To Play Top Or Not To Play Top ??

[GW.Joe]

Hello Everyone!

Hope everyone has the same Beautiful Sunny Spring day like we are having in the Delaware Valley, here on the East Coast today :smile023: :smile006:

I am getting ready to buy a cage for our forth coming new baby, a GW
So I was wondering what the consensus is on Dome Tops vs Play Tops ?

The bird will be out of the cage as much as possible, 2 of the 4 of us are home all day and the other 2 of us come home off and on all day

A good part of the birds time will be on a T stand a foot away between my daughter and I as we work on the computer (each of us picking the bird up every few minutes) I make the T stands myself so the bird is around eye level while we are sitting

I also like to attach ropes and swings to my ceiling above the birds cage
(anchored to studs of course)

BTW one last thought, I live in a Condo and space is limited, knowing our lifestyle and the fact that the bird's door will be open all day to go and come as it pleases (the bird will only be locked in the cage when we go to bed from like midnight to 8 AM, or in the rare occasion we all go somewhere) Is it ok for the cage to be 40 X 30 X Interior Height 47?

More than one bird store is telling me its ok, factoring in our lifestyle and the amount of time we interacted with our loving departed Zon I tend to agree BUT I don't want to short change the bird IN ANY WAY

Thanks!!

Joe

 

[RavensGryf]

Hi again Joe, yes a beautiful day here in SoCal too!

It's personal preference, but I like the playtops better (though ironically I have mostly used dome tops).

Even if you have a separate playstand, a built in one is a practical feature to have. If you leave the top tray in, it does shade the cage a bit so not as much light comes in from the top. Also another tray to clean.

Since you or someone will be home almost always, and you have the whole family involved with having the bird out and stimulated, 40x30 should be fine. If a large Mac will be enclosed in a cage most of the time even with toys, then it's way too small IMO. I think you can 'get away with' more with a less active and independent species like my boys and they'll still be happy birds, but a large Macaw no way! Sounds like you guys are equipped and have what it takes!

 

[JerseyWendy]

Nice and sunny here in central Jersey, but not overly warm unfortunately. I'm CRAVING heat something fierce.

All my 4 cages are dome tops. I've had play tops in the past (my first Amazon cage + I purchased an A & E play top that I ended up selling), but I find the dome tops give more head room, more room for toys, and more room for an additional perch (or two).

Even though my big macs are in 48" wide cages, I do think a GW could do well in a 40" wide, as long as he gets to spend ample time outside of his cage.

 

[RavensGryf]

Nice and sunny here in central Jersey, but not overly warm unfortunately. I'm CRAVING heat something fierce.

All my 4 cages are dome tops. I've had play tops in the past (my first Amazon cage + I purchased an A & E play top that I ended up selling), but I find the dome tops give more head room, more room for toys, and more room for an additional perch (or two).

Even though my big macs are in 48" wide cages, I do think a GW could do well in a 40" wide, as long as he gets to spend ample time outside of his cage.

Yeah, the head room. I didn't think of that, but now looking at my boys' dome top cages (as well as the empty 29x45 play top) you're right.

Heat?! Ugh. I'm just trying to enjoy the weather now while I can. Soon it will be 90's or 100+ here. It's a myth that Southern CA always has nice weather

 

[GW.Joe]

Hi again Joe, yes a beautiful day here in SoCal too!

It's personal preference, but I like the playtops better (though ironically I have mostly used dome tops).

Even if you have a separate playstand, a built in one is a practical feature to have. If you leave the top tray in, it does shade the cage a bit so not as much light comes in from the top. Also another tray to clean.

Since you or someone will be home almost always, and you have the whole family involved with having the bird out and stimulated, 40x30 should be fine. If a large Mac will be enclosed in a cage most of the time even with toys, then it's way too small IMO. I think you can 'get away with' more with a less active and independent species like my boys and they'll still be happy birds, but a large Macaw no way! Sounds like you guys are equipped and have what it takes!

Thanks RavensGryf!!

Nice and sunny here in central Jersey, but not overly warm unfortunately. I'm CRAVING heat something fierce.

All my 4 cages are dome tops. I've had play tops in the past (my first Amazon cage + I purchased an A & E play top that I ended up selling), but I find the dome tops give more head room, more room for toys, and more room for an additional perch (or two).

Even though my big macs are in 48" wide cages, I do think a GW could do well in a 40" wide, as long as he gets to spend ample time outside of his cage.

Thanks Wendy, funny you say that about the extra head room and toys, I was thinking it BUT the funny thing is both cages have the same exact specs

Technical Details
• Exterior Dimensions: 40"x30"x75"
• Interior Height: 47"
• Bar Spacing: 1"

When you think about "Exterior Dimensions" if they didn't measure from the TOP of the dome there would be problems fitting it into smaller spaces

Has anyone ever seem them in a store side by side?, confused

Look:

8004030 Black

AND

9004030 Black Dome Top Cage

Thanks

Joe

 

[GW.Joe]

I just found out they measure them differently

So I guess I would get the dome top

Thanks Everyone !!

