Corner Cage for Macaw? Protect Walls?

I don't have a macaw yet, but I'm considering a Greenwing rescue. He probably will start out with a bit of time in his cage and/or on top of his cage til he can be handled more. I'm in a smaller house (about 1000 square feet not including the spacious attic and basement) and my husband is a little concerned about all the room that a cage will take up in our livingroom. I was wondering what everyone's thoughts on a large corner cage are. Of course the bird's needs come first, but a corner cage might "blend" into our livingroom a little better. Thoughts?

I found this one at Bird Cages For Less. The larger size.

https://birdcages4less.com/page/B/PROD/PA5751

The macaw would come with his cage at the rescue which I think is probably decent sized. However, it is pretty worn. I could get it re-powder coated possibly.

How do you protect the walls behind your cages? I noticed Roger (the Greenwing) holds onto the side of his cage and projective poops out the side. Yay, lol. Plus if I got him, I'd offer him chop which we know can get flung around onto walls and floors. So, how do you protect your walls?

that cage looks okay if he'll be out for quite a bit of the day, the main thing to remember is once all the different perches and toys and of course big bird are in the cage what was once quite big suddenly becomes quite small, at minimum he needs to be able to flap his wings inside the cage. Of course you could just get a square cage and just have the door open in one direction, the issue I find with cages like that is they don't have the same inner space as a square cage of the same size because you still have that floor space reserved for the cage. Plus you can probably save a bit of money on a more traditional square one.

As for protecting the walls I've seen some people hang up some clear vinyl sheets on hooks that can be taken off the wall and wiped down easily.

Also if you can try and visit the guy as much as possible at the rescue to get him used to you and hopefully make his transition to your home a bit easier

Optimally he would be out for most of the day, but there would be times I have to run errands, or if he had some aggression issues to work through with my son and dog, he might be limited somewhat at first.

Actually at the rescue his cage is packed with so many toys he can barely move around in it and he can't stretch his wings at all. Maybe I can ask them about letting me reorganize his cage a little to give him some more room. He's a little scared though. I don't want to upset him or be a cause of concern for him just yet, since we are still getting to know each other.

LOL, I saw this and just went *nope* *nope* *nope* *nope*.
(Not every eloquent, so here goes in a slightly more civilized language :

We went through all the arguments with that nice man (from China ? I think)- who got a gorgeous babymacaw and with the best intentions put his bird in one of these.
It was no fun for the bird.
Those cages look massive- but the larger macaws cannot even turn around in them (without folding their tail almost double, and causes them a lot of stress).

So plze do not go there!
Not with one of the large birds (it you wanted a tiel I'd applaud you of course - sizewise, maybe not the best in terms of barspacing)
A square cage may look horrible, large and is without any doubt very present, but the bird will thank you for it.



A really large cage *may* be the end of projectile pooping- once there are many comfortable perches to choose from, he may not even bother.
(Japie craps the corner of the cage- one foot on every side and completely covers the vertical part/ unless I put some bundles of willow there to block his attempts -then he craps like a normal bird: from his perch on the tray)

Or he could be one of those "do not poop in your nest/place where you sleep" birds ...
(Appie was like that, she would keep everything inside till I opened the cagedoor, she'd climb outside and *really* empty the cargohold.
A much larger cage cleared that up right away: is was no longer a nest but an aviary ... or something like that, in her brain.)


but... showercurtains, cheap, easy, not very 'design'
or the stuff you can get to cover your table instead of tablecloth - use like a big poster, wallpaper of hang like (shower)curtains.
It you want to go stylish: use those nice rails for hanging pictures and make some hanging banners (like those fancy tapestries of old). make some tunnels on top and bottom, stick in a broomstick (or something smaller) so it hangs nice taut and flat...
you can do any design you like and even use your favorite ones and just weatherproof them (parrotsafe of course!! maybe with wax? ) and wipe or exchange &wash every day...


on the floor... those protect-your-carpet-thingies for office chairs? (IKEA etc.)


I have some old (yup IKEA& craighslist aka MP again) sliding doors with glass panels behind the cages - they look fun (slightly japanese themed) and are glas&metal so will last a looooooong time.

might be worth asking the rescue if they can have a move around of some of his toys.

