Are You Getting The Most The Use Of Your Macaw Cage?
Choosing a Macaw Cage
The right cage can make the difference for a pet macaw. It can aid in bonding the bird and help it grow.
A healthy pet should also have plenty of toys inside the cage to keep the macaw entertained and occupied. The best method to select the best cage for your pet is to make an educated choice.
Size
Macaws are among the largest domesticated parrots and require a large cage that can accommodate their size. These intelligent birds require plenty of space to exercise and play, and they love having stimulating toys in their cages to keep them engaged throughout the day. The cage should be at least 3 feet wide, 2 feet deep and 6 feet tall.
The recommended minimum size of cage for macaws is 1.5 to 2x the size of the bird's wingspan in order to allow them to move and exercise. However, if you decide to put perches or toys, feeders, and food stations in the cage, it will consume space and make it less suitable for wings exercise.
In addition to the size of a macaw's cage you also need to be aware of its height, as their tails can be as long as their bodies. The cage must be tall enough to ensure that the bird's tail doesn't scratch against the cage's walls when it turns.
Another thing to consider is the dimensions of the bars inside the cage. Macaws are strong with their beaks and feet, so you want to make sure that the cage's bars are constructed of solid metal and have enough spacing to stop your bird from getting its fingers trapped in them. Also, you should beware of cage designs that could affect your bird's safety like round cages or cages that have decorative scrollwork.
Selecting a high-quality large bird cage for your macaw is an investment that will ensure the health and wellbeing of this amazing pet. A good cage will give your bird the space it needs to enjoy a healthy and enjoyable life. It also allows you to spend time with him and even interact with him outside of the confines of the cage.
If you're ready to purchase a beautiful cage for your macaw, check out our range of cages at Bird Cages 4 Less. We have cages that are ideal for your macaw, no matter if it is the larger Empire Macaw Cage 3157 or the premium Double Macaw Bird Cage With Divider.
Bar Spacing
The best macaw cages come with a large bases and made of durable materials. These cages are ideal for birds who love to climb up or hang out. They also provide security for the bird. These features stop the bird from accidentally fleeing and also stop them from taking or chewing through toys that they find in their cage.
Another important aspect to consider when choosing the cage is the spacing of the bars. The cage should have bars that aren't too close together because birds could get their feet or head stuck between them while climbing. This can be very dangerous for birds and the bar spacing needs to be at least 1 inch apart or 3/8 inch for small finches. For larger parrots the bar spacing should be 3/4 inch or 1inch apart.
The cage should have a wide, easy-to-open door. This makes it easier to clean the cage and also access food and water. The front door should also be bird-proof. The cage should also have the space for a grate as well as a perch as birds like to rest on the perch and grate. The cage should have a sliding tray, a swing-out feeder door and a bird fence.
The cage should be rectangular or buymacaw square instead of round, because the odd angles can trap the bird's toes. This makes it difficult for the bird to move around. Avoid cages with mesh of plastic on sides and tops since birds can easily chew through the mesh. Galvanized cages need to be thoroughly rinsed because the process can leave toxic metals and zinc on the wire.
A cage can bring your pet great joy or frustration. Be sure to look at the factors mentioned above before you buy an animal cage. If you select the right cage for your bird's needs you will be able to give your pet a more pleasant life and you will be happier as well.
Toys
Macaws are intelligent birds, great talkers, and live long (up to 100 years). They can also be extremely destructive so it is important that their cages and toys provide them with plenty of entertainment and stimulation.
They are extremely social and love to interact with their owners, so having a variety of toys to play with in groups or on their own is essential. It is also important to provide lots of chewing toys that will keep their powerful beaks engaged. For example, my cockatoo Lily loved to shred books and turn them into "confetti" which she would scatter around the room for hours at a. Sadly, I had to spend many hours cleaning up the confetti each day!
There are many parrot toys, but you may already have some in your house. Natural branches, like those found outside can be a source of entertainment for hours and can be used to make hand or foot toys. Untreated lumber cut offs from your local home improvement store, or an establishment for woodworking can be a low-cost toy that will give your bird hours of entertainment. The key is hanging non-toxic branches from the bars of your bird's cage in small pieces. Some branches can be spliced with rope strips and sisal or cotton to create additional toy options.
If you have a cockatoo or another bird that isn't used to playing with toys, it can take some time and patience to convince them to accept and play with them. In the beginning keep the toys out of sight and gradually bring them closer. The majority of birds eventually begin to play with toys they don't own.
We offer a variety of stainless steel cages in various sizes that are ideal for Macaws. You can also purchase a birdcage specifically built for this type of large bird so that you can be sure it is secure and sturdy enough to hold up to their powerful beaks and claws.
Safety
Macaws can be intelligent and curious birds, however they are also prone to accidents if their cages are not appropriate. This is why it is crucial to put safety first when selecting a cage for your pet. The most important aspects to consider are the size of the cage, bar spacing, and the materials used in the construction of the cage.
Macaws require ample space to move around, stretch their wings and engage in natural behaviors that improves their overall health. A larger cage allows them the space they need to do this, and provides a safe and secure enclosure that helps prevent boredom and stress.
The ideal size of cage should be at a minimum 5-6 feet tall and wide. This will ensure that the bird is able to fly freely within the enclosure which is crucial to their well-being. The cage should be made from durable materials like stainless steel to withstand the frequent biting that these large birds are known to do.
Due to their durability and safety, stainless steel cages are popular with pet owners. They provide better airflow and visibility, while keeping your macaw safe from getting entangled in sharp metal components that can be harmful to them. Many stainless steel cages have larger openings for the doors, which makes it easier to clean and interact with your pet.
Toys can provide entertainment and enrichment for macaws. The provision of a variety and rotating them on a weekly basis encourages mental stimulation and strengthens your pet's natural foraging instincts. Additionally, toy items should be made from durable materials that can withstand the weight of a macaw flying and are safe from chewing or ingesting.
When constructing a cage, it is also essential to avoid using materials that could be toxic to macaws. Some of the most commonly used poisons are paints and finishes that contain lead as well as other harmful chemicals. You should look for cages that are made of non-toxic materials and that are in compliance with government regulations.
Allow your macaw to interact outside of its cage. This helps them bond with their humans, reduces anxiety and stress and promotes a healthy behavior. Ideally socializing should be conducted in a quiet dark and dark area away from the distractions of other pets or children within your home.