Joe

 

[GW.Joe]

Joe -

Where the heck are you in Delaware Valley??? My daughter goes to DelVal College and we live about 20 minutes north in Upper Bucks right below Quakertown. Small world

Are you getting a baby GW or adopting? If you are adopting, you might want to see how they behave before getting a playtop. As wonderful as Max is, he gets some kinda complex when he is above head level. So, if you are not sure about behavior, I would suggest leaving the playtop off til you know what you're dealing with. And they can be super protective of cages, so anyone playing on the playtop and steps foot too far down may lose a toe or more. I would never put Max in a playtop for safety.... I hope you have a much different experience and a playtop works for you, great space saver

Hi Jen,

Small World indeed, I am about 15 miles west of Philly near King of Prussia, All of us Delaware Valley people should meet up with our birds and have a picnic this summer at one of our houses !!

We are getting a baby GW, I would LOVE to take a rescue but all my life we have taken older birds and never had a baby, after my father's bird died in October I promised my kids we would get a baby, I do however have plans to get another bird when we move to our little "farmette" in DE and I promise to make it a rescue bird!!

I have been told that Macaws in general think they are the boss when they are higher than your eye level, Thanks for the warning

Joe

 

[GW.Joe]

I don't think there are too many of us here in this area of Pa, least no one admits to it congrats on the baby!! Have you picked out a breeder or chosen a baby yet? Birdiebrains down in VA is a great choice. All day driving back and forth, but was well worth it!! Last baby bird, sun conure, came from her. She had some beautiful baby macaws and very well socialized. She has volunteers who come in just to play with the babies, so they get lots of human love time

Look forward to seeing pics and hearing about your baby!!!

Hi Jen,

Well, I am kinda new here, the only people I know that I think are from the area are You, Me and Wendy

I have not picked a breeder yet, I will add Birdiebrains to the growing list
I LOVED the Birdie Cam!! it is on 2 baby GWs today Look:

Live Birdie Cam | Birdie Brains Aviary | Richmond, VA

Anyway, kinda bummed because I didn't realize two things:
1) "Baby" Macaws are not small enough to be in a "Large" Zon cage LOL
(was going to buy a cage the next month)
2) Macaw cages are priced way too high for just "metal"

Anyway my focus now is on finding a cage, Bird Paradise had an A & E 9004030 in their tent sale for $380 bucks BUT a woman on the phone said the cage has a "good size dent at the corner of the cage and some other things wrong with it"

Does anyone know anything about a place called "birdsbyjoe.com" he has a store at 1309 Bound Brook Road Middlesex, NJ 08846

He sent me three pictures of a GW he has for sale, does the bird look alright to any of you experts?

He said the bird is still on one feeding

Thanks !!

Joe

 

[JerseyWendy]

Does "Birds by Joe" offer any health guarantees? How many days would you have to get a new bird checked by an Avian vet?

How old is the baby GW in the photos?

Even though the tail looks pretty ratty, he will lose those feathers with a molt and get new ones.

 

[Kiwibird]

I am not sure on the measurements a macaw needs for a cage, but I believe most people have a double macaw (for a single bird). Typically, you want the largest possible cage. Though, *certain individuals* do ok in a slightly smaller cage when they are out all the time and have other "places" to be besides their cage (i.e. a play stand, ropes, perches ect...).

I will say, I would never own another cage without a open play-top. We got a cage where the top opens not really thinking it was that great of a feature, but Kiwi LOVES it. It's like his cage has no roof when it's open (which is pretty much all the time, so long as someone is home) He spends quite a bit of time up there every day (he likes to take afternoon naps ). Though, we ended up having to cut down a thick plastic broom handle to prop it open since the wood dowels just weren't secure enough.

This is the kind of cage we have, only I *think* this one is the appropriate macaw size (we have one more suited for an amazon)- 44"x35"x66" White Vein Dome House Open Play Top Bird Cage

 

[RavensGryf]

I will say, I would never own another cage without a open play-top. We got a cage where the top opens not really thinking it was that great of a feature, but Kiwi LOVES it. It's like his cage has no roof when it's open (which is pretty much all the time, so long as someone is home) He spends quite a bit of time up there every day (he likes to take afternoon naps ). Though, we ended up having to cut down a thick plastic broom handle to prop it open since the wood dowels just weren't secure enough.

Good to hear feedback on the open top cages. They make so many like that these days. Since I'm looking at cages, and will buy fairly soon, I'm really being particular about features.

