Choosing the right bird cage is essential for your pet bird’s comfort, health, and safety. As your bird’s primary living space, the cage serves as their “home base” for eating, sleeping, and playing—so it needs to meet their physical and behavioral needs. From size and bar spacing to cage materials and placement, finding the perfect bird cage ensures your feathered companion stays happy, secure, and mentally stimulated.

The Bigger the Better

Birds need space so it’s recommended to get the largest cage that can be accommodated in your home. The main thing to consider when selecting a pet bird cage is your bird’s size. Before starting your cage shopping, take measurements of the space you have available as well as any doorways. Don’t forget to allow room for protruding feeders and flared cage aprons. If your cage will have to move through doorways, consider a knock-down type of cage that isn’t welded and can be easily taken apart. If possible, put together the cage in the room where it will be used.

In most cases, the cage should be wide enough to accommodate stretched wings; however, ample height should be provided for long-tailed birds. Since most birds aren’t able to truly fly inside their cage, it’s important to give your bird access to an exercise area outside of the cage for several hours each day.

The cage should be roomy enough to allow the bird to extend and flap her wings without coming into contact with the bars. Small birds should have enough room to fly around and larger birds should be provided with cages large enough to allow climbing and exercise. If you have more than one bird, ask your avian veterinarian for bird cage size recommendations to ensure your birds have enough space to move, stretch, and stay healthy.

Bird Cage Size Guidelines

Bigger is always better when it comes to your bird’s cage. The Association of Avian Veterinarians recommends the minimum cage size should be 1.5 to 2 times the wingspan of the bird. If you have more than one bird, you’ll need to accommodate for that as well. Here are some minimum cage size guidelines for some common birds:

• • Finch, Small Parakeets (budgerigars, Bourke, Quaker): 27″w x 24″d. Bar spacing – 1⁄2″ or less.

• • Canary: 27″w x 24″d. Bar spacing- 5⁄8″ or less.

• • Budgies, lovebirds and parrotlets: 27″w x 24″d x 24’h. Bar spacing 1⁄2″ or less. Flight cage should be 36″ long.

• • Cockatiel: 27″w x 24″d. Bar spacing 3⁄4′ or less.

• • African Grey, Smaller Cockatoos, Eclectus, Amazons and Small Macaws: 36″w x 30″d. Bar spacing 3/4″ to 1″.
  • Larger Cockatoos and Medium Macaws: 64″w x 32″d with bar spacing 1 to 1 1/4″.
  • Large Macaw: min. 80″w x 40″d. Bars should have a diameter of ¼’ and a spacing of 1 to 1 1/4″.

How Your Bird’s Personality Affects Cage Choice

Your bird’s personality plays a big role in choosing the right bird cage. Intelligent and curious birds—like cockatoos, conures, and African Greys—often test latches and doors, so escape artists need a bird cage with secure locks and durable construction. If your feathered friend loves to climb, such as parakeets or lovebirds, opt for a cage with plenty of horizontal bars to support climbing activity. Matching the birdcage features to your bird’s behavior and instincts is essential for safety, mental stimulation, and long-term happiness.

Bird Cage Design

Bird cages come in a variety of shapes. Rectangular cages are practical, easy to clean and fit well into most living spaces. Circular, pagoda, pyramid, round, ‘house’ and even covered-wagon-shaped cages are usually available for small birds only. One side note, some bird owners and veterinarians recommend against round cages that have bars that are wide on the bottom and narrow at the top, saying it can pose a risk of your bird getting their wings or legs stuck between the bars and it doesn’t allow a ‘safety corner’ for your bird to retreat to.

Outside access to food and water bowls is ideal, especially for larger birds. In addition, experts recommend looking for a cage with a large front door that is 60 percent or more of the cage front. A smaller inset door is also ideal.

It’s important to keep in mind your bird won’t be the only thing taking up space in his cage. Between perches, toys, water and food dishes, a cage that is just barely big enough when it’s empty, may become a bit too crowded once accessories are added.

Bar Spacing

Bar spacing on any cage should be wide enough to prevent toes and limbs from being trapped, but not so wide that birds can stick their heads through them. Check cages with curved or domed tops to be sure that bars do not converge at the center. Welds should be smooth, with no rough edges that could hurt you or your bird.

Choose Good-Quality and Strong Materials

Make sure the cage is made from materials that are strong enough to resist bending or dismantling. Also, certain fumes and materials can harm birds so make sure the cage is made of nontoxic material.

The finish on the cage should be good quality. A good cage finish will last a while if your bird doesn’t gnaw on the bars or constantly splash it with water. The finish on most cages can be maintained quite well with regular cleaning with a bird-safe cleaner like Pet Focus Aviary and Cage Cleaner. Acrylic cages are popular, but it’s important to note, this material can become scratched.

Painted or powder coat finishes are usually durable, but stainless steel will typically last a lifetime. With the exception of stainless steel, all metal is subject to rust, discoloration or eventual corrosion. Never use metal polish on cages, as it can be toxic to birds. Over time, you will most likely see some wear as painted surfaces may scratch, chip, flake or stain.

