SETTING UP A BIRD CAGE

When buying a companion parrot, its easy to get overwhelmed with the sheer choice and variety of cages and enclosures you can find online. A cage is your bird's safe space, so it is important to research well, so you can set it up in a way that facilitates them to feel safe and secure.

We are working on an expansive article which will cover information about where to put your bird's cage, cleaning, furnishing and what to avoid, watch this space!

our cage recommendations

We have extensively researched the cages currently available and collated this list that we would recommend, based on various dimensions, configurations and price points. Click the pictures or product titles below to view relevant website listing:

Green Parrot (BC1261)

127cm W x 61cm D x 98cm H

Overall Height 166cm including stand

Bar Spacing: 12mm

Bar Thickness: 2mm

Remove divider for more space

Available from Pet Shop Direct

Green Parrot (PC1076)

102cm W x 76 cm D x 158cm H

Overall height 188cm including playtop

Bar Spacing: 17mm

Bar Thickness: 4mm

Available from Pet Shop Direct

Flyline (12432)

81cm W x 59cm D x 172cm H

Bar Spacing: 20mm

Bar Thickness: 4mm

Available from GT Mall

i.pet

61cm W x 42cm D x 74cm H

Overall Height 144cm

Bar Spacing: 15mm

Bar Thickness: Unknown

Available from Bunnings Marketplace

Note: On the smaller side

Avi One (904)

100.5cm W x 72.5cm D x 140cm H

Overall height 171cm

Bar Spacing: 10mm

Bar Thickness: 2mm

Available from Petstock

Avi One (932SB)

96cm W x 74cm D x 112cm H

Overall height 173cm

Bar Spacing: 16mm

Bar Thickness: Unknown

Available from Petstock, Pet Shop Direct

YES4PETS (185cm XXL)

110cm W x 110cm D x 152.5cm H

Overall height 185cm

Bar Spacing: 16.5mm

Bar Thickness: 2.7mm

Available from Bunnings Marketplace, Kogan, Dick Smith

Avi One (604)

78cm W x 46cm D x 84cm H

Overall height 160cm

Bar Spacing: 10mm

Bar Thickness: Unknown

Available from Petstock

Flyline (20033)

79cm W x 52cm D x 96.6cm H

Overall Height 130cm

Bar Spacing: 11mm

Bar Thickness: Unknown

Available from GT Mall

Flyline (20045)

90cm W x 58.5cm D x 117cm H

Overall height 152.4cm

Bar Spacing: 11mm

Bar Thickness: Unknown

Available from GT Mall

Flyline (10115D)

154cm W x 48cm D x 93cm H

Overall height 163cm

Bar Spacing: 12mm

Bar Thickness: 2-3mm

Remove divider for more space

Available from GT Mall

Watson & Williams (Extra Wide)

82cm W x 52cm D x ?cm H

Overall Height 154cm

Bar Spacing: Unknown

Bar Thickness: Unknown

Available from Petbarn

Getting THEM HOME

What will you bring them home in? There are many various options to choose from when purchasing a suitable bird carrier; such as a carrier, crate or cage. It is important to be prepared for transporting your parrot to and from the breeder, vet appointments, pet minder or even walk to the park. Small carriers can range from $15 to $60+, but are a necessary investment; a cardboard box is an inappropriate choice.

It is important to remember that this is for transport purposes only. Please do not leave your bird in a small carry carrier for longer than a few hours.

Here are a few options:

Carry Crates - made of timber and wire mesh, plastic, or acrylic. Slide up or swing access door.

Small Cage - can be called budgie cages, canary cages etc. Avoid round and opt for square.
Cat Carriers - affordable, easy to find in store option, however they require a little modification to add a perch and secure door. Make sure bird cannot fit its head through the bars on the door.
Bird Backpacks - on the pricier side, but added versatility of transport for hiking and walking in nature.

Some further considerations:

1. Wire spacing: Does the cage have strong mesh or wire, and is it of appropriate spacing (maximum 2cm apart). Could smaller aperture wire be added to ensure wings, feet and head stay safely within the carrier (especially with cat carriers)?

2. Ventilation: Does it have adequate through ventilation, without too many acrylic sides? Keep the air conditioning on high in the car when travelling in summer, especially in Queensland.

3. Security: Ensure that parts designed to be taken apart - like cage bottoms - are secured with zip ties if needed. Access doors and sliding feeders can be secured with clothes pegs.

4. Material: Is it easy to clean and able to be disinfected? Does it have a bottom tray that can have newspaper added to it to catch droppings?

5. Clean: Ensure your carrier is clean and disinfected, especially if your carrier has been used with other birds. This is to ensure that faeces- and dander-bourne illnesses and diseases are not transmitted to other homes and birds.

Places to shop for transport cages: Pet Barn, Pet Stock, GT Mall, Amazon, eBay, Temu, Get Flocked, Parrot Supplies, Pet Circle, Pet Shop Direct, Reject Shop, Choice Discount Stores, Wayne's World

Some of our recommendations: