Bird cages
Choose a rectangular cage of stainless steel or quality powder-coated metal that is wider than it is tall, so your bird can fully spread its wings and make short flights. Match the bar spacing to your species: 1/2 inch for budgies, lovebirds, parrotlets and cockatiels, and no more than 3/4 inch for conures.
Which cage does what
- Horizontal Flight CagesWide horizontal flight distanceIdeal for small active species like finches, canaries, budgies, lovebirds and cockatiels that fly side to side.Amazon ↗
- Large Playtop & Dome-Top CagesVertical climbing space and play areasBest for medium-to-large parrots like conures, African greys, Amazons, and macaws that climb and forage.Amazon ↗
- Stainless Steel CagesMaximum durability, no coating to chewBest long-term housing for heavy chewers and large parrots whose beaks can strip powder coating.Amazon ↗
- Round Decorative CagesavoidLimited interior space and pinch hazardsDo not use; round cages lack corners for security and contain dangerous bar convergence at the top.
Sizing: Bigger is better, but as a floor the Merck Veterinary Manual lists 20x20x30 inches for budgies, cockatiels, lovebirds and parrotlets, 36x24x48 for conures and similar mid-size parrots, 40x30x60 for African greys and Amazons, and 48x36x66 for macaws and large cockatoos. Bar spacing: about 1/4 to 3/8 inch for finches and canaries, 1/2 inch for budgies, lovebirds, parrotlets and cockatiels (up to 5/8 for cockatiels), 3/4 inch for conures, greys and Amazons, and up to 1 to 1.5 inches for macaws.
What each animal's guide calls for
From the checklists on each care guide, so this table and those pages always agree.
- BudgieHorizontal flight cage (1/2 in bar spacing) · Breathable cage cover cloth30×18×18 in$75–$180
- LovebirdFlight cage · Paper cage liners · Avian-safe cage cleaner spray36×24×24 in$112–$240
- Green-cheeked conureFlight Cage · Cage Paper Liners · Cage Cover · Avian Safe Cage Cleaner · Out-of-Cage Playstand30×24×36 in$205–$411
- CockatielLarge Flight Cage · Pre-Cut Paper Cage Liners24×24×30 in$122–$242
- Zebra finchHorizontal Flight Cage · Paper Cage Liners · Night Cage Cover30×18×18 in$84–$190
- ParrotletHorizontal Flight Cage · Paper Cage Liners · Bird-Safe Cage Disinfectant · Night Cage Cover24×20×30 in$132–$260
- CanaryHorizontal flight cage · Cage paper liners · Night cage cover · Pet-safe cage cleaner30×18×18 in$94–$188
How to choose
- 01Measure horizontal space first before considering vertical heightBirds fly horizontally across space rather than straight up and down, so width is critical for exercise.
- 02Verify bar spacing matches your specific speciesBars spaced too far apart can trap a bird's head or let it escape. Large parrots also need bars thick enough that they can't bend them.
- 03Select non-toxic stainless steel or high-durability powder coatingChipped paint, galvanized wire and cheap metals can contain zinc or lead, which cause heavy metal poisoning when chewed.
- 04Position the cage in a draft-free room far away from the kitchenOverheated non-stick (PTFE) cookware gives off fumes that can kill a bird within minutes, and cooking smoke also harms birds' lungs.
- 05Stock the interior with a variety of natural wood perchesVarying perch diameters and textures prevents bumblefoot and pressure sores caused by uniform plastic or dowel perches.
Common mistakes
- Buying a round cage, which offers no corners to retreat to and risks wing or foot trapping where the bars meet at the top.
- Placing the cage near the kitchen, exposing birds to fatal PTFE non-stick pan fumes or self-cleaning oven emissions.
- Choosing a tall, narrow cage instead of a wide cage, restricting horizontal flight pathways.
- Using only smooth, uniform wooden dowels, which cause foot sores (bumblefoot).
- Choosing bar spacing that's too wide for your bird, so it can push its head through and get stuck.
Questions people ask
Why is bigger always better when choosing a bird cage?
Larger cages allow full wing extension, flight exercise, and mental stimulation through toys and perches. Even birds with daily out-of-cage time spend many hours inside, and extra space prevents feather plucking, muscle loss, and behavioral stress.
Is powder-coated or stainless steel better for bird cages?
Stainless steel is the safest and most durable choice because it has no coating to chip or chew off. Good powder-coated steel is a safe, cheaper option for smaller birds, but strong-beaked parrots can chew the coating off over time.
Where should I locate my bird's cage in the house?
Put the cage with at least one side against a wall in a bright room where the family spends time, away from drafty doors, air vents and all-day direct sun. Keep it out of the kitchen and nearby rooms because of fumes from overheated non-stick cookware.
What kind of perches should go inside the cage?
Use natural branch perches, rope perches and flat platforms in a range of diameters suited to your bird's feet, from about 1/2 inch for small birds up to 2 inches or more for large parrots. Avoid relying only on smooth dowels, and skip sandpaper perch covers.