UGH!!! I'm so disgusted!

Qtpyinnj · Jan 13, 2017

I actually logged on to ask about stainless steel cages, but I noticed someone has already asked. I figured I'd start a new thread in hopes of getting more responses.

I've only had Shades' cage since the beginning of October, and two of the coasters broke off today as I was moving it to clean it. For now, I have it propped up, but I'm concerned about the other two coasters breaking while he is in it. Yes, I did purchase the cage from ebay, and yes it was made in China.I understand I have no one to blame but myself. I HATE when I go against my gut instincts. I always regret it in the end. I'm so angry with myself. :17:

So, with all of that said, which manufactures do you recommend? At this point, I am willing to go stainless, but I was hoping I would not have too because the space where his cage is only will accommodate a 32x23. I was planning on going larger after we buy our own house next year.

Please, any thoughts at all would be appreciated. I need to ask fast to get him a new cage. Good grief, when it rains, it pours. :17:

wrench13 · Jan 13, 2017

Hate to tell you but your stainless cage will be made in CHina, too.

Qtpyinnj · Jan 13, 2017

wrench13 said:
Hate to tell you but your stainless cage will be made in CHina, too.

I was hoping you'd reply. Really!?! Shucks! I need a to get him a "good, sturdy" cage. Any suggestions?

Are Kings any good, that you know of? I've seen the same, or very similar cage on Amazon, but it was sold by Kings.

HELP!!!

GaleriaGila · Jan 13, 2017

Kings' are well-reputed...
But ya know what I do?
I go to local pet stores and inspect the cages up close and personal(ly).
I figure makers change, models change, yadda yadda... I find one that is here and now suitable and then I get it!

P.S.
Some stores will assemble and/or deliver for a fee...

SailBoat · Jan 13, 2017

Today's World: 98 percent of Parrot Cages are made by maybe three or less China Based Manufactures!

We have been buying from Bird Cages 4 Less for years. The oldest cage is just short of 18 years old, with the youngest being 4 years old. The cage we buy for our Amazons is:

Lani Kai Lodge PLaytop Large Bird Cage - 32"W x 22"D X 64"H with a price of $ 350.00.

NOTE: Since the size of the vertical cage section being all about the same size (but check measurements) you should be able to order replacement parts for your cage. It is important to note that the Coasters are a weak point with all cage manufacturers regardless of Country of Manufacturer.

The Coaster, regardless of Manufacturer is not designed for moving much further than moving the Cage to one side of the other to clean under it. I know that does not make you happy, but it is a reality. Most people will break one or more and quickly learn that lifting and moving is a reality over anything more that a piece of newspaper.

Birds Cages 4 Less also sell Stainless Steel Cages.

I truly understand your frustration! I have broken more than a couple over the last 45 years.

Qtpyinnj · Jan 13, 2017

GaleriaGila said:
Kings' are well-reputed...
But ya know what I do?
I go to local pet stores and inspect the cages up close and personal(ly).
I figure makers change, models change, yadda yadda... I find one that is here and now suitable and then I get it!

P.S.
Some stores will assemble and/or deliver for a fee...

I just might do that. Thanks for suggesting it.

Kentuckienne · Jan 13, 2017

We have a big ol' King's cage for Gus the macaw and it's excellent, very good quality. I have seen similar cages for sale on Craigslist, if we had thought to look before we would have bought one, they are often a quarter the price of a new one and can be steam cleaned and sterilized. If there happens to be worn area, clean off all the rust and paint with epoxy spray paint or appliance paint. You can save mucho dinero to spend on toys and whatnots.

Qtpyinnj · Jan 13, 2017

SailBoat said:
Today's World: 98 percent of Parrot Cages are made by maybe three or less China Based Manufactures!

We have been buying from Bird Cages 4 Less for years. The oldest cage is just short of 18 years old, with the youngest being 4 years old. The cage we buy for our Amazons is:

Lani Kai Lodge PLaytop Large Bird Cage - 32"W x 22"D X 64"H with a price of $ 350.00.

NOTE: Since the size of the vertical cage section being all about the same size (but check measurements) you should be able to order replacement parts for your cage. It is important to note that the Coasters are a weak point with all cage manufacturers regardless of Country of Manufacturer.

