Parrot Cages: A Parrot's HouseBirds have complete choice over their lives in the wild, and they have evolved by making wise decisions. Give your parrot the largest, most spacious cage you can. Fill it with things that give them “places to go and things to do.” Outfit a cage like a house, with many different rooms; a wide variety of perch textures and sizes; lots of things to hide behind; a wide variety of things to shred, rattle, bounce on, figure out, and reach for in out-of-the way places. Try to put a new foraging toy in the cage every day, make it your parrot’s puzzle place. Encourage independent play, and praise them lavishly for enjoying their space and ability to stay occupied.
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Cage size matters
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If a Phoenix Landing adoptable bird does not come with a cage that meets our minimum cage size for that species, one must be obtained prior to finalizing the adoption. The reasoning behind this is to help set both the adopting home and the parrot up for success. Having too small of a space, and not enough things to do in it, can lead to behavioral issues. We want adopters and adopted birds to have many happy years together!
Watch "Interior Design: Setting up a parrot's cage for action," on this page. It is a recording of a Phoenix Landing webinar. |
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Our minimum cage sizes are below.
In addition to the minimum size cages, we have also listed some better choices. Bigger is always better. Parrots evolved to fly miles, so no cage placed in our home is too large.
- Parakeets, Cockatiels, Lovebirds, Quakers: 27" wide x 24" deep. An even better choice is a 32" x 21" flight cage.
- Ringnecks, Conures, Pionus, Lories, Meyers, Senegals, Multiple Small Birds: 32" wide X 23" deep. An even better choice is one at least 36" x 24".
- African Greys, Small Cockatoos, Eclectus, Amazons, Small Macaws: 36" wide x 28" deep. An even better choice is 40" x 30".
- Umbrella cockatoo, Greater Sulfur Crested cockatoo, Triton cockatoo, Moluccan cockatoo, Military macaw, Scarlet macaw, Blue and gold macaw: 40" wide x 30" deep. An even better choice is a 48" x 36", or a 64" x 32" "double" cage.
- Greenwing or Hyacinth Macaws: 48" wide x 36" deep. An even better choice is either a 64" x 32" or an 80" x 40" "double" cage. 5' x 5' or larger indoor aviaries are also good choices for these species.
Bar spacing
Make sure the bar spacing is appropriate for the species.
Cage Placement
Place the cage in an area that feels safe for a bird, like in a corner, alongside a wall, and away from heavy traffic and vents.
In addition to a parrot’s delightful house, they share their home with a flock - and that means your family. Make sure your bird has ample time out of the cage, so they have fun places to go. Perhaps a playstand for dinner; or a hanging gym or boing hanging from the ceiling to encourage exercise. Include playstands throughout the house, so there is a place for them in most rooms you spend time in. A safe outdoor cage or aviary is also a great idea. Make sure it includes a partially covered top and things to hide behind to minimize fear if they see predators like hawks. Also ensure they can get out of the hot sun and have plenty of fresh water. Many birds savor the opportunity to take a shower in the rain.
Make sure the bar spacing is appropriate for the species.
Cage Placement
Place the cage in an area that feels safe for a bird, like in a corner, alongside a wall, and away from heavy traffic and vents.
In addition to a parrot’s delightful house, they share their home with a flock - and that means your family. Make sure your bird has ample time out of the cage, so they have fun places to go. Perhaps a playstand for dinner; or a hanging gym or boing hanging from the ceiling to encourage exercise. Include playstands throughout the house, so there is a place for them in most rooms you spend time in. A safe outdoor cage or aviary is also a great idea. Make sure it includes a partially covered top and things to hide behind to minimize fear if they see predators like hawks. Also ensure they can get out of the hot sun and have plenty of fresh water. Many birds savor the opportunity to take a shower in the rain.