iron materials
- Slide-out door enables easy cleaning
- 4 universal wheels for easy moving
- Metal storage rack for pet supplies
- Wooden top and inside perch
- Sturdy and easy to assemble
Cons
- Feeding trays are small
- Spinning wheels are not perfect
The feeding cups are made of stainless steel for filling food and water. For convenient cleaning and maintenance, the cage consists of a smooth slide-out metal grate and tray. Lilithye Bird Cage Open Top Standing Parrot Parakeet Cage also comes with 4 360° spinning wheels for easy rolling and moving of the cage from one place to another. For keeping pet supplies, the cage contains an iron wire storage rack. The price of this large parrot cage is a bit higher than the above-mentioned cage and is $339.
Homey Pet L24 xW22 xH61
Feature
It includes 3 feeding trays that have their own doors for convenience, and it comes with a sturdy base with wheels for easy maneuverability. It has a play top that can be closed up or left open for your parrot to come and go as he pleases. There’s lots of space for a large parrot, and it has a large door on the front.
Pros
- Attractive cage
- On wheels for easy moving
- Anti-rust metal
- 3 feeding trays with their own doors
- Lots of space for a medium to large parrot
- Play top that can stay open or closed
Cons
- More expensive than others
- No instructions for assembly
- Wheels were prone to sticking or breaking
Be aware that this cage is designed for larger parrots, and the bar spacing will not work for smaller birds. The wheels were not always sturdy enough for the cage and were sticking or falling off at times. Assembly was somewhat of a challenge due in part to missing instructions.
SUPER DEAL PRO 61-inch 2in1 Large Bird Cage
Pros
- Easy to clean and move
- Seed guard keeps debris from getting out
Cons
- Flimsy bars make it seem like they’re easy to break
- Steel bowls are too deep for the birds meant for the cage
What I like about this product is that it has a seed guard apart from the removable bottom grille and debris tray, and it also has a stand with castor wheels, so moving and cleaning in and around the cage is made much easier.
Additionally, it has a play top with a wooden perch and two steel bowls for food and water, so your parrots can have a little play area on top of their cage.
Apart from the ones on the play top, the cage also comes with two more steel bowls and another perch inside, and each bowl is attached to a little door that opens out for when you need to refill them. I think that makes refilling much easier instead of having to reach inside the cage.
Unfortunately, perhaps, also because of its affordability, the bars look like they are flimsy. The feeding bowls are also too deep for the advertised small to medium birds the cage was made for, which can easily be remedied by buying smaller bowls.
Vision Wire Bird Cage
Pros
- Quick and easy to assemble
- No-drawer design
- Unique deep base with a debris guard
- Double pivoting 90° front doors
- Carrying handles
- Multiple grips
- Exterior seed or water cup access
Cons
- The carrying handles are not strong
- The top is not that sturdy
The cage can be detached from the bottom for easy cleaning and maintenance. The base of the cage is unique with a debris guard accommodating multiple types of litter and eliminating all mess. The cage is equipped with double pivoting front doors and consists of a handle for ease of carrying. The cage also comes with exterior seed or water cup access, and multi-grip perches. This all-in-one cage is worth $199.
ZENY 53-Inch Parakeet Bird Cage
Pros
- Wrought iron
- Bottom drawer for easy cleanup
- On swivel wheels for easy moving with extra shelf for storage
- 4 feeding trays with their own doors
- Lots of space for a small parrot
Cons
- Poor instructions for assembly
- Flimsy construction
- Some cages arrived damaged
Instructions for assembling the cage aren’t clear, so you may find putting the cage together rather difficult. In some cases, the cage arrived damaged, and the holes for attaching the unit together were misaligned. We also found that the cage seemed rather flimsy and definitely not as sturdy as some of the other cages on this list.
Buyer’s Guide
Finding the right cage for your bird is essential as it could potentially be your parrot’s home for his entire life, which you already know could be a long one. Of course, you’ll want your parrot to be comfortable and safe and, even more importantly, happy in his new home, so there are some options that you should consider before plunking your money down on a new and expensive bird cage.
Size
The size of the cage you choose is, by far, the most vital part of the cage purchasing process. The general rule of thumb for choosing the right size, particularly for a large parrot, is that the cage should be 1.5 times larger than your parrot’s wingspan, but bigger than this would always be better. For example, the Scarlet Macaw has an average wingspan of 46 inches so the cage should measure, at a minimum, 69 inches but 92 inches might be best and an African Grey has a 28.5-inch wingspan and should have a cage that is 43 inches but 57 inches would be better.