Where Should I Place My Pet Bird’s Cage?

You want your bird to feel safe and secure when in his cage. So placing the cage away from drafts and at eye level or higher will help make your feathered friend feel more comfortable.

You want your feathered family member to be able to observe what you are all up to, without feeling like they are in the center of it all. The cage should be placed away from sources of intense heat or cold, such as windows, radiators, fireplaces, air conditioners and exterior doors.

The kitchen is also another place to avoid. Cooking fumes and temperature fluctuations can be harmful. One fact to keep in mind, the fumes from overheated nonstick-coated cookware can actually be lethal to birds, so you may want to consider getting rid of pots, pans and any utensils coated with a nonstick surface.

Birds like some sun but direct sunlight is not recommended. Birds may become overheated. Consider placing a room thermometer on the wall at cage level (but out of beak reach).

And don’t forget about your other pets or household plants. Make sure your bird’s cage is out of range of teeth, claws and certain toxic houseplants.

Does A ‘Mess-Free’ Bird Cage Truly Exist?

Sorry to break it to you, but no. Birds are messy, it’s a fact. But that’s okay, we still love them. There are, however, some cage designs that do make clean up slightly easier. When looking at cages, find one where food and water dishes can be easily removed from the outside.

When it comes to mess management features, angled cage aprons help direct cage fallout into the bottom tray. However, don’t think these cage aprons catch everything. You’ll still need to wipe poop and food from the surrounding area. Meanwhile, removable gratings make cleaning easier and keep birds out of dropped food and waste.

Bird Cage Cleaning Schedule

Often the best defense against a mess is prevention. When selecting cage cleaning products, make sure they are bird safe. Some cleaning fumes can actually make a bird sick. Developing a regular cage cleaning schedule can save you time in the long run and help you stay one step ahead of the mess:

• • Daily: clean water and food dishes, replace paper tray liner, wipe cage apron.
  • Weekly: wash the bottom grate.
  • Placing a bird cage mat under your bird’s cage is a simple and effective way to keep feathers, droppings, food debris, and other messes contained. These mats help protect your flooring from stains and damage while making daily cleanup easier. A bird cage floor mat is especially useful for active birds that love to toss food or scatter feathers, helping you maintain a cleaner, more hygienic space around your pet’s habitat.

Is It Safe to Buy a Used Bird Cage?

Buying a used bird cage may seem like a budget-friendly option, but it can pose serious health and safety risks for your pet bird. Used bird cages—especially those found at garage sales, thrift stores, or antique shops—often have an unknown history. They may have been repaired or repainted with materials that contain toxic metals like lead or zinc, which are extremely dangerous to birds.

Additionally, many secondhand bird cages were originally designed as decorative pieces rather than functional enclosures. These cages often lack proper bar spacing, are difficult to clean, and are not made with bird-safe materials. If the cage was previously occupied by another bird, it could harbor bacteria, parasites, or viruses that can easily infect your new pet, especially if the cage wasn’t disinfected thoroughly.

To ensure your bird’s safety, it’s best to choose a new, non-toxic bird cage that meets proper size, bar spacing, and material requirements. Investing in a safe, high-quality cage supports your bird’s health, longevity, and overall happiness.

How to Transition Your Bird to a New Cage

Switching your bird to a new cage can be a smooth process with a little patience and the right approach. While many pet birds adapt quickly to a new cage, some may show hesitation. To help your bird feel comfortable and reduce stress during the transition, place the new bird cage next to the old one. This allows your feathered friend to explore the unfamiliar space at their own pace.

Encourage curiosity by adding familiar items—like their favorite toys, perches, and treats—to the new cage. Leaving the door open gives your bird the freedom to enter and exit on their own, helping them build confidence in the new environment. Gradual introductions, paired with positive reinforcement, make transitioning your bird to a new cage a positive and low-stress experience.

Consider Getting Cage Replacement Parts

Nothing lasts forever, especially if a bird has anything to do with it. Most major manufacturers offer replacement parts such as perches, dishes and latches, but model numbers and designs change, so it might be a good idea to buy some replacement parts when you buy your new cage. That way you’ll have them on hand for when you need them.

There are a lot of factors to consider when choosing a cage. Don’t just assume the cage in which you saw your bird in the pet shop is the correct size. Those cages may be used only for feeding or rest periods, and may not be suitable as long-term housing. Remember, the ideal cage size should allow your bird space to climb and walk around.

Creating a Safe, Comfortable Home for Your Pet Bird

Choosing the right bird cage is more than just a purchase—it’s an investment in your bird’s overall well-being, health, and happiness. From proper size and secure bar spacing to thoughtful placement and mess-control features, every detail matters when it comes to creating the perfect habitat. Whether you’re a first-time bird owner or upgrading to meet your pet’s evolving needs, selecting a quality cage helps ensure your feathered friend stays safe, active, and mentally stimulated. Need help picking the perfect cage for your bird species or setup? Call our Animal Care Specialists at 800.786.4751—we’re here to help you make the best choice for your bird’s long and happy life.

Sources:

American Veterinary Medical Association

Association of Avian Veterinarians