The ones I've seen so far in person, I didn't like the latches. Not smoothly operating, and awkward. Not sure of the brand.

Also, my concern was whether it would be good for someone who has to open and close it several times a day sometimes. Putting the perch up there to prop it open, it's just one more step to do (instead of just open/close a door). Though I know that sounds ridiculous since it's not that hard to do and only takes a few seconds, but I think still a valid point for someone who might be in and out of the house all day some days (so doing it several times a day) is a little more tedious. Maybe I shouldn't think it's such a big deal.
...and where does the perch go when it's not propping the top open? Is it just out? I guess it could double as a "stick" when you have to move an angry bird with a stick.
Also, if the bird doesn't sit on the perch, and chooses to sit the other direction on the side of the propped open top, that could be an extra mess to clean up as poop drips down the sides... Especially if you have toys hanging up there. I'd hate that :52:

I'm keeping an open mind though. I can't decide whether I want another dome top, play top, or open top style this time.

 

[Kiwibird]

I will say, I would never own another cage without a open play-top. We got a cage where the top opens not really thinking it was that great of a feature, but Kiwi LOVES it. It's like his cage has no roof when it's open (which is pretty much all the time, so long as someone is home) He spends quite a bit of time up there every day (he likes to take afternoon naps ). Though, we ended up having to cut down a thick plastic broom handle to prop it open since the wood dowels just weren't secure enough.

Good to hear feedback on the open top cages. They make so many like that these days. Since I'm looking at cages, and will buy fairly soon, I'm really being particular about features.

The ones I've seen so far in person, I didn't like the latches. Not smoothly operating, and awkward. Not sure of the brand.

Also, my concern was whether it would be good for someone who has to open and close it several times a day sometimes. Putting the perch up there to prop it open, it's just one more step to do (instead of just open/close a door). Though I know that sounds ridiculous since it's not that hard to do and only takes a few seconds, but I think still a valid point for someone who might be in and out of the house all day some days (so doing it several times a day) is a little more tedious. Maybe I shouldn't think it's such a big deal.
...and where does the perch go when it's not propping the top open? Is it just out? I guess it could double as a "stick" when you have to move an angry bird with a stick.
Also, if the bird doesn't sit on the perch, and chooses to sit the other direction on the side of the propped open top, that could be an extra mess to clean up as poop drips down the sides... Especially if you have toys hanging up there. I'd hate that :52:

I'm keeping an open mind though. I can't decide whether I want another dome top, play top, or open top style this time.

We just got the largest cage we could find at a local store (none of which specialized in large birds) because Kiwi's first cage collapsed (a bunch of welds at the bottom all popped one morning). Didn't really think about features, just needed a cage ASAP and couldn't wait for one to be shipped. But after owning it, the open top is really a benefit for Kiwi. Especially since the cage is a little smaller than we would have got had we had time to order one. I just stick the perch under the cage when it isn't open. We eventually used a thick plastic broom handle instead of wood dowels because Kiwi liked to nibble the ends and make them very unsteady (which he can't do with the plastic). The latch was difficult when we first got it, but it has loosened up over time and become much easier to open. It takes under 30 seconds to open/close it. Kiwi poops off the side, so it gets on the seed guard or floor (which we have covered). I guess he could poop the other way (into the cage) but he doesn't. Kiwi's toys are also pretty much all plastic (thats what he likes playing with) and easily washable if they get pooped on, but I could see that being an issue with dyed wood toys or cardboard/raffia foraging toys that aren't washable. I let poop dry and use a plastic label scraper for poop on the painted metal and a metal paint scraper for poop on perches (in between whole cage scrubbings). Poop has not been any more of an issue than it is with any other cage.

I guess I'm not a huge fan of the other type of play top because it's one more tray to line with newspaper and I would imagine it more difficult to clean up high (especially with a macaw sized cage). I like that any mess he makes up on his cage will go on the floor to be vacuumed up or into the bottom of the cage. Just my opinion of course, everyones birds are different and needs are different

 

[kendrafitz]

Joe - out of curiosity, I called Bird Paradise to see if they had any GW babies in (I got my Rosie there). She said that they are expecting a shipment in the next two weeks. If you were to call with $100 deposit over the phone you would be guaranteed a baby. Thought that might help.

They do offer a health guarantee and I have never had any health problems with Rosie. I also found they were very, very helpful with me as I was a first time bird owner. I was there every day for 1 1/2 months and the staff was very good with teaching me and putting up with my million and one questions.

PS - I only live about 20 min from BP so if you want me to check out the cage and send you pics, just let me know. I was thinking about heading over tomorrow anyway.

 

[JerseyWendy]

Kendra, YOU ROCK!!

 

[GW.Joe]

Does "Birds by Joe" offer any health guarantees? How many days would you have to get a new bird checked by an Avian vet?

