The Best Large Bird Cages in 2023: A Buyer’s Guide

Providing your feathered friend with a Large Bird Cage and a spacious and secure home is one of the joys and responsibilities of bird ownership. But with so many options on the market, how do you choose the perfect large bird cage? This buyer’s guide will overview the key factors to consider and recommend the best large bird cages to keep your bird healthy and happy in 2023.

What to Look for in a Large Bird Cage

When choosing a large bird cage, you’ll want to evaluate a few key features:

Size – A good rule of thumb is to select a cage that is at least 1.5 times your bird’s wingspan in width and depth. Taller is better, as vertical space allows flying and climbing.

Spacing – Bar spacing should be narrow enough that your bird cannot squeeze through and injure itself. 3/4″ to 1″ is ideal for larger parrots.

Materials – Durable stainless steel or powder-coated cages resist rust and last for years. Avoid lead and zinc.

Ease of cleaning – A cage with multiple access doors and removable trays simplifies maintenance.

Prioritizing these factors will ensure your bird enjoys safety, comfort, and years of enrichment.

Types of Large Bird Cages

There are a few main styles of extra-large bird cages to consider:

Flight cages offer maximum horizontal space for flying and flap-powered exercise. They allow for multiple perches and toys.

Breeding cages provide height and seclusion for breeding pairs. Some feature nest boxes or privacy dividers.

Playtop cages have an upper area for play and interaction. Look for compatible accessories like ladders and swings.

Evaluate your needs and space to determine which style best suits your large bird.

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How to clean and maintain a large birdcage

Keeping your large bird’s cage clean is essential for their health. Here are some tips:

• Daily: Remove droppings, discarded food, and soiled cage liners daily. Wipe down perches, dishes, and bars with a bird-safe disinfectant. Replace food and water.
• Weekly: Fully disassemble the cage once a week for a deep clean. Discard the substrate, wash all surfaces with soap and water, rinse thoroughly, and let dry before reassembling.
• Monthly: Soak and scrub accessories monthly. Use a 3% hydrogen peroxide solution or vinegar to fully disinfect plastic perches, food bowls, toys, and ladders. Rinse and let dry completely.
• 3-6 Months: Replace substrate, natural wood perches, rope perches, and 100% biodegradable toys this often to prevent mold.
• Yearly: Sand and repaint any chipped metal parts of the cage to prevent rust. Replace worn-out plastic bowls and ladders.
• Ongoing: Check daily for damaged wires, bars, or broken welds. Discard and replace accessories if they have become frayed or damaged.

Following this cleaning schedule helps prevent illness by reducing microbes and pests. Be sure to use bird-safe, non-toxic cleaning products only. A clean, well-maintained cage provides your large parrot with a healthy home.

Common mistakes to avoid

Mistake	Why It’s Problematic
Choosing too small of a cage	Cramped cages cause stress and limit movement
Using a cage meant for small birds	Bar spacing is unsafe and construction flimsy
Placing the cage in a noisy or drafty area	Can overwhelm or sicken some birds
Overcrowding cage with accessories	Limits mobility and space to play
Using toxic cleaners near birds	Chemical fumes are hazardous to birds
Not cleaning often enough	Allows harmful microbes and waste to accumulate
Letting cage rust or break	Placing cage in a noisy or drafty area
Using sandpaper perches	Can cause painful bumblefoot sores

Features to look for in a flight cage

Finding flight Cage Supplies that allow your large parrot ample room to spread their wings is a major factor in their health and happiness. Prioritize choosing a very spacious cage that is wider and deeper rather than excessively tall. Dimensions of at least 36” x 36” x 54” provide comfortable flying room for most large parrots.

Key Flight Cage Features	Benefits
Very spacious dimensions	Allows for flying and exercising wings
Durable, welded construction	Prevents rusting and lasting use
Proper 3/4” – 1” bar spacing	Provides safety but allows mobility
Multiple sturdy perches	Exercises feet and prevents arthritis
Cross beams for climbing	Stimulates and engages birds
Multiple food/water bowls	Ensures easy access to necessities
Several access doors	Simplifies cleaning
Secure locks	Prevents escape artists
Casters for mobility	Allows repositioning cage
Fun accessories	Provides mental enrichment

How to set up a flight cage

Here is a table outlining how to set up a flight cage for a large parrot:

Step	Description
1. Assemble	Follow manufacturer instructions to assemble cage pieces.
2. Place in room	Choose a quiet room protected from drafts & sun.
3. Add substrate	Line the bottom with paper, pellet litter, or corn cob bedding.
4. Install perches	Add several correctly sized perches made of varying materials.
5. Add dishes	Include 2-3 food bowls and at least 2 water sources.
6. Include toys	Line the bottom with paper, pellet litter or corn cob bedding.
7. Prepare for cleaning	Add trays, lining or sheets beneath perches to catch waste.
8. Check spacing	Hang or attach bird-safe swings, tunnels, bells, etc.
9. Bird proof	Ensure all locks function and no hazards are within reach.
Confirm bar spacing matches the parrot’s size before allowing access.	10. Let the parrot adjust

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