I'm a first time bird owner. What types of things do I need to consider when buying a cage for my bird?

Congratulations on the new addition to your family! If treated with respect and care, your bird will be a valuable part of the household for many years. The two most important things to consider when shopping for a new cage are Bar Spacing and Cage Dimensions.

1. BAR SPACING:

This is the amount of room BETWEEN the bars of the cage, and is very important. Trouble ensues if the bar spacing is too large and the bird's head can squeeze through the bars. If the spacing is too small, your birds visibility is decreased (and you can't see your new little friend as well, either!). Proper spacing helps them climb around their new home easily, as well. Note - be sure that the bar gauge (thickness) is apprppriate for the bird (i.e. Moluccan Cockatoos eat 3mm bars for breakfast!). By alphabetical, not size, order:

2. CAGE DIMENSIONS - What size should my bird cage be?

Experts will tell you (within the confines of safe bar spacing, of course) to select as large a cage as you can afford (remember, your living room can always be rearranged!)

It is important to make sure the bird's tail will not touch either the back or the bottom of the cage while sitting on the perch. Another guideline is to choose a width at least 1_1/2 times your bird's wingspan.

It really is amazing how quickly a small space fills up once you fill it with toys, perches, and other fun items! Keeping your friend occupied with a variety of playthings is essential to prevent feather-plucking from boredom, but fun should certainly not come at the cost of giving up free space inside the cage! (by alphabetical, not size, order):

2. CAGE DIMENSIONS, Cont'd - How are parrot cages measured?

All the cages we carry are listed as:
- WIDTH/LENGTH (side by side) x
- DEPTH (front to back) x
- HEIGHT (from floor to the very top)

And often include
- INTERIOR HEIGHT (the living space for the bird)

Also note: MESS GUARDS (sometimes called "Mess Catchers" or "Seed Guards") add an additional 7"-8" to the width & depth of the cage (3"-4" on each side).

3. BAR GAUGE- How thick should the bars be?

The thickness of the bars is referred to as Bar Gauge and is an important consideration when choosing an appropriate cage. Choosing an insufficient bar gauge may result in damage to the cage (bents bars, broken welds, etc.) and escape, in which case you may need a new couch when you get home!

Bar Gauge is normally measured in millimeters (2.5 mm, 4 mm, etc.) and here are some guidelines:
- 2 mm or lessSmall birds (i.e. canaries, finches, parakeets, etc.)
- 2.5 mm Cockatiels, lovebirds, conures, etc.
- 3.5 mm Quakers, greys, amazons, goffins, etc.
- 5 mm or more Larger cockatoos, macaws, etc.