15 Reasons You Shouldn't Ignore Macaw Cage
Wiki Article
Choosing a Macaw Cage
The best cage can make a difference for a macaw's pet. It can help strengthen the bonding between the bird and help it thrive.
To keep a macaw happy and stimulated, it's important to provide plenty of toys in the cage. The best method to select the best cage for your pet is to make an informed decision.
Size
Macaws, which are the largest of domesticated birds require a cage that is large enough to accommodate their size. These intelligent birds require plenty of space for play and exercise. They also enjoy stimulating toys in their cages to keep them engaged throughout the day. The ideal cage should be at minimum 3 feet wide, 2.5 feet deep, and 6 feet tall.
The recommended minimum cage size for macaws is 1.5 to 2x the bird's wingspan to allow them to exercise and move around. However, if you decide to place perches, toys, feeders, and food stations in the cage, that will take up space and cause less space for wing exercise.
In addition to the size of a macaw's cage it is also important to consider its height, since their tails can be as long as their body. It is essential that the cage is tall enough to stop the bird from scraping its tail against cage walls when it turns around.
Another thing to consider is the size of the bars in the cage. Macaws are robust birds with sturdy feet and beaks, so make sure the bars of the cage are constructed from strong metal. They must also have enough space to keep your bird's fingers from getting trapped. You also want to avoid cage variations that might affect your bird's safety like round cages or cages with decorative scrollwork.
Selecting a reputable large cage for your macaw is an investment that will ensure the health and well-being of this magnificent pet. The right cage gives your pet the space it requires to enjoy a healthy and enjoyable life. It also allows you to spend time with him, and interact with him beyond the confines of the cage.
If you are ready to purchase a beautiful cage for your macaw bird, check out our range of cages at Bird Cages 4 Less. From the larger Empire Macaw Cage 3157 to the deluxe Double Macaw Bird Cage with Divider We have a cage ideal for your bird and will look stunning in your home.
Bar Spacing
The best macaw cages have large bases and made from durable materials. These cages are a great fit for birds that like to climb and hang out. They also provide security for the bird. These features can stop the bird from accidentally fleeing and also stop them from stealing toys or chewing on them they find in their cage.
Another important aspect to consider when choosing the cage is the bar spacing. The cage should have bars that are not too close together as birds could get their head or feet stuck between them while climbing. This can be very hazardous for birds, so the spacing between bars should be at a minimum of 3/8 inch or 1/2 inch in the case of small finches. For larger parrots the bar spacing must be at least 3/4 inch or 1 inch apart.
The cage should be spacious and easy to open door. This will make it easier to clean the cage and also access water and food. The front door must also be birdproof. The cage should also have an area for a grate as well as a perch because birds like to rest on the perch as well as the grate. The cage should have a sliding tray, a swing-out feeder door and a bird-safety railing.
Lastly, the cage should be rectangular or square in shape instead of round because the odd angles could hinder toes and make it difficult for birds to maneuver. Avoid cages that have mesh on the sides and the top because birds are able to gnaw through it. Galvanized cages must be cleaned thoroughly since the process could leave traces of zinc and other metals on the wire that are toxic to birds.
A cage can give your pet happiness or even frustration. Take the time to carefully look at the factors mentioned above before you purchase an animal cage. When you choose the right cage for your bird's needs you will be able to give your pet happier and healthier life, and you will be happy too.
Toys
Macaws are intelligent birds, great talkers, and live long (up to 100 years). They can also be very destructive so it is important that their cages and toys offer plenty of entertainment and stimulation.
They are very social and like to interact with their owners, so having a variety of toys to play with together or individually is vital. It is also important to provide lots of chewing material to keep their powerful beaks engaged. For instance my cockatoo Lily would love to tear books and then make them into "confetti" which she would fling around the room for hours. Unfortunately, I had to spend many hours cleaning up the confetti each day!
There are numerous toys that are available specifically for parrots, however some of the best ones you can find might already be present in your home. Natural branches, such as those exotic bird purchase found in the outdoors, can entertain for hours and can also be used to make hand or foot toys. Untreated lumber from your local home improvement store, or an establishment for woodworking can be a cheap toy that will give your bird endless hours of enjoyment. The key is to have plenty of non-toxic, clean branches that can be strung from the bars of their cage and handed to them in small pieces. Some of these branches can also be spliced with sisal or cotton and rope to create various toys.
If you have a cockatoo, or other bird that isn't used to playing with toys, it may take some time and patience to convince them to play with them. Try to keep the toys out of their sight initially and then slowly move them into their closer view. The majority of birds eventually be able to play with toys they don't have.
If you want a larger cage that will accommodate your Macaw, we offer various stainless steel cages and aviaries in sizes that are perfect for this species of large bird. You can also buy an individual birdcage made for this type of large bird so you can be sure it is secure and sturdy enough to hold up to their powerful beaks and claws.
Safety
Macaws are intelligent and curious birds, but they also have a tendency to accidents if their cage is not safe. This is why it's important to prioritize safety when selecting a cage for your pet. The most important factors to consider are the dimensions of your cage, the distance between bars, as well as the materials you choose to build the cage.
Macaws require plenty of space to move about, stretch their wings and engage in natural behaviors which improves their overall health. A larger cage allows them the space they need, and provides a safe and secure barrier that prevents boredom and stress.
The ideal size for a cage is 5 to 6 feet tall and wide. This will allow the bird to fly free and is vital to its health. The cage should also be made with robust materials, such as stainless steel, which can withstand the frequent chewing that happens in these large birds.
Steel cages made of stainless steel are a popular choice among pet owners due to their durability and safety. They offer increased visibility and ventilation while protecting your macaw from getting entangled in sharp metal components which could be harmful to them. In addition, many stainless steel cages are constructed with wider door openings that facilitate easy access for cleaning and interaction with your pet.
Toys provide both entertainment and enrichment for macaws. Offering a variety of toys and rotating them on a regular basis stimulates the mind and helps your pet's natural foraging instincts. Toys should also be made from durable materials that can withstand a macaw's flying and are safe to ingest or chew.
When constructing a cage, it's important to avoid using materials that can be harmful to macaws. Paints and finishes containing lead as well as other harmful chemicals are among the most commonly used toxic materials. Look for cages that are composed of non-toxic materials that are in compliance with government regulations.
Allow your macaw to socialize outside of its cage. This helps them bond with their human and reduces stress and anxiety, and encourages healthy behavior. Ideally the socialization process should take place in a quiet dark and dark area away from the noise of children or other pets in your home.