Spacing
The spaces in-between the bars of the cage are critical as well. Placing a small bird in a cage designed for a larger bird runs the risk of either your bird escaping between the bars, which are usually much wider, or getting his head stuck, which is a serious danger for your parrot. For the smallest parrot (the Parrotlet), the spacing shouldn’t be wider than ½ inch. While it will be tempting to buy an extra-large cage for an extra-small parrot, always check the spaces between the bars first.
Wheels
All of the cages in these reviews have wheels, making it a great option for a parrot that will appreciate a change of scenery on occasion. This can prove to be particularly useful if your bird is very attached to you, but you need to keep him inside his cage for a while, and this way, he will essentially be following you around while being kept safe. You can also bring him outside on a nice day without worrying about him flying away and maybe lift your parrot’s bad mood.
Flight Cage
A flight cage is exactly what its name implies. It’s a cage that has enough room for a bird to be able to stretch out his wings and fly within the cage. Obviously, the larger the parrot, the larger the cage will need to be to allow him to stretch out his wings. However, if you do have a large parrot and aren’t willing or able to give up the space for such an enormous cage, you can let him fly about your home, and you’ll need to allow him a lot more time outside of his cage. The smaller the bird, the smaller the flight cage.
Travel Carrier
Just like with a cat or dog, you should have a travel carrier available for your parrot for trips to the vet or just any trip in general. Or maybe you need to move so a travel carrier should come in very handy for any of these occasions. There are soft-sided travel carriers or miniature sized bird cages to choose from, but of course, you’ll need to ensure the cage will comfortably fit your parrot.
Play Top
The play top is a way for your parrot to perch outside of the cage and even have the opportunity to lounge and, well, play. Some of the cages in our list include a play top, and some even include ladders and spaces to place food bowls. Think of it as your parrot’s own little back deck, just minus the BBQ.
Cage Materials
What the cage is made out of is another important factor to consider. It needs to be sturdy enough to house your parrot and to withstand your bird’s constant pecking. Most of the cages on our list are made of wrought iron, but stainless steel is another popular choice. You’ll also want to check on what the material has been treated with as obviously, you’ll want to avoid any toxic materials.
Bottom Drawer
How you clean the cage is another important factor, especially for you. All but one of the cages in our reviews has a bottom drawer; the other is set up for lifting the entire cage off the bottom tray. The slide out tray option does make your job of cleaning the cage easier, particularly since you don’t need to take your bird out of the cage during this process. The easier it is to clean, the more you won’t mind doing the cleaning.
Other Important Factors to Consider
What is a birdcage?
A birdcage is an enclosure designed for keeping pet birds. It acts as their home, and it needs to have all their needs and amenities, such as food, water, perches, and toys. There are many different designs, and they can be made from different materials, ranging from wood to stainless steel.
How do they work?
Birdcages are typically made of wires welded onto each other into a grid, and this wire grid should not let birds put their heads through the gaps in between, or they can get stuck. The way these wires are welded will depend on what size of bird the cage is for. Bigger gaps will be okay for larger birds but not for smaller ones as they can squeeze through them and escape the cage.
Because birds have needs much as humans do, the cages should also provide the birds with food, water, and other amenities. They generally have at least two feeding bowls per cage and at least one perch for the birds to sit onto.
Feeding bowls are normally made of either plastic or stainless steel and the size will vary depending on what size of bird will use it. Plastic ones are cheaper and will work just fine, but the problem with plastic is that it’s porous. Plastic can be hard to clean, and it can collect and trap bacteria, which can get your birds sick if not sanitized properly.
Stainless steel bowls are ideal because they are non-porous, and they are very durable, so food-related infections are kept at bay easier. There’s also the option of ceramic cups which are also non-porous.
When it comes to perches, these also need to be adjusted according to the size of the bird. It’s not a one-size-fits-all situation; if the perches are too big, the bird will have a hard time staying on it. It can hurt itself because of all the constant shifting it needs to do, and it can even fall. The bird should be able to have a good grip of the perch, about ¾ around it.
