Antique Cages

[stony]

I noticed on ebay some very cool cages. Is there any disease that disinfecting willn't kill ? I know to stay away from painted cages because of lead paint, anything else to worry about with a used cage?

 

[RavensGryf]

As far as cool looking antique cages, I see a lot of decorative cages out there that are only meant as home decor accessories, not as a legitimate cage for a real bird. If you like them, get them for decoration, and get your budgie a legit home .

I wanted to show you these eye catching cages from King's. If you ever got a bird a little bigger than your budgie :54:, because the 5/8" bar spacing is too big for a budgie to be in there safely. Beautiful cages though. IMO these cages need to be 1/2" bars, then would be nice for small birds.

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

 

[OOwl]

I was given an old, iron, very beautiful cage, appropriate for a parrotlet, budgie, or a lovebird (it's 32"x18, with 1/2" bar spacing, and I mean BARS not wires!). It's actually made WAY better than cages made today. It was likely a finch cage of some sort when it was made, probably sometime in the '40s. It is on an iron stand, as well, super heavy, all welded steel (and hand made, well done at that). The entire ensemble weighs over 100 pounds. I couldn't see putting a stupid flower arrangement in that or something. I had it professionally sand-blasted and repowdercoated it in a bird-safe paint. It was more expensive than buying a new cage, but I thought it deserved it. It had sat out in someone's garden for years and years (and was STILL not ruined. . . don't try that with a modern cage). I don't have a bird in it, but I plan on keeping my mom's bird in it (a lovebird) when she stays with me when my mom is out of town. It's beautiful just sitting in the room. It has so many thoughtful features, like the entire back opens up to access everything. Its tray is solid steel, too, really heavy duty. No plastic on this cage. It didn't come with water or food dishes but that was an easy fix. My friend made me really nice custom-fit hardwood perches for it. And I decked it out in rope bridges and toys. I probably wouldn't keep a bird permanently in there, although it is really safe (that baking heat for the powder-coating killed anything that may have ever been in there). But it's a great extra, temporary cage, and it makes me happy to look at it.

 

[stony]

Really like the 2nd open with open top

 

[stony]

Things where just better made back in the day

 

[Sarvesh]

I agree, the antique cages may look pretty but they aren't the best homes for our budgie friends. Imo the prevue f040 is without a doubt one of if not the, best bird cage of all time. and its very reasonably priced last i saw on amazon 89 bucks with free shipping - better than any cage you will find at any petstore - the cages i seen at petco and petsmart are flimsy as can be with half the size and double the price.