Bar spacing for new cage

[MarkJ77433]

I have two cages purchased over 30 years ago from Animal Environments. They were for an African Grey and for a Yellow Naped Amazon. Both served their purpose well for the life of my parrots.

I have recently acquired a new Amazon and am in search mode for a cage. I've since learned that what was considered an appropriate size cage for an Amazon/AG has changed significantly. So I will be selecting a new cage with much larger dimensions; a cage that meets current recommended dimensions.

The old cages I have had 1 1/4" bar spacing, which I loved because it gave greater visibility to the bird looking from outside in. However, I'm not sure that size bar spacing can be found today. Maybe in a very, very large McCaw cage, but certainly not in many of the cages I have been looking at for my new Amazon.

A large majority of bar spacing is now 5/8". Sometimes you will find 3/4". I have found the BirdCages4Less Kauai Kastle Dometop Large Bird Cage has 1" spacing, which seems to check all of the boxes for what I am looking for.

Would a 1" spacing be too large for a medium size parrot, or would this be fine? I'm not sure of why the smaller 5/8" spacing in most cages of this dimension, except to avoid the bird getting an injury by putting its head through the bars. I suppose secondarily, it keeps the bird from playing with latches and locks reaching outside the cage.

My alternate would be to either go to the BirdCages4Less smaller model, the Lihue Landing Dometop Bird Cage, or the 9003223 models offered by A&E, HQ and King, which are all 5/8" spacing (of the 3, I'm leaning towards the King because it has latches on the top opening instead of a swinging disc). I know the next largest A&E/HQ/King cage, which I believe is 28" or 30" deep has 1" spacing, but these cages are too deep for me to transport through doorways, and that is important feature for me.

I would appreciate some perspective on the 1" spacing vs. 5/8" spacing that is more commonly found.

 

[ParrotGenie]

I have two cages purchased over 30 years ago from Animal Environments. They were for an African Grey and for a Yellow Naped Amazon. Both served their purpose well for the life of my parrots.

I have recently acquired a new Amazon and am in search mode for a cage. I've since learned that what was considered an appropriate size cage for an Amazon/AG has changed significantly. So I will be selecting a new cage with much larger dimensions; a cage that meets current recommended dimensions.

The old cages I have had 1 1/4" bar spacing, which I loved because it gave greater visibility to the bird looking from outside in. However, I'm not sure that size bar spacing can be found today. Maybe in a very, very large McCaw cage, but certainly not in many of the cages I have been looking at for my new Amazon.

A large majority of bar spacing is now 5/8". Sometimes you will find 3/4". I have found the BirdCages4Less Kauai Kastle Dometop Large Bird Cage has 1" spacing, which seems to check all of the boxes for what I am looking for.

Would a 1" spacing be too large for a medium size parrot, or would this be fine? I'm not sure of why the smaller 5/8" spacing in most cages of this dimension, except to avoid the bird getting an injury by putting its head through the bars. I suppose secondarily, it keeps the bird from playing with latches and locks reaching outside the cage.

My alternate would be to either go to the BirdCages4Less smaller model, the Lihue Landing Dometop Bird Cage, or the 9003223 models offered by A&E, HQ and King, which are all 5/8" spacing (of the 3, I'm leaning towards the King because it has latches on the top opening instead of a swinging disc). I know the next largest A&E/HQ/King cage, which I believe is 28" or 30" deep has 1" spacing, but these cages are too deep for me to transport through doorways, and that is important feature for me.

I would appreciate some perspective on the 1" spacing vs. 5/8" spacing that is more commonly found.

Go with no bigger then 3/4" bar spacing and 24" x 36" x 48" minimum cage size. It not only so they don't get injured, but for climbing bars as well.

 

[SailBoat]

The best method of determining the appropriate distance (spacing) between bars is to determine the distances between the eyes of your Parrot. I commonly use the joints on my hand as most Parrots will not allow one to place a measurement devise in their face. But most will allow a head rub...

Measure your joint and you now have the maximum cage bar spacing.