The Coaster, regardless of Manufacturer is not designed for moving much further than moving the Cage to one side of the other to clean under it. I know that does not make you happy, but it is a reality. Most people will break one or more and quickly learn that lifting and moving is a reality over anything more that a piece of newspaper.

Birds Cages 4 Less also sell Stainless Steel Cages.

I truly understand your frustration! I have broken more than a couple over the last 45 years.

Thank you for chiming in. Your post has been very helpful, and honest. That's really discouraging to hear that most cages are made in China. I was hoping there would be more American made manufacturers.

I only move his cage to clean it, but I will make sure I find a way to do so without moving it too much from now on. His cage is stable right now, but I still need to find either a way to replace to casters or just get him a new cage.

Do you think I could use the inserts to replace the casters? The casters were actually a part of the stand assembly, and I just screwed them on.

qtpyinnj-albums-shades-picture17564-plastic-insert-1.jpg

Here is how the actual caster from the cage looks:
http://www.parrotforums.com/members/qtpyinnj-albums-shades-picture17562-img-2991.jpg

The piece is my hand was inside the hollow leg of the stand
http://www.parrotforums.com/members/qtpyinnj-albums-shades-picture17563-img-2992.jpg

This pic shows how the caster screwed into the leg of the stand.

SailBoat · Jan 14, 2017

Qtpyinnj said:
SailBoat said:

Today's World: 98 percent of Parrot Cages are made by maybe three or less China Based Manufactures!

We have been buying from Bird Cages 4 Less for years. The oldest cage is just short of 18 years old, with the youngest being 4 years old. The cage we buy for our Amazons is:

Lani Kai Lodge PLaytop Large Bird Cage - 32"W x 22"D X 64"H with a price of $ 350.00.

NOTE: Since the size of the vertical cage section being all about the same size (but check measurements) you should be able to order replacement parts for your cage. It is important to note that the Coasters are a weak point with all cage manufacturers regardless of Country of Manufacturer.

The Coaster, regardless of Manufacturer is not designed for moving much further than moving the Cage to one side of the other to clean under it. I know that does not make you happy, but it is a reality. Most people will break one or more and quickly learn that lifting and moving is a reality over anything more that a piece of newspaper.

Birds Cages 4 Less also sell Stainless Steel Cages.

I truly understand your frustration! I have broken more than a couple over the last 45 years.

Click to expand...

Thank you for chiming in. Your post has been very helpful, and honest. That's really discouraging to hear that most cages are made in China. I was hoping there would be more American made manufacturers.

I only move his cage to clean it, but I will make sure I find a way to do so without moving it too much from now on. His cage is stable right now, but I still need to find either a way to replace to casters or just get him a new cage.

Do you think I could use the inserts to replace the casters? The casters were actually a part of the stand assembly, and I just screwed them on.

Here is how the actual caster from the cage looks:
http://www.parrotforums.com/members/qtpyinnj-albums-shades-picture17562-img-2991.jpg

The piece is my hand was inside the hollow leg of the stand
http://www.parrotforums.com/members/qtpyinnj-albums-shades-picture17563-img-2992.jpg

This pic shows how the caster screwed into the leg of the stand.

Normally they pop in with applied pressure. The only three measurements that matter are: will it fit into the cages' vertical section, will the caster shaft fit into the insert, is the insert the correct length to allow the caster to spin around. nothing else matters.

The Cages are coming out of China because of Price Point and Manufacturing Volume! Add the falling demand, and the number of manufactures had been falling for a number of years.

When we purchased the first cage now 18 years ago it cost us 650 USD, the newer cage cost us 350 USD 3 years ago.

plumsmum2005 · Jan 14, 2017

I purchased Plum a new cage last year a Montana I think? It arrived with dodgy castors and inserts so we ordered new from a different supplier and it is much stronger as a result. If they are weak they just buckle under with any movement which is not good. Cost an extra £20 but worth it knowing that the cage is safe now. My recommendation for what it is worth. I was interested in a Kings and was told they were looking for alternative manufacturing, guess where, China more than likely, money rules!

plumsmum2005 · Jan 14, 2017

I actually wanted a Kings cage that is on their home page and they have no stock and had not sorted a new manufacturer, sounded pretty lackadaisical.

FYI Re casters - RS Components in UK and will supply worldwide but I am sure you will find somewhere more local.

I purchased a Montana cage that then disappeared and is now available again but under a different name Liberta I think? Are they all the same company now?