How old is the baby GW in the photos?

Even though the tail looks pretty ratty, he will lose those feathers with a molt and get new ones.

I just called him and he says the bird is between 5 & 6 months (the store is closed today and he has to check the paperwork) 72 hrs to get bird checked by an Avian vet, 3 month guarantee

He says they don't rush taking the birds off the last feeding if they don't have a deposit, quote : "keeps them friendlier"

I was concerned about WHY the bird looked that way, I just felt like maybe the bird was left alone in a big cage and didn't have enough "care"

Kinda surprised there was no blanky in the cage
After all a "store" is most likely not quite the same as a "breeder"

So unsure about all this, This is a very big deal for my kids and I, this bird will be out of the cage and treated like a real person most of the day and night, I wonder if a baby bird that sits unattended all night and days that the store is closed grows up to be a bit maladjusted??

At first he said he wanted $2250 for the bird (even though on birdbreeders.com he has it listed for $1950) Once I told him Bird Paradise was much cheaper he told me he would give me the bird WITH a kings 40 X 30 that a macaw "chewed the powder coat paint off" for $1900

I feel somewhat apprehensive about him

He does not remember me but that is the second time he changed a price while talking to me (another bird he was selling) Am I wrong to get a funny feeling because he changes prices?

feeling slightly frustrated....

 

[kendrafitz]

Jen - Phyllis is nice, isn't she? She wasn't there that much when I was, but she was so full of great information and so friendly!

I am with Jen, they do care about their birds. They remember Rosie and know me. The girls always ask how she is. I didn't know if it was bc I was a daily pita for them, but it sounds like that may be the case for most of their birds. which really says a lot!

 

[GW.Joe]

PS - I only live about 20 min from BP so if you want me to check out the cage and send you pics, just let me know. I was thinking about heading over tomorrow anyway.

Aww, Kendra, that's SO Nice of you!! I'll PM you my email address to send the pictures, or you could post them here, Thank You So Much :smile015:

 

[Birdman666]

I use macaw sized playtops for all my birds except my greenwing. She's in a double macaw dometop. That big old tail gets in the way...

Not that any of my birds actually spend much time INSIDE their cages...

 

[JerseyWendy]

I just called him and he says the bird is between 5 & 6 months (the store is closed today and he has to check the paperwork) 72 hrs to get bird checked by an Avian vet, 3 month guarantee

He says they don't rush taking the birds off the last feeding if they don't have a deposit, quote : "keeps them friendlier"

I was concerned about WHY the bird looked that way, I just felt like maybe the bird was left alone in a big cage and didn't have enough "care"

Kinda surprised there was no blanky in the cage
After all a "store" is most likely not quite the same as a "breeder"

So unsure about all this, This is a very big deal for my kids and I, this bird will be out of the cage and treated like a real person most of the day and night, I wonder if a baby bird that sits unattended all night and days that the store is closed grows up to be a bit maladjusted??

At first he said he wanted $2250 for the bird (even though on birdbreeders.com he has it listed for $1950) Once I told him Bird Paradise was much cheaper he told me he would give me the bird WITH a kings 40 X 30 that a macaw "chewed the powder coat paint off" for $1900

I feel somewhat apprehensive about him

He does not remember me but that is the second time he changed a price while talking to me (another bird he was selling) Am I wrong to get a funny feeling because he changes prices?

feeling slightly frustrated....

I don't like the sound of this one bit, Joe. The store owners should NOT give you different prices. He should sell the bird for exactly what he's asking on birdbreeders.

Here's the thing with cages where the powder coat has been chewed off: Once there are chunks missing, and it's visible (it will be VERY visible in light colored cages), then the chances the bird will continue to nibble on them is high. Also, rust will develop quicker over areas where the paint has been gnawed off.

Did you call Ursula @ Fancy Feathers by any chance (Blackwood, NJ)? That's where I got my Niko from. She takes exceptional care of her birds, they are all spoiled and much loved. Now she does NOT sell unweaned babies, not ever.

I'd still suggest you'd take a ride to Bird Paradise and check the place out for yourself. Make sure to bring very little money, as you will otherwise spend it all. :54: Make a wish list, if you want to, and then order your things online. Their online prices are almost always cheaper than in store. NO clue why that is. Of course this does not apply to tent sales. You can get phenomenal deals when they have those, including on Java trees, cages, and toys.

 

[RavensGryf]

Hmm... Sounds a bit like a 'wheeler dealer' attitude to me (the other guy, not you Joe)

Throwing in a free cage with the powder coat all chipped off? He'll give you a 'deal' if you help get rid of his junk? So what does that mean, rust showing or bare bars susceptible to rust? I'd say no. (Not to mention doesn't look good either).