Perches also come in different materials, and, ideally, you get multiple types for your parrots. The natural choice for this is wood, but you can also pick up cement, rope, and shelf perches. Each have their pros and cons, so see what combination works best for your parrot.
- Natural wood branches will be fun for your parrot because these perches can twist and bend in different shapes, and it can be fun to chew.
- Cement perches can look cute and pretty, and because they are rough, they act as a nail file (much like a cat scratching post), and it helps stimulate blood flow in your bird’s feet. These are not for long-term perching, however.
- Rope perches can give relief from the harder perches and can be especially beneficial to arthritic birds. They invite chewing, however, and can easily get frayed. Frayed perches can get a bird stuck on them and it can hurt the bird. If you do get your birds one of these, always keep it neat and trimmed down.
What are The Different Types of Bird Cages?
As briefly mentioned above, there are three main types of bird cages you can choose from a solid top, open-top, and play top. Whichever you choose will depend on the environment you’re placing the cage in and the parrot’s behavior.
Solid top cages are, as the name says, cages with a solid top or roof. These tops can come in different shapes like a flat or dome shape, and sometimes triangular or another fancy shape. The more living space, the better, so most people will opt for a dome shape or any other shape that isn’t just flat. Solid top cages don’t have a designated play area, though.
Open top cages have roofs designed to open up, and this new area usually holds a perch for the birds to play on. It’s like the cage has another door on top, and this allows the birds to feel less confined because they can fly out anytime they want to and sit on a perch located on a higher vantage point. They can also fly back inside anytime whenever they need some food and water.
Play top cages are like a good middle ground of solid top and open-top cages. They’re enclosures with a designated play area on top, usually with its own set of feeding bowls and a ladder that leads to a perch and the two bowls. With these types of cages, you’ll have to leave the door open for the birds to get up on the play top on their own, but they won’t need to get back inside to get food and water. If your bird is not a frequent flyer, you’ll need to find an accessory for them to climb up to get to the play top instead.[1]Types of Bird Cages & How to Pick the Best One
Some cages also allow the play tops to be detached from the cage, so you can pick it up and bring it with you where the household is active. Your parrots will love this, and it will help in their development.
One important thing to note about the latter two types is that if your parrot is not well-behaved enough to voluntarily come down from the open-top or play top, then you’re going to have a bit of trouble getting them back inside.
Why do You Need a Parrot Cage?
Of course, you always have the choice not to buy your parrot a cage, and, understandably, you want them to fly free in your home without limitations. You can choose to do that, but it’s either your house acts as a big cage anyway, or there’s a possibility that they may never come back if they happen to get out.
Parrots are not easy to take care of, and they can also be messy and destructive, just like dogs and cats. This means that they will chew on anything they want to, and this can cost you a lot of money. And, yes, they will also get their droppings everywhere.
Getting a cage for your parrot means giving it a home where it can feel comfortable and safe. It’s like a security blanket for them. They eat, drink, and play in a place they know as their home. You can leave the door open, but you’ll find that they will spend most of their time in their cages anyway.
Additionally, not only will your cage protect your parrot from predators, if your parrot happens to be outside its cage and it gets spooked (it’s very easy to scare them), they know where to come back to. Like I said earlier, their cage is their home and their comfort.
What Goes in a Parrot’s Cage?
Parrots require not just room, but also an enhanced environment that closely resembles their native home. They will also require fundamental ingredients to ensure their continuous life. The most crucial is a sufficient water supply and feeder.
The sort of feeder you may use will be determined by the size of the parrot. Tube feeders, which retain the seeds and grains behind a screen, will be able to feed some birds. You’ll need to keep their food and water separate. Certain seeds and grains may not be suitable for your bird if they become wet.
A pet water bottle with a ball at the end of the vent is ideal since it allows your bird to sip fresh water while also engaging in a mind-stimulating game. To boost their food, keep a separate feeder for fruits and veggies. It’s best not to overfill their bowls because birds have a tendency to fling food away like a toddler.
To keep your parrot active, you’ll need toys and accessories. This is especially true if they are confined to a cage for most of their time. Natural-material toys are preferable, but you may also discover acceptable toys created from other materials. These items should be bright and appealing to a parrot’s preferences.
How do I Keep Birds from Messing in My Cage?
First of all, know that birds are inherently messy. Bird owners will always have to figure out a way to deal with their bird’s mess one way or another, and there is no escape from this ordeal. Fortunately, recent bird cage manufacturers design their cages for managing such.