Scott · Jan 15, 2017

I have the impression Kings is a reputable company, so hope they are not resorting to a bait-and-switch method? They ought to remove the image until a supplier is sourced.

Castors do seem an afterthought from a quality POV. Most folks rightly demand rugged and safe cage construction with lead-free coatings. The latest batch of cages purchased have spindly castors that will soon need replacement.

wrench13 · Jan 15, 2017

McMaster-Carr for replacements of any kind of caster.

Qtpyinnj · Jan 18, 2017

So, I'm just going to purchase 4 inserts and casters from King's Cages, but I want to get your opinions. The casters they sell have 1 inch insert rods. I have several casters that are similar, but the rods are less than 1 inch. Should I take a chance with what I have, or just order some new ones? Thanks!

Qtpyinnj · Jan 18, 2017

wrench13 said:
McMaster-Carr for replacements of any kind of caster.

Do you think I could use this clamp on the cage legs, just to give it some extra reinforcement? The legs are not round, but square. What are your thought? Thanks!

https://www.mcmaster.com/#standard-hose-clamps/=15yua6z

Qtpyinnj · Jan 18, 2017

Kentuckienne said:
We have a big ol' King's cage for Gus the macaw and it's excellent, very good quality. I have seen similar cages for sale on Craigslist, if we had thought to look before we would have bought one, they are often a quarter the price of a new one and can be steam cleaned and sterilized. If there happens to be worn area, clean off all the rust and paint with epoxy spray paint or appliance paint. You can save mucho dinero to spend on toys and whatnots.

I've checked Craigslist, Offer Up, Let Go, you name it. No go's. Besides the fact they were Filthy with a capital F. I REALLY would like for this cage to hold out for a little while longer. Fingers are crossed.

Qtpyinnj · Jan 18, 2017

Scott said:
I have the impression Kings is a reputable company, so hope they are not resorting to a bait-and-switch method? They ought to remove the image until a supplier is sourced.

Castors do seem an afterthought from a quality POV. Most folks rightly demand rugged and safe cage construction with lead-free coatings. The latest batch of cages purchased have spindly castors that will soon need replacement.

That's why I was leaning toward stainless. Not for it's shininess, but hopeful durability, casters included. I've haven't been in this game long enough to know what you shared in your original reply. You're right, it was discouraging, but was something(s) I need to know. Eh, the truth hurts, whether we want to face it or not.

I did check out Bird Cages 4 Less, by the way. Their options are decent, and they carry a cage in the same design of his current cage. King's also has a cage with the same design. I just hope I can put off replacing it for a little bit longer. We shall see.

davefv92c · Jan 18, 2017

been buying A&E cages they are expensive but good wheels
and they are heavy duty and should never need replaced, maybe new powder coating every 10 years or so just to freshen em up.

Qtpyinnj · Jan 18, 2017

plumsmum2005 said:
I purchased Plum a new cage last year a Montana I think? It arrived with dodgy castors and inserts so we ordered new from a different supplier and it is much stronger as a result. If they are weak they just buckle under with any movement which is not good. Cost an extra £20 but worth it knowing that the cage is safe now. My recommendation for what it is worth. I was interested in a Kings and was told they were looking for alternative manufacturing, guess where, China more than likely, money rules!

Honestly, I justthink the cage I purchased was cheap.

It's one of those things where you need to pay for quality in order to get it. Only sometimes are generics just as good as, or better than the name brands. That's a lesson I'm learning the hard way. Thankfully, the cage is stable. I just cannot move it. I can still keep it clean, and he is still safe, which is what is more important. My plans were to get him a larger cage in the future, and hopefully that furture doesn't come sooner than later. If it does, oh well, that's just life, I guess.

Kentuckienne · Jan 18, 2017

wrench13 said:
McMaster-Carr for replacements of any kind of caster.

Mr. Wrench knows what he's talking about there. McMaster-Carr is not cheap, but they will sell you a single piece of anything and send it the next day. Like, one stainless steel bolt or a piece of carbon fiber rod. Great resource. You can identify a truly nerdy workshop by the presence of that big yellow book. Wrenchie....pirate and nerd and bird trainer? That's a lot of hats.

UGH!!! I'm so disgusted!

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Stainless steel cages

Amazon (the company) ranting and a DIFF cage now

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