Choosing a Macaw Cage
The best cage can make a big difference in the life of a macaw. It can enhance the bonding between the bird and help it flourish.
To keep a macaw entertained and stimulated, it's essential to have plenty of toys in the cage. The best way to choose the right cage for your pet is to make an informed decision.
Size
Macaws are the largest domesticated parrots and require a cage that can handle their size. These intelligent birds require plenty of space for play and exercise. They also like engaging toys in their cages to keep them entertained throughout the day. The cage should be at minimum 3 feet wide, 2 feet deep and 6 feet high.
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 exercise and move around. If you decide to add perches, toys or food stations to your cage, it will consume more space and leave less for the bird's wings.
You should also consider the size of the cage when you are choosing a macaw cage. Their tails can grow as long as their bodies. It is important for the cage to be tall enough to stop the bird from scraping its tail against the walls of the cage when it turns.
Another consideration is the dimensions of the bars inside the cage. Macaws are strong with their beaks and feet, so you need to make sure that the cage's bars are made of solid metal and have enough spacing to keep your bird from getting its fingers trapped in the bars. Also, you should avoid cage designs that could cause harm to your bird like round cages, or cages with decorative scrollwork.
A quality large bird cage is an investment in the health and happiness of your macaw. A good cage will give your bird the space it requires to live a happy and healthy life. It will also allow you to spend time with him and to interact with him beyond the cage.
If you're ready to purchase a beautiful cage for your macaw bird, check out our selection of cages at Bird Cages 4 Less. We have cages that are ideal for your macaw, no matter if it's the larger Empire Macaw Cage 3157 or the premium Double Macaw Bird Cage With Divider.
Bar Spacing
The best macaw cages are those with a wide base, made of durable materials. These cages are an excellent choice for birds who like to climb and hang out. They also offer security for the bird. These features can help prevent the bird from accidentally escaping, and they can also prevent them from stealing toys or chewing on them that they find inside their cage.
The distance between the bars is another important aspect to consider when choosing a cage. The bars of the cage should not be too close together, as birds can get their feet or head caught between them while climbing. This could be extremely dangerous for birds, therefore the bars' spacing needs to be at a minimum of 3/8 inch or 1/2 inch in the case of small finches. For larger parrots the bar spacing should be 1 inch or 3/4 inch apart.
The cage should be spacious and easy to open door. This makes it easier for you to clean the cage and get water and food. Lolita blue & gold macaw should be bird-proof. The cage should also have the space for a grate and perch since birds love to rest on the perch and the grate. The cage should include an opening tray that slides and a swing-out feeder door, and a bird guardrail.
Lastly, the cage should be rectangular or square in shape rather than round as the odd angles could trap toes and be difficult for the bird to move around. Avoid cages with mesh of plastic on sides and tops since birds are able to chew through the mesh. Galvanized cages must be thoroughly cleaned as the process can leave toxic metals and zinc on the wire.
A cage can give your pet joy or frustration. To ensure that you buy the best cage for your pet ensure that you consider all of the factors listed above. If you select the right cage for your bird's needs, your pet will have a more pleasant life and you will be happier as well.
Toys
Macaws are intelligent birds, excellent talkers, and long-lived (up to 100 years). They are destructive, so it's essential to provide them with toys and cages that keep them entertained and stimulated.
It is crucial to provide an array of toys for them to play with. They are social and like to interact with their human. It is essential to provide them plenty of chewing materials to keep their beaks active. For instance, my cockatoo Lily loved to shred books and make them into "confetti" which she would fling across the room for hours at a. Sadly, I had to spend many hours cleaning up the confetti each day!
You can purchase a variety of parrot toys, but you might already have a few in your home. Natural branches, like those found in the outdoors can provide hours of entertainment and can also be used to create foot or hand toys. Untreated lumber from your local home improvement store or the nearby woodworking shop can be an inexpensive toy that can provide hours of entertainment for your bird. The key is to find plenty of non-toxic, clean branches that can be suspended from the bars of their cages and then given to them in small pieces. Some branches can be joined with strips of rope and sisal or cotton to create additional toy options.
It can take time and patience for a cockatoo, or any other bird that isn't used to toys to play with them. At first keep the toys out of sight and gradually bring them closer. Most birds will eventually be able to play with toys that they don't have.
If you want a larger cage that will accommodate your Macaw we have various stainless steel cages and aviaries in sizes that are perfect for this large bird species. You can also buy a birdcage specifically designed for this kind of large bird, so you can ensure it is safe and sturdy enough to hold up to their strong beaks and claws.
Safety
Macaws are intelligent and curious birds, however they also have a tendency to accidents if their cage is not suitable. It is crucial to put your focus on the safety of your pet when choosing the cage for your pet. The most important factors to consider include the dimensions of your cage, the space between bars, and the materials you'll use to build the cage.
Macaws require ample space to move about and stretch their wings to engage in natural behavior which improves their overall health. A larger cage allows them to accomplish this and offers the security of a secure, safe enclosure that prevents stress and boredom.
The ideal size for a cage is at least 5 to 6 feet in height and width. This ensures that the bird is able to fly freely within the enclosure which is crucial to their well-being. The cage should be constructed of sturdy materials like stainless steel to withstand the frequent biting these large birds get.
Due to their durability and safety, stainless steel cages are popular among pet owners. They provide greater visibility and ventilation while keeping your macaw safe from getting entangled in sharp metal components that can be harmful to them. A lot of stainless steel cages have larger openings for the doors, making it easier to clean and interact with your pet.
Toys offer both enjoyment and enrichment for macaws. Rotating toys on a weekly basis can stimulate your pet's mind and help it develop its natural instincts to hunt. Additionally, toy items must be made of durable materials that can withstand the weight of a flying macaw, and are safe from chewing or ingestion.
When constructing a cage, it is also essential to not use materials that could be toxic to macaws. A few of the most common toxins include paints and finishes that contain lead and other harmful chemicals. Look for cages that are composed of non-toxic materials that comply with the regulations of the government.
Also, make sure to ensure that your macaw gets plenty of socialization time in their cage. This helps them bond with their humans, reduces stress and anxiety and promotes healthy behavior. Ideally, socialization should be done in a calm dark and dark area away from the sounds of children or other pets in your home.