New Mommy of Smokey CAG cage advice

[KalolaMcCartney]

I adopted a 7 year old CAG today. I have lots of shopping to do before bringing him/her (don’t know sex yet) home.

Can anyone help me with the best size cage? I want one with a perch area on top. How many perches for the cage do I need, and what sizes and textures are best?

Best portable perches for countertops, etc.

I plan on getting a Java Tree or something similar.

How many toys do you put in the cage. Can you advise on the best kind of toys and where to get them. I plan on making some homemade toys and hear there was a place that has safe wood and supplies for DIY. Can you advise the best place to purchase it?

Stormy’s diet has been Harí Tropican and a top mix, veggies and fruit etc. Is it best to stick with to same food and for how long? Is there anything healthier?

This is my first ever post on a forum so I hope I didn’t break any rules. I’ve had parakeets and a cockatiel. Smokey is my first larger parrot. I’ve spent hundreds of hours on research and feel I haven’t scratched the surface. Any advice is appreciated.

Thank you, Kalola

 

[Tami2]

Hello Kalola,

Welcome to the PFs, glad you joined us.

These are my two large cages for Levi.

W36 D24 H64

W28 D26 H54



Here are two links to help get you started:
http://www.parrotforums.com/congo-timneh-greys/59366-cag-101-a.html

http://www.parrotforums.com/general-parrot-information/49144-tips-bonding-building-trust.html

As far as toys go, it's a preference and not all parrots enjoy the same toys.
But, you'll definitely need foraging, shredding and wood toys to start.

Perches, many and different shapes, sizes and textures wood, rope, pedi-perch, loop-swings etc...

Best of luck and please keep us posted.

 

[Cagzo]

Kalola how exciting for you,Ive always wanted one,but too old now,my little GCC is enough to keep me busy.
I look forward to hearing how you get on with Stormy or is it Smokey?

Tami2. I have a larger version of your 2nd cage for Connie,so probably overkill for her size! I just wanted to make sure there was lots of space as I have 2 cats,so she only comes out at certain times during the day and evening.

 

[KalolaMcCartney]

Thanks so much for the pictures and link. His/her name is Smokey, but for some reason I keep saying Stormy. I have been looking fo 3 years for a parrot. No matter how many other species I researched, it had to be a CAD. I am thrilled, happy and terrified.

 

[Laurasea]

Hi, congratulations!!! What a big day! Welcomed to the forum

 

[KalolaMcCartney]

Phew! New parrot shopping is exhausting. Got the cage and food ordered. Now onto the toys and perches.

Tami2... I got a cage similar to your large one with a playground on top.

I read the articles and found them very informative.

Thanks again. Sorry for the typos. It was late.

 

[Scott]

Welcome Kalola and Smokey, pleased you have joined!

Tammy shared two forms of cages; Dome top and modified Dome top with clamshell doors that open to reveal a play area. If you choose the latter, ensure the perch tightly fits with tension to prevent inadvertent closure of the doors, potentially injuring your bird.

Another variety is flat-top with permanent playpen.

 

[Tami2]

I really like that cage, Scott. When Levi is due for a new one, I'm going for something like this. 6 bowls, nice! :smile049:

 

[Flboy]

I am thrilled, happy and terrified.

The perfect balance! Welcome!

 

[bigfellasdad]

welcome, im so excited for you. My cage is similar to the top one Tami2 has, and enzo loves it. I do like the fold down top entrance, Enzo sits there often.....


Enzo doesnt really play with toys in her cage, but occationally she will destroy every one of them in a day. For food, pellets are best, along with fresh veg and a little fruit a couple of days a week. I have stands and swings in various places in the house, she doesnt use all of them mind, she goes where she pleases in general. Keep electrical cables and dangerous things out of his way and generally keep your eyes on him... think of having a 3yr old toddler in the house for the rest of your life and you wont go far wrong. Awesome creatures.!

 

[Cagzo]

I also like the look of that cage,6 bowls would be so useful,its a good thing we can buy the removable ones that slot over the bars.

I dont use the opening top play area on mine,as Connie plays up if shes above me,wont "step up" and her hackles come up ready to bite! Yet shes fine down lower. I'm still learning,but think Ive got her measure now.��

 

[SailBoat]

We have an Amazon, but they are very near the same size:

That said, we have been buying (in USA) from birdcages4leess.com for years. The cage we use exclusively is their :

Lani Kai Lodge Playtop Large Bird Cage
Size: 32"W x 22"D x 64"H
Price: $449.95, on-sale: $399.95

This cage can be found on their site by selecting cages recommended by Parrots. Select Amazon or CAG, near the bottom you will find listed the above cage.

Features that I have greatly enjoyed over the years;

- Full height front door!!! Until you experience this door style you will not appreciate the ease of entering and maintaining the interior of the cage.
- Large, stainless steel feeding cups. They are large enough to place smaller cups inside them to ease switching out different foods during the day...
- The slide in place Seed Catchers that like others, we simply remove and not use.
- The full function play top, which greatly expand the use of the cage as it provides additional feeding stations and flat area for Foot Toys. We use the upper feed station as storage for Foot Toys.
- Both upper and lower trays that catch everything not thrown. Most metric News Papers fit nicely and easily fold to remove the trash. We elect to not use the upper tray as it can be seen as keeping the cage area darker.
- The side doors for the feed cups stay closed!
- If your CAG is a roamer, you will find that the floor to cage area bars are easy for your CAG to climb up on to the cage.
- The powder coated surfaces are well coated and we have never had a problem with chipping.

Enjoy!