Looking for opinions/help with picking a cage for Amazon

[bonesamon1]

My 15 y/o Amazon Bean is needing a new cage badly. His current is as old as him, we bought both 15 years ago, His current cage is too small at 24Wx22Dx60H with a play pen top. He also has a outdoor cage for getting sun, that is fine for now. He spend the majority (too much really) on his play top, so this is a must for his new cage. Other than that, I am open. Does anyone have experience with King Cages? Are they well made, and worth the extra money? Is there anything I should definately stay away from. California cages is no longer making cages from what I can see. I will await your opinions. Thanks. Oh, by the way, I do not have a unlimited budget. I hope to stay around or less than $500. I see cages on EBAY in the $300 range, but fear they are not well made, or could even hurt my bird. Again, hopefully you folks know.

 

[Merlee]

I purchased a HQ 40x30 dome top and the bird looks so small in it. I do not recommend this brand because it has gaps between the dome pieces and the main frame. It also has sharp edges from the welding. I purchased this cage in January and one of the wheels keeps popping out.

I suggest your going to a bird fair to see in person what's out on the market. As a warning, whatever you purchase online and if you are not satisfied, you are responsible for return charges which is why you should look at cages in person if you can. Cages at a fair are $100-200 less because there are no freight charges. I paid $329 or so but if purchased online we are talking much more. Vendors say shipping is free but actually it's just included in the price.

I looked at a Kings cage and saw minute differences in design and locks. I think the locks have improved since January. I purchased a King cage 13 years ago for my macaw and it has held up pretty well. Unfortunately, when I saw one in January, I was not impressed with it and could not justify $750 vs. $329. Now I wonder if I made the right decision.

Cages are all made in China and most likely in the same factories so there are few differences in design for different brands. Cages are not as well made as they have been in the past so I am glad you are asking for advice.

For my amazon, this cage is fine after using some zip ties to close the gaps at the top and chipping away all the sharp edges. If I were to do it again, I would get a playtop with a removable bottom tray so there is plenty of light in the cage and I have the option of how I use the play area.