So, why should one not purchase wider bar spaced cages. If you Parrot sticks its head though the bars and turns their head, they can hang themselves!!!

It is you choice, which style cage you choose, IMHO, I like the flat top cages with a play top... It allows for additional perching area for your Parrot...

 

[Jottlebot]

I think 1 inch spacing would be fine for an Amazon, but I think the suggestion above is genius! I'm trying to look at my goofy boy's eyes right now!

I made the mistake of getting a cage with 1 inch spacing for an Alexandrine, that are similar in body size to most Amazons, but have HUGE great beaks. He ended up rubbing a section flat because he couldn't climb about without rubbing his beak on the bar next to it. Major modifications later and it's fine now.

 

[MarkJ77433]

I think 1 inch spacing would be fine for an Amazon, but I think the suggestion above is genius! I'm trying to look at my goofy boy's eyes right now!

I made the mistake of getting a cage with 1 inch spacing for an Alexandrine, that are similar in body size to most Amazons, but have HUGE great beaks. He ended up rubbing a section flat because he couldn't climb about without rubbing his beak on the bar next to it. Major modifications later and it's fine now.

I was doing the same based on SailBoat's suggestion. I was trying to catch my bird looking through the bars while pressing his head against the bars. This would help me get a more accurate guesstimate of the width

 

[MarkJ77433]

I have two cages purchased over 30 years ago from Animal Environments. They were for an African Grey and for a Yellow Naped Amazon. Both served their purpose well for the life of my parrots.

I have recently acquired a new Amazon and am in search mode for a cage. I've since learned that what was considered an appropriate size cage for an Amazon/AG has changed significantly. So I will be selecting a new cage with much larger dimensions; a cage that meets current recommended dimensions.

The old cages I have had 1 1/4" bar spacing, which I loved because it gave greater visibility to the bird looking from outside in. However, I'm not sure that size bar spacing can be found today. Maybe in a very, very large McCaw cage, but certainly not in many of the cages I have been looking at for my new Amazon.

A large majority of bar spacing is now 5/8". Sometimes you will find 3/4". I have found the BirdCages4Less Kauai Kastle Dometop Large Bird Cage has 1" spacing, which seems to check all of the boxes for what I am looking for.

Would a 1" spacing be too large for a medium size parrot, or would this be fine? I'm not sure of why the smaller 5/8" spacing in most cages of this dimension, except to avoid the bird getting an injury by putting its head through the bars. I suppose secondarily, it keeps the bird from playing with latches and locks reaching outside the cage.

My alternate would be to either go to the BirdCages4Less smaller model, the Lihue Landing Dometop Bird Cage, or the 9003223 models offered by A&E, HQ and King, which are all 5/8" spacing (of the 3, I'm leaning towards the King because it has latches on the top opening instead of a swinging disc). I know the next largest A&E/HQ/King cage, which I believe is 28" or 30" deep has 1" spacing, but these cages are too deep for me to transport through doorways, and that is important feature for me.

I would appreciate some perspective on the 1" spacing vs. 5/8" spacing that is more commonly found.

Go with no bigger then 3/4" bar spacing and 24" x 36" x 48" minimum cage size. It not only so they don't get injured, but for climbing bars as well.

I struggle to find any cages that are 24 x 36 x 48; especially the cages A&E/HQ/King dome top (my preference is dome top). Those are all 23 x 32 x 40 (interior height) with 5/8th inch bar spacing.

Then you get to the next size dome top (9003628), which are more in line with your recommendation at 28 x 36 x 50", but now you are in to a 1" bar spacing.

I love this size cage and bar spacing (if its safe for Amazons), but I measured one and its exterior is actually more like 29" (without seed skirt) if you include the grate handles that protrude and the front door latch. My bird room door is right at 28" (unless I remove the door from its hinges to gain another inch or so.

I'd be willing to look at other cage size options, but really do prefer the dome top.

Thanks for your feedback

 

[Ira7]

I have a cool short travel cage...I converted a small dog kennel...that has 1 1/4” spacing.

You got me thinking now, but I’ll always be monitoring it.