Cages often have seed guards which act as debris guards that wrap around the cage to help catch waste and roll them down onto the tray instead of onto the floor. Bottom grilles and trays are almost always removable, too, which makes cleaning much easier. You can also purchase spill-proof feeders to keep bird food mess from spilling onto your floor.
How Big Does a Parrot Cage Need to Be?
The size of the cage will depend on your bird’s size and how many of them there are. You don’t want them to feel cramped and confined inside their cage.[2]Cage Size
Birds have personalities, and they can develop an attitude that way. You want them to be able to spread out their wings and get exercise inside the cage, but you don’t want them to be able to get their heads through the spaces in between the wires.
Where should I Put my Birdcage?
You should place the birdcage where there is a lot of activity. They need that social interaction. Additionally, place it by a wall, so they feel secure, and place it where there is enough natural light but not direct sunlight for your bird.[3]Putting Your Birdcage in the Right Place
Avoid placing it where there can be vast temperature changes like beside a window or an air conditioner because it can harm your bird. Avoid the kitchen as well because some of the fumes created during cooking are toxic to them.
How much Does a Parrot Cage Cost?
Parrot cage costs will depend on the size and the brand you’re going for. You’ll always want the best bird cage brands for your parrots because they are reliable and durable, but can come at a high price. Small cages can come at $70, but the larger good ones can cost at least $300. It can be very tempting to cheap out on buying a cage, but this is not recommended because you never want to compromise your parrot’s health just to save money.
How to Clean and Care?
Cleaning and caring for your bird’s cage should be as often as daily, and you should also have a deeper clean either weekly, biweekly, or monthly depending on the birds you have. Generally, bigger birds need more frequent cleaning compared to smaller ones where monthly cleaning is sufficient.
For daily cleaning, change the paper liners you’ve placed at the bottom of the cage to new, clean ones, and thoroughly clean your bird’s feeding bowls. This means washing them in hot water with mild soap and drying them thoroughly afterward. Additionally, use a damp paper towel or a rag to clean surfaces and other accessories in the cage. Make sure to also clean the area surrounding the cage.
Weekly/monthly deep cleaning is where you’ll need to wash and disinfect everything, from the cage itself to the accessories and things inside it. Thoroughly scrub the cage and the perches. It’s important to make sure to remove any accumulation of bird droppings by using a brush or even sandpaper. Also clean and rotate the bird’s toys, so they don’t get bored. Make sure that everything, the cage, and even the perches and toys, is dry before putting them back together.
What is the cage size for a parrot?
The size of the cage you choose should be based on your parrot’s size. Choose a cage that is spacious and allows natural lighting so that your parrot can have a comfortable living space.
Where should a parrot cage be placed?
Place your parrot cage in a clean place, exposed to ample sunlight, and away from your kitchen, other pets, and small children.
Is it ideal to choose a parrot cage with a play top?
Yes, you can choose a parrot cage with a play top as this allows your parrot to play as it wishes and provide it more freedom.
Can parrot cages be moved as required?
All the parrot cages listed here can be easily moved as they are equipped with spinning wheels that rotate at 360°.
What type of parrot is the most talkative?
The African Grey is often considered to be the most intellectual species of talking bird. With their large vocabulary, they can imitate a wide range of words.[4]The 5 Best Talking Bird Species to Have as Pets
Is it difficult to own a parrot?
It begins with a high initial expense, as parrots are not inexpensive. The cages they reside in are also expensive, as are the toys they require: they’ll require new cage bedding every two weeks or so.
Then there’s the feed and the vet that can quickly add up. So while it may not be difficult, it can be spendy and parrots can live for multiple decades. This is something to keep in mind.
Do parrots require a lot of room?
Even little birds require adequate room to acquire the necessary exercise. For estimating minimum cage sizes for birds, there are certain “rules of thumb.” One requirement is that the cage’s width should be at least twice the length of the wingspan, and it should be tall enough to allow long tails.[5]How much space does my bird need?
What’s the ideal thing to put in a parrot cage’s bottom?
The bottom of the enclosure should be coated with disposable material that can be discarded every day, such as newspaper or paper towel. Because newsprint is no longer laced with lead, it is safe for birds to eat even if they gnaw on it.
References