It sounds like you're getting pretty prepared for diving in at the deep end! I'm sure he will do fine with you, just remember that if he ever bites it wont be 'aggression' but more likely fear driving it, Check out some of the stickied threads on macaws and also check out some of the stickies on the Amazon forums. I myself have only had a tiny green cheek and found that stuff said there applies even to those little guys.

Be careful with a dog around as the predator instinct is still hard imprinted into their DNA and even well trained is hard for them to overcome, I'm sure you're aware a dog's saliva alone can be fatal to a bird, Personally I would keep them separated at all times, even supervised accidents do happen.

Lastly just to also make sure, I'm sure you've been made aware by the rescue but all teflon/PTFE/PFOA products needs to be out of the house, normally in cookware, some cooking appliances, hair appliances. All scented products need to go, air fresheners, cleaning sprays, spray on deodorant and perfume , typical cleaners outside of basic soap, white vinegar and steam cleaners are all lethal to birds.

With deodorant and perfume they can be used in small amounts but never in the same room as the bird, I would keep them to final things before leaving the house that you use in the bathroom.

Alrighty, no corner cage. Any advice for cage options that might "blend" with a room better or appear as "decorative". I know, I know, that's not the most important thing, but since I'm looking at cages, I thought I might explore options. (Currently can't afford stainless steel.)

Thank you LordTriggs. I'm aware of teflon issues and cleaner issues. With my two conures, I've phased out a number of things and beefed up on my knowledge of bird safety. My husband hates scents, so we don't burn candles, use air fresheners, or any perfume, etc. ... I supervise any time my dog and my birds (two conures) are in the same room together. I have a feeling my dog will be intimidated by a big mac, but I won't leave it to chance. Thank you for the reminders.

I suck at decorative or even design, my house (and cagecollection) is just a mishmash of everything that is practical and/or affordable (preferably both).

Good macawcages are huge... so it's what you find the least annoying/ offensive to look at:
* a very flat top
(with maybe a playtop option if your ceiling is high enough?)
* or a dome
(they claim to offer more inner room- I am not that good at math so I'll just take that as "sellers promotional speach")
* or go bananaas/all the way and build an indoor aviary to your own taste and bird-appropriate specs..


Ideally a bird would never spend a second in a cage, but the modern-house-parrot knows (for its own safety) that is not always an option.

If you are worried about walls, pick up a FRP panel from Lowes, Menards, etc. I just put our Amazon's cage in front of the living room window. He seems to like to watch the cars drive by and talk to anyone walking on the street.

I know you asked about the cage, but I am responding to one of your responses-
If the bird is having aggression issues with son or dog at first, my thought would be for them to limit their contact WITHOUT locking up the bird...Obviously this depends on certain things, but often, keeping a bird locked up will only worsen the problems.. (even if the bird is biting etc) of course, this depends on the reason for the biting and the bird's background (neglect and abuse can change things a lot). Is this guy/girl a rescue?
Have you had larger birds in the past? (I see Conures on your current list)--Don't get me wrong, they are plenty of bird for the average person. I just didn't know how much experience you had with the larger beaks and Macaw quirks.

So, a cage along these lines would be a better option? I feel like it might be overkill if the bird spends most of its time outside of the cage, but it might make me feel better on the times when he does have to be in (and/or I have to be away for a few days).

King's Cages - Avian and Pet Bird Cages, Supplies, Food, Toys, Perches, Aviaries, Pluck No More

Maybe if I end up bringing the macaw home, I'll just use the cage at the rescue for a bit and see how my and the bird's relationship develops. Then I'll have a better idea if we can do mostly out of cage time or rather we will have to work towards that for awhile. Just really want to get the bird into an awesome cage. He deserves good things to happen to him.

Noodles123, thank you. The bird is a rescue. Was bought as a breeder bird by a trucker who never spent time with him. I don't think he was socialized very well, but he's come a long way from what he used to be I'm told.

I've been working a little with the macaws at the rescue, but my macaw experience is limited. I do have experience clicker training and thoroughly enjoy learning about bird behavior and trying to communicate in ways they understand. I enjoy animal training and have worked with dogs, horses, and my conures. I'm just starting to work with the Greenwing at the rescue and figure it will be awhile before he would be ready for anything serious. We'll see.

