When choosing bird cages, it’s important to keep in mind that your pet bird will spend a great deal of time in its cage. While bird cages can be quite expensive, it’s worth it to spend the money for a good cage that is big enough to adequately house your bird for the long term. Remember that in its natural habitat, your pet bird would be able to fly around a large area, much, much bigger than the tiny cage to which it is now confined. It is important, for the health of your bird, for you to invest in a proper cage.

There are several factors to consider when choosing a bird cage:

Size
Bigger is always better when it comes to bird cages. At the very least, make sure your bird can stretch its wings to their full span inside the cage without hitting a perch or toy. Ideally your bird can fly from perch to perch inside the cage (even with clipped wings, your bird will flutter around) so your bird can get plenty of exercise while inside the cage.

The following cage dimensions are the minumum size recommendations (width by length by height) for different types of birds. Make sure you buy a cage at least this size. Ideally, buy one that's bigger:

• Finch: 18” by 30” by 18”
• Canary: 18” by 24” by 18”
• Parakeet: 18” by 18” by 24”
• Lovebird/Parrotlet/Conure: 24” by 24” by 24”
• Ringneck/Poicephalus/Caiques/Pionus/Jardine’s Parrot: 24” by 24” by 36”
• Amazon/Mini Macaws/Goffin’s Cockatoos/African Greys: 24” by 36” by 48”
• Macaw and Cockatoo: 36” by 48” by 60”

Bar Spacing
You’ll also want to check the bar spacing on any cage you by to make sure the bars are strong enough to contain the bird in question. You’ll be amazed at what cockatoos and macaws can chew through. Make sure the birds cannot get their heads between the spaces in the bars.  

Follow this guide for bar spacing:

• Finch/Canary: 1/4” to 1/2”
• Parakeet/Lovebird/Parrotlet: 1/2”
• Cockatiel/Ringneck: 1/2” to 5/8”
• Conure/Poicephalus/Caique/Pionus/Jardine’s Parrot: 5/8” to 3/4”
• Amazon/Mini Macaw/Goffin’s Cockatoo/African Grey: 3/4” to 1”
• Large Cockatoo/Macaw: 1” to 1 1/2”

Materials
Buy a cage made from acrylic, stainless steel or wrought iron. Make sure you ask someone at the pet store for advice on what material can hold what kind of bird so you buy a cage of an appropriate strength.

Bird Cage Cover
Most bird cage covers are made from sturdy but breathable material. You want to buy a bird cage cover that will block out the light but will still allow your bird enough oxygen. Do not buy vinyl cage covers as they are not breathable enough. Many bird owners purchase a flannel bird cage cover for the winter (to keep the cage warmer) and a lightweight cage cover for the warmer months. This will protect your bird from drafts.