Choosing a Macaw Cage
The proper cage can make a huge difference in the life of macaws. It can aid in bonding a bird and make it thrive.
Proper care also includes providing plenty of toys within the cage to keep a macaw entertained and occupied. The best way to choose the appropriate 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 require plenty of room to play and exercise. They also enjoy stimulating toys in their cages, which keep them engaged throughout the day. The ideal cage should be at a minimum of 3 feet wide, 2.5 feet deep, and 6 feet tall.
The minimum recommended cage size for a macaw is 1.5 to 2 times the bird's total wingspan to give them enough space to flap their wings for exercise and to move around. If you choose to include perches and toys, feeders and food stations within the cage, it will take up space and may cause less space for the exercise of the wings.
You should also take into consideration the height of the cage when you are choosing macaw cages. Their tails can stretch as long as their bodies. The cage must be tall enough so that the bird's tail doesn't scrape against the cage walls when it turns.
The size of the bars is an additional aspect to take into consideration. Macaws are sturdy birds that have strong feet and beaks, therefore make sure the bars of the cage are made from sturdy metal. They must also have enough space between them to keep your bird's fingers from becoming caught. You also want to avoid cage designs that could cause harm to your bird like round cages or cages with decorative scrollwork.
A high-quality large bird cage is a good investment in the well-being and happiness of your macaw. The right cage gives your bird the space it requires to enjoy a healthy and enjoyable life. It can also allow you to spend time with him and even interact with him outside of the cage.
If you're ready to purchase a gorgeous cage for your macaw, check out our selection of cages at Bird Cages 4 Less. From the larger Empire Macaw Cage 3157 to the luxurious Double Macaw Bird Cage with Divider, we have a cage ideal for your bird and will look beautiful in your home.
Bar Spacing
The best cages for macaws have a wide, solid base and are made of tough material. These cages are a good choice for birds who like to climb and hang out. They also offer security for the bird. These features stop birds from escaping accidentally and also prevent them from stealing or chewing through toys that they find in their cage.
Another crucial aspect to consider when selecting the cage is the spacing of the bars. The cage must have bars that aren't too close together as birds can get their head or feet stuck between them when climbing. This is very dangerous for birds and the bar spacing needs to be at least 1 inch apart or 3/8 inches for small finches. For larger parrots, the bar spacing should be 3/4 inch or 1inch apart.
The cage should be spacious and easy to open door. This allows you to clean the cage and also to access food and water. The front door should also be bird-proof. The cage should also have the space for a grate and a perch as birds like to perch 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 a rectangular or square shape instead of round because the odd angles could trap toes and be difficult for birds to maneuver. Avoid cages with mesh on the sides and the top because the bird can easily chew through it. Galvanized cages should be cleaned thoroughly as the process may leave traces of zinc and other metals on the wire that are toxic to birds.
A cage can bring your pet happiness or even frustration. Take the time to carefully think about the above factors before purchasing the right cage for your pet. If you select the best cage for your pet, you and your pet will be happier.
Toys
Macaws are intelligent birds, great talking birds, and can live for a long time (up to 100 years). They can also be destructive, which is why it is crucial that their cages and toys provide plenty of entertainment and stimulation.
They are extremely social and love to interact with their humans so having various toys that can be played with together or individually is essential. It is also essential to provide lots of chewing materials that will keep their powerful beaks occupied. For instance, my cockatoo Lily was a fan of shredding books and then make them into "confetti" that she would fling around the room for hours at a time. Sadly, I had to spend much of my time cleaning up the confetti every morning!
There are numerous toys available specifically for parrots, however some of the most popular ones that you can locate may already be in your home. Natural branches from the outside like a tree, for instance, can be an excellent source of entertainment and can be used as 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 can give your bird plenty of hours of entertainment. The trick is to hang non-toxic branches from the bars of your bird's cage in small pieces. Some of these branches can also be spliced with sisal or cotton and rope to create a variety of toys.
It could take some time and patience for a cockatoo or any other bird, who isn't used to toys, to accept them and play with them. Try to keep the toys out of sight initially, and then gradually move them into their closer view. Eventually, most birds will learn to play with toys that are not their own.
If you're looking for a bigger cage that can accommodate your Macaw We have various stainless steel cages and aviaries in sizes that are perfect for this species of large bird. You can also buy an individual birdcage designed for this kind of large bird, so you can ensure that it is safe and sturdy enough to stand the weight of their powerful claws and beaks.
Safety
Macaws can be intelligent and curious birds, however they also have a tendency to accidents if their cages are not appropriate. For this reason, it is crucial to put safety first when choosing a cage for your pet. Some of the most important considerations include the size of the cage