Choosing the Perfect Parrot Cage and Play Stand for Your Feathered Companion

There's no doubt about it, your parrot will spend many hours sleeping, eating and playing in his cage and his cage stand. So, choosing the right size and type of cages/stand is absolutely essential to both his comfort and his safety. There are several things to take into consideration when purchasing the perfect parrot cage or stand. In this article, we will teach you how to choose the perfect parrot cage and stand for your feathered companion.

Here are some essentials that you should consider when choosing a suitable cage:

Width should be at least twice the bird's wingspan so that your parrot can safely flap his wings.

Cage should be tall enough so that your parrot can retreat to what he feels is a "safe height" however it should not be taller than your head (to avoid aggression issues).

Thick, strong bars that he cannot bend with his beak. Wire cages aren't usually sturdy enough if you can bend them with pressure applied by your own hand - if you can do it then your feathered friend can likely do the same thing with his beak.

A latch that cannot be opened from the inside of the cage by a determined bird.

Adequate spacing between the bars. Parrots have been known to get their heads stuck between the bars of their cages and injure or kill themselves trying to get free.

Vertical bars, as well as horizontal ones, make it easier for your parrot to climb about in his cage.
A cage with a skirt to catch seeds and other debris.

A bottom pan that is easily removable for cleaning and disinfecting.

Your parrot's stand is also extremely important because he will spend hours happily sitting, climbing and playing on it, so invest in the best stand you can afford. After all, a stand is the closest he will get to a sense of freedom in the wild.

Some indications of quality in a parrot play stand are:

Perches at a variety of heights and different angles

Places to hang toys for play

An area for food and water

Substantial catch tray around the base

Stability and durability

The ability to change things around (move the perches, switch toy locations, etc.)