Cage and Toy Opinions

[AvianLover80]

I am planning on getting a male Eclectus within the next few months and I can't seem to decide on a cage. Every style has its pros and cons, so I would like to know what everyone thinks and what sort of cages you have found to be roomy and most compatible for your ekkie kiddos... My mom has a nice size dome cage, but I kinda want something a little more unique. Rajah seems to have a hard time moving around on top as the cage slopes down. What do you guys think I should get?
Oh, and I heard acrylic toys are the safest and that rope perches aren't a good idea, seeing that they may pull it apart and maybe swallow the little threads...
Thanks ahead of time for all your opinions!

 

[AvianLover80]

Here is a few of the cages I like...

 

[Birdman666]

I prefer playtops for eckies, and those are on the small size. This is more what I would go with for an eckie:

Lani Kai Playtop Large Bird Cage, Large Bird Cages, Parrot Cages, African Grey Cages, Bird Cages

Doesn't have to be that brand, but that's the style of cage I like for these types of parrots. Gives them an outside the cage spot as well as an inside the cage spot. Easy to clean. The toys stay put. That first cage you posted, the toys are probably going to slide around on...

 

[AvianLover80]

That is a nice cage. I have begun to look at play tops, just not 100% sure because the playtop is a little taller than me. I wouldn't have full control of my bird if I needed it. And how do you cover one of those? I am considering it and the size is just about the same as the ones I posted. Give or a take a couple inches. But honestly, the price is quite good compared to the playtops Ive seen.

 

[weco]

All of my full size cages are play tops, with one domed like your example, but I don't usually open it because it doesn't have a poop tray under it.....actually none of my play tops came with trays, but I've got a friend who keeps me supplied with appliance boxes & I cut them to fit the tops as poop catchers.....none of my cages are covered either.....

The pagoda style cage doesn't appeal to me & if you're planning to cover your cage, that one might pose a bit of a problem.....

 

[RavensGryf]

The first one also looks like it has smaller gauge bars meant for a smaller bird (smaller beaks).

 

[AvianLover80]

All of my full size cages are play tops, with one domed like your example, but I don't usually open it because it doesn't have a poop tray under it.....actually none of my play tops came with trays, but I've got a friend who keeps me supplied with appliance boxes & I cut them to fit the tops as poop catchers.....none of my cages are covered either.....

The pagoda style cage doesn't appeal to me & if you're planning to cover your cage, that one might pose a bit of a problem.....

I thought I liked the padoga and the style is nice, but it occured to me that the corners are wasted space. The reason I thought of it is because I figured it would hold the hanging toys better (more even and secure) than a dome or victorian... Also, it would be easier for my Ekkie to move around on top and perch up on the corners. The dome seems like it would make the toys uneven, at least in my mind.

My mom's ekkie also seems to have a hard time moving around on her dometop cage... she doesn't look too balanced and kinda uncomfortable like she will fall off the side. She almost did once...scary!

Playtops seem to be everyone's choice so far (in other forums too) but how do you cover one of those? And, I'm only 5'4" and these cages are taller and make me feel like I won't have full control of my bird if he needs me, I won't be able to confidently reach him...

 

[AvianLover80]

The first one also looks like it has smaller gauge bars meant for a smaller bird (smaller beaks).

They do look smaller, not so sure...

If i remember correctly, I do believe the space between the pagoda is 5/8" and the others are 3/4", so yes it is a little tighter as well, maybe not so good if his beak gets stuck in between the bars. So thanks for pointing that out!

 

[Birdman666]

To me, dometops are for the large macaws where those huge tail feathers get in the way. In square cages, unless they are those giant aviary cages, it's more cramped and the tail gets in the way. Everyone else, I think is better off in a playtop.

My smaller macaw is also in a playtop - a 30 x 40 playtop.... but a playtop.

I don't buy into the height dominance theory. Mine are trained to behave and step up. It hasn't ever really been an issue. (My friggin playstands are 7 feet tall!)

 

[Birdman666]

All of my full size cages are play tops, with one domed like your example, but I don't usually open it because it doesn't have a poop tray under it.....actually none of my play tops came with trays, but I've got a friend who keeps me supplied with appliance boxes & I cut them to fit the tops as poop catchers.....none of my cages are covered either.....

The pagoda style cage doesn't appeal to me & if you're planning to cover your cage, that one might pose a bit of a problem.....

I thought I liked the padoga and the style is nice, but it occured to me that the corners are wasted space. The reason I thought of it is because I figured it would hold the hanging toys better (more even and secure) than a dome or victorian... Also, it would be easier for my Ekkie to move around on top and perch up on the corners. The dome seems like it would make the toys uneven, at least in my mind.

My mom's ekkie also seems to have a hard time moving around on her dometop cage... she doesn't look too balanced and kinda uncomfortable like she will fall off the side. She almost did once...scary!

Playtops seem to be everyone's choice so far (in other forums too) but how do you cover one of those? And, I'm only 5'4" and these cages are taller and make me feel like I won't have full control of my bird if he needs me, I won't be able to confidently reach him...

1. I don't cover.

2. The one I showed you has a custom cage cover option.

3. A well behaved parrot, that is bonded to you, will come to you and step up.

4. A little rolling stepping stool is only about $15.00 at Home Depot.

5. CONFIDENCE comes by doing.

 

[AvianLover80]

Thank you and I believe I will be fine, regardless. This will be MY first time to own a bird, so I am just considering all situations. My bird will be well trained because I will spend every spare moment I can with him. And I have been spending some time with my mom's bird and learning with her. She has some experience but we are learning together as well.

I think I will end up with a playtop! Sounds like the best idea and it will give him more room to play and learn. I plan an teaching him everything I can!