Cage Size and Quality! Advice please!

[Brian11]

Hello!

My father has an Eclectus on the way and has asked me to order a specific cage for him. I have little to no experience with birds except what I've read recently. I just want to make sure he's done his research. Could you guys please let me know if this cage is both high quality, as well as large enough for an Eclectus?

its called a Rancho and is from the Dr.Foster and Smith catalog. The dimensions are as follows for the inside area 36" x 24" x 36"H. This does not include the perch and top area. I have included a link and pic. Thanks for your time and advice!

Includes: 4 stainless steel cups and 2 natural wood perches.
Cage Size: Inside: 34-1/2" L x 22-3/4" W x 36-1/2" high
Outside: 35-3/8" L x 23-1/2" W x 67" H; 43-3/4" L x 32" W x 36-1/2" H w/seed guards

 

[BruceTheQuail]

Personally I think it isnt deep enough. 2 foot deep isnt much for biggish birds, our cages are about 2'6" deep and I'd rather that they were deeper. And 6" is quite a bit.

I wouldnt bother too much about the seed guards, eckies spatter foot about a foot away so the guards wont get it but your walls will get a workout.

From the picture the bar size and spacing looks fine. They need quite a bit of space with the bars for climbing, and you'd want good heavy gauge bars.

I didnt see a link but I take it that the cups are on a flap that opens. That is pretty much essential. The other thing is that these bigger cages weigh about 40kg, so they can be a pain to get in and out of the house. I've invested in really good quality commercial castors. The cost me $15 each but it was worth it because it makes getting the cages in and out of the house much easier. Just make sure you get 2 of them with brakes, otherwise the cage will roll off on you.

 

[BruceTheQuail]

Actually ignore that - our cages are 2 foot deep. I think that is pretty much the minimum you'd want, I'd rather another 6 inches or so.

 

[SailBoat]

In addition to the above, I would strongly recommend that you look for a cage in which the front door is full height of the cage. It makes for much easier cleaning and any other work that will be needed inside the cage. After all, I am not aware of any Parrots that help in clearing their cages!

Please remember to upgrade the perches to natural branches ASAP!

I like the 23" depth (metric converted) and 32" wide (metric converted) measurements because the cage can be quickly moved outside or room to room when (not if) needed. Our DYH Amazon uses his cage as a place to get away from us Humans or life in general. We live the door open all the time. If locked in the cage, he simply dis-assemblies it!

 

[Brian11]

Any recommendation on brands?

 

[SailBoat]

The number of cage manufacturers continues to fall each year. So, a Cage that I would have recommended two years ago is now built by someone else with some changes.

At present, we are buying from Bird Cages 4 Less (internet) and have the following two cages.

Lani Kai Lodge, Playtop Large Bird Cage: 32" W x 22" D x 64 " H.

Kauai Kastle, Playtop Large Bird Cage: 36" W x 26" D x 68" H.

Both come with full height front doors!

NOTE: Near everyone will have an opinion regarding a buy source and manufacturer (cage name).

Best of Luck!

 

[BruceTheQuail]

This is the one I buy, I use it for 2 eckies and a caique (one per cage). It is really good save for the castors which are never much chop stock (they actually stink like cheap plastic). Personally I'd rather the food trays be accessed from the front half of the cage because the birds crap on the ones at the back (because they always sleep in a back corner), but aside from that it is an excellent setup.

You might not have this supplier in the US, but I'm sure it comes from China and you'd get something similar. I've seen HQ cages pretty much the same, but twice the price (probably better quality overall).

Lacework Bird Cage on Wheels for Medium to Large Size Parrots - Gray | Crazy Sales