If the bird is willing to stay on top of his cage and/or stand, he should be able to be out most of the time I'm home (except when I'm cooking supper). If I brought him home, we would work on reinforcing stationing. My only concern would be if he would get down to chase my son or dog or if we would lunge at them when they walked by his cage. That might take a bit more thought, but I haven't seen this type of aggressive behavior from him while outside of his cage.

Mgarvie, currently I have my conures play stands in front of our big picture window. My male is loving it.

You might look into station training if he doesn't stay put.
It is GREAT that you are getting to interact with him ahead of time!

Keep in mind, anytime a bird goes from one environment to another there will be an awkward period of adjustment!

Yes that big cage is an option but it is overkill for a bird basically never in it. 40x30 is the min for the larger macaws. If you look at kingscages you’ll find larger cage options that aren’t the double cage like the one you found. They can be a pain to clean because of the removable divider in the middle. Like the European style ones that are like 45x29. Or 4ft by 3ft one.

Macaw cages don’t really blend in well. We have ours in spare bedrooms not the main area. You can get big sheets of paper and use painters tape to tape them on the wall. Or get a shower curtain for the back.

Just my thoughts - I think it might be a good idea to keep his current cage for a bit if you do end up bringing him home. He’s used to it and it might be comfortingly familiar while he acclimates to a new household. This would give you a chance to build a relationship and get a better idea of what his next cage will need to do. The King’s cage that you linked is very nice. I have 2 cages that size and they definitely take up space, but I feel like they are attractive. I will vouch that an attractive washable shower curtain makes a good wall protector and if hung using a nice rod, I can pretend it’s part of the “decor”

I also kinda like this one. Kinda has that elegance thing going on while not being tiny. Is this okay?

King's Cages - Avian and Pet Bird Cages, Supplies, Food, Toys, Perches, Aviaries, Pluck No More

Yeah, now that I'm thinking about it, I'm leaning towards keeping him in the original cage during the adjustment period if and when I bring him home. But I do like to have an idea in mind what I'm looking for and whats out there. Then I watch for sales. Black Friday and Cyber Monday aren't that far off. Maybe I can snag something then.

I don't know about the cage, I'd say whatever is big enough for him to spread his wings and fit comfortably in without being claustrophobic for him. The wall, however, I would opt to just clean it daily with some water and dishsoap. It would drive me insane to look at a tacky shower curtain hanging on my wall, I'd rather look at the bird poop lol.

ChristaNL said:

LOL, I saw this and just went *nope* *nope* *nope* *nope*.
(Not every eloquent, so here goes in a slightly more civilized language :

Click to expand...

Hehehe, great post! Having only owned smaller birds I never thought about the Macaw's tail and might have looked at a corner cage myself if needed.
Thanks

PCash said:

I also kinda like this one. Kinda has that elegance thing going on while not being tiny. Is this okay?

King's Cages - Avian and Pet Bird Cages, Supplies, Food, Toys, Perches, Aviaries, Pluck No More

Yeah, now that I'm thinking about it, I'm leaning towards keeping him in the original cage during the adjustment period if and when I bring him home. But I do like to have an idea in mind what I'm looking for and whats out there. Then I watch for sales. Black Friday and Cyber Monday aren't that far off. Maybe I can snag something then.

Click to expand...

Yes that’s one of the big ones! The shelter owner had her hyacinth in that one and the rescue had pairs (mostly blue and gold pairs) in that one.

Awesome. Thanks.

Anyone know about HQ cages? This one seems pretty big. I've heard about Kings, California and A&E, but not HQ. Thoughts?

https://www.birdscomfort.com/hq-big-bird-cage.html

I like HQ. I have two, both bought from Centurion Cages in the last 6 months as they will transport them to bird fairs for free and at great prices.(36x28 for 450 and 40x30 for 500 both play tops)

Are they perfect....no..but they are better than most all cages coming from China. And unless you pay for a custom cage they all come from China.

FYI Centurion recently(in the last 18 months) switched from A&E to HQ. The reason was quality of the cages they were getting.

I am currently thinking about building a custom stainless cage. I have all the skills and all the equipment, just don't have the materials. And I enjoy TIG welding stainless