Is this an OK cage for unweaned Amazon?

[n1cktm]

Hey guys,

Finally got a new cage for the unweaned baby until she is ready to move into her permanent cage after weaning is done. Got this from petco really cheap (are their cages/paint parrot safe?)

Cage height is 32" and lxw is 25 x 22.

The baby is about 9weeks old and can fly decently

 

[ShellyBorg]

I would say that was really small. The bars look like they would be hard to grip. I would have gone with the full sized cage and just kept everything really low.

 

[Merlee]

I think it will serve its purpose just fine. You can find another use for it later as a quarantine or hospital cage.

 

[JerseyWendy]

I think the cage you are using is much too small.

I put my Sam in his permanent cage at 7 weeks. I just modified it a bit so that he wouldn't fall deep.

Here are a couple of pictures.

 

[n1cktm]

The one worry I had with a full size cage was her climbing to the top and then falling down but looks like jerseywendy has found a great way around that issue. What are you securing the wood base with?

Also would you mind telling me where you guys bought your cages and what is the ballpark price for a decent/good one. I was trying to find out if I can still buy a quality cage but save some money as well.

 

[ShellyBorg]

craigslist you can find amazing deals! Just clean and bleach and then leave in the sun for a day.

 

[Merlee]

You can find good deals on craigslist, but you can also find good deals for new cages at bird fairs if there are any nearby. Stay away from HQ cages though. Poor craftsmanship - thin paint, sharp welds and wheels that pop out after only 6 months use. I have seen problems with wheels with other cages too. Prices depend on brand, size and model. You would be looking anywhere between $300 and $600 for a decent sized bird. The majority of cages are made in China (surprised?) by a couple of factories so many do look alike except for a few minor details.

If you go used, be sure to inspect for rust and pass if you see any. If you decide to buy new, check out what birdtoyman has available on ebay.com. Many members, including myself, have done business with him.

 

[henpecked]

I'd keep the perches at least 1" dia , 1 1/2" dia natural wood perch would be the best.

 

[JerseyWendy]

The one worry I had with a full size cage was her climbing to the top and then falling down but looks like jerseywendy has found a great way around that issue. What are you securing the wood base with?

Also would you mind telling me where you guys bought your cages and what is the ballpark price for a decent/good one. I was trying to find out if I can still buy a quality cage but save some money as well.

I got 2 pieces of wood that fit through the cage bars and slid them through the cage lenghthwise. Then I use flexboard, cut to the right size and placed that on top of the 2 pieces of wood. I used old bath towels, topped with paper towels.

I had 3 perches in there. A natural wood perch, a pedicure perch AND a rope perch.

I also placed big, heavy ceramic crocks on the bottom filled with fresh food

As Sam got older and less clumsy, but LONG before he weaned, I lowered the wood a little bit each week.

Sam is currently in an A&E cage, THIS one: AE Cage Large Dome Top 40 x 30 Powder Coated - DOME TOP CAGES by Bird Paradise
Yes, it's big, but he utilizes every square inch of it.

My Yellow Nape is in THIS cage: AE Cage Dome Top 36 x 28 Powder Coated - DOME TOP CAGES by Bird Paradise

I had 30% coupons and free shipping, so I didn't pay the full price.

You can check CL, ebay classifieds AND eBay for GREAT cage deals.

 

[Pajarita]

Yes, I agree with the posters that think it's too small and add that the bars are too flimsy (it's a canary cage and not a good one for them either). You are better off buying the 'adult' cage and adapting it to a baby as JerseyWendy did.

 

[baileysdad]

I agree. You need to buy an adult cage and adapt it a it for the first few months.

 

[MikeyTN]

To me I don't see it as a bad thing to start babies in a smaller cage. I do it all the time. They tend to be skittish and unbalanced to begin with so I don't see it as a problem as most do.

 

[Pajarita]

But do you use canary cages or small parrot cages? Because there is a big difference between the two.

 

[MikeyTN]

No not tiny cages but that cage to me is fine to start with the one poster shows. As it should be only used for temporary until he matures a bit like once he's weaned he should be moved into a regular sized parrot cage.