HQ Cage Buying Guide

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. By alphabetical, not size, order:

BAR SPACING GUIDELINES
SMALL BIRDS	MEDIUM BIRDS	LARGE BIRDS	X-LARGE BIRDS
Up to ˝"	5/8" to 3/4"	3/4" to 1"	1" to 1Ľ"

Budgie/Parakeet	Caique	African Grey - Timneh or Congo	Cockatoo (Lg) - Moluccan, Galerita
Canary	Cockatiel	Amazon	Macaw (Lg) - Blue & Gold,
Dove	Conute	Cockatoo (Sm-Lg) - Goffin to Umbrella	Scarlet, Greenwing, Hyacinth
Finch	Lory	Eclectus
Lovebird	Parrotlet	Macaw (Sm-Med) -
	Pionus	Hahns, Severe, Red-Front
	Quaker

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˝ 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):

CAGE WIDTH MINIMUMS (Suggested)
SMALL BIRDS	MEDIUM BIRDS	LARGE BIRDS

18" and larger --	24" and larger --	36" and larger --
Finches to parakeets	Conures, etc.	Cockatoos, Eclectus

20" and larger --	32" and larger --	40" and larger --
Lovebirds, etc.	Amazons, Greys, etc.	X-Large Macaws

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

All the cages we carry are listed as:
     HEIGHT (from floor to the very top) x
     WIDTH/LENGTH (side to side) x
     DEPTH (front to back)
And usually include
     INTERIOR HEIGHT (the living space for the bird)

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

We hope this cage buying guide helps in your cage selection process.

A safe cage with plenty of room to play (and toys to play with!) is essential for your bird to become a wonderful addition to your family!

CAGE BUYING GUIDE