vertical vs. horizontal bars on cages?

newclassic · Feb 18, 2013

I'm about to replace my birds' cages, and I'm stuck between two options: a large, wide cage with vertical bars (30lx18wx18h); or a smaller (20lx16x25h) cage with mostly horizontal bars.

My lovebird would be fine with the vertical bars because she's light/agile. Although I'd much prefer the roomier cage for my cockatiel, I feel like the smaller one would be best solely because it has horizontal bars (so he can maneuver around with his beak, which he does frequently in his current cage). What do you guys think?

(also.. is 20x16x25 too small for a medium-sized cockatiel? I'm on a fairly tight budget and couldn't spend more than $100 or so on each cage, but I probably should replace their current cages)

antoinette · Feb 18, 2013

[FONT=&quot]All birds love to climb.
It will make sense that horizontal cage bars are the most desirable for the cage walls. At least two walls of the cage should be horizontal to allow your bird to climb and hang as it chooses.

Vertical bars are difficult for birds to climb. Smooth vertical bars are slippery and birds tend to slip. However, vertical bars are easier to clean since droppings will slide down 1 or 2 bars instead of hitting many bars below.

[/FONT]

MarciaLove · Feb 18, 2013

I think that size is too small for cockatiel bigger is aways better I have found very large cages for very cheap on craigslist and ebayclassifieds check those local sites!

Echo · Feb 19, 2013

Horizontal or vertical, your Cockatiel will climb them just fine. Get the bigger cage you can afford.

SparkkiSparkS · Feb 19, 2013

My birds seem to like the vertical bars better.. I'm not sure why but they favor the sides of their cage that have them. If they want to get to a lower part of the cage or the floor if they're on the outside, they will loosen their grip and slide down them with skill and it's fun to see them do it.

MonicaMc · Feb 20, 2013

Between the two listed, I'd definitely go with the larger one. It's not that big of a cage, but they need a lot of room!

Here's some used cages for ideas...
White Iron Bird Cage - Beautiful!
Small and Medium Bird Cages for Sale (maybe medium white cage with broken base)
Large Parrot Cage with Stand (right on the $100 mark, but a great size!)
BIRD CAGE, Like New! Medium Size! Good Price - See pictures! Call Now! (needs cleaning/sanitizing - everything inside cage tossed out)
Bird Cages - Triple stack and Single (triple stack, may not be ideal for a cockatiel, but it is a space saver...)
2 Bird Cages. $20 Each
Very Very nice Bird Cage
bird cage
white metal bird cage's
Awesome DEAL Big Cage *Like New* w/Stand
Bird cage

Those are only some of the cages in the SF Bay area. This doesn't include Stockton or Sacramento areas, nor does it include other online classified areas, just Craigslist.

Shop around, and I'm sure you could find some good deals on bird cages!

Bird_Mom_to_Coby_the_GW · Feb 20, 2013

Another suggestion for cage purchase for smaller birds is Ebay. I have seen quite a number of cages (new ones) that would be perfect for cockatiels and lovebirds. Most of them run about $100 or just slightly more (which included shipping). They were also a fair bit bigger in size than the ones that you are looking at now.

Brodie · Feb 20, 2013

Sarlets cage has both horizontal and vertical, she's always climbing on the horizontal sides, but my cockatiels cage has both aswell, and he does the opposite! (But he likes to be different) lol

newclassic · Feb 21, 2013

Bird_Mom_to_Coby_the_GW said:
Another suggestion for cage purchase for smaller birds is Ebay. I have seen quite a number of cages (new ones) that would be perfect for cockatiels and lovebirds. Most of them run about $100 or just slightly more (which included shipping). They were also a fair bit bigger in size than the ones that you are looking at now.

It never occurred to me to use Ebay, thanks for the head's up! all the bigger ones seem to have only vertical bars, but I suppose with intelligent branch placement it wouldn't make too much of a difference.

vertical vs. horizontal bars on cages?

newclassic

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Sleeper cage??

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