Choosing a Macaw Cage
The right cage can make the difference for a pet macaw. It can help strengthen bonding and help a bird thrive.
To keep a macaw amused and stimulated, it's essential 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 are the biggest domesticated parrots, and require a cage that can handle their size. These intelligent birds need plenty of space to exercise and play, and they love having fun 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 high.
The minimum recommended cage size for macaws is 1.5 to 2 times the bird's wingspan to give them enough space to flap their wings to exercise and for moving around. If you decide to add perches, toys or food stations to the cage, this will take up more space and leave less for the bird's wings.
You should also take into consideration the size of the cage when selecting a macaw cage. Their tails can stretch as long as their bodies. It is essential that the cage is sufficient in height to stop the bird from scratching its tail against the walls of the cage when it turns around.
The size of the bars is another aspect to be considered. Macaws have strong beaks and feet, so you want to make sure that the cage's bars are made from solid metal and have enough spacing to prevent your bird from getting its fingers trapped in the bars. You also want to avoid cage designs that could affect your bird's safety, such as round cages or cages that have decorative scrollwork.
Choosing a quality large cage for your macaw is an investment that will ensure the health and well-being of this magnificent pet. The best cage will give your bird the space he needs to enjoy a healthy and happy life, and also allow you to spend more time with him and to interact with him outside of the cage.
Explore the range of macaw cages at Bird Cages 4 Less. From the larger Empire Macaw Cage 3157 to the premium Double Macaw Bird Cage with Divider, we have a cage ideal for your pet and will look great in your home.
Bar Spacing
The best macaw cages come with a large bases and made of durable materials. These cages are great for birds that like to climb on or hang out. They also provide security to the bird. These features can prevent the bird from accidentally escaping and stop them from stealing toys or chewing on them they find inside their cage.
The distance between the bars is a further aspect to consider when choosing the right cage. The cage bars should not be too close together as a bird could get its feet or head stuck between them while climbing. This can be very risky for a bird and the bar spacing should be at least 1/2 inch apart or 3/8 inches for small finches. For larger parrots, the bar spacing should be either 1 inch or 3/4 inch apart.
The cage should also have an expansive, wide door that is easy to open. This will make it easier to clean the cage as well as access water and food. The front door should also be bird-proof. The cage should also have a place for a grate as well as a perch as birds like to rest on the perch and the grate. The cage should include a sliding tray, a swing-out feeder door, and a bird guardrail.
The cage should also be square or rectangular instead of round, as the irregular angles can trap the bird's toes. This makes it difficult for the bird to move around. Avoid cages with mesh on the sides and top since birds can easily chew through it. Galvanized cages should be thoroughly cleaned as the process can leave toxic zinc and metals on the wire.
A cage can bring your pet joy or frustration. To ensure you purchase the right cage for your pet, take the time to think about all the aspects that are listed above. If you pick the right cage for your bird both you and your pet will be happy.
Toys
Macaws are intelligent birds, excellent talkers, and live long (up to 100 years). They can also be extremely destructive, so it is essential that their cages and toys offer plenty of stimulation and entertainment.
It is crucial to provide a variety of toys for them to play with. They are social and enjoy interacting with their humans. It is also important to provide lots of chewing material to keep their powerful beaks engaged. My cockatoo Lily was one of them. She loved to shred and turn books into "confetti" that she would then fling all over the room. Unfortunately, I had to spend much of my time cleaning up the confetti each day!
You can buy many parrot toys, but you may already have some in your house. Natural branches, such as those 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 a woodworking shop can be a low-cost toy that will provide your bird endless hours of enjoyment. The key is hanging non-toxic branches from the bars of the cage of your bird in small pieces. Some branches can be joined with rope strips and cotton or sisal to create additional toy options.
If you have a cockatoo, or other bird that isn't used to playing with toys, it may take some time and patience to get them to play with them. Try to keep the new toys out of their sight initially and then slowly bring them closer to their eyes. The majority of birds eventually be able to play with toys that they don't have.
We have a range of stainless steel cages in various sizes suitable for Macaws. You can also buy a custom-designed birdcage for this species to ensure it's robust and secure enough to withstand their sturdy beaks or claws.
Safety
Macaws can be smart and curious birds, however they can also be prone to accidents if their cages are not safe. Therefore, it is essential to consider safety when selecting a cage for your pet. A few critical considerations include the size of the cage as well as the spacing between bars and the materials employed in the construction of the cage.
Macaws need ample room to move about, spread their wings and engage in natural behaviors that improve their overall health. A larger cage lets them do this, and provides 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 tall and wide. This will ensure that the bird will be free to move around the enclosure, which is vital for their health. The cage must be made of sturdy materials like stainless steel to withstand the frequent bites that these large birds are known to do.
Stainless steel cages are a popular choice among pet owners due to their durability and security. They provide better ventilation and visibility while also protecting your macaw from getting entangled in sharp metal components that can be harmful to them. Furthermore some stainless steel cages are designed with larger door openings to allow easy access for cleaning and interaction with your pet.
Toys are an additional essential part of a macaw cage that can be used for entertainment as well as enrichment. Rotating toys on a regular basis will stimulate your pet's brain and encourage its natural foraging instincts. Toys must be made of durable materials that can withstand the heft of a macaw flying and are safe from chewing or ingesting.
When constructing a cage, it's important to avoid using materials that could be toxic to macaws. Some of the most common poisons are paints and finishes that contain lead as well as other harmful chemicals. You should search for cages made of non-toxic materials and that meet the requirements of the government.
Allow your macaws to interact outside of its cage. This helps to bond with their humans reduces stress and anxiety and promotes healthy behavior. Ideally the socialization process should take place in a quiet dark, dark space away from the distractions of children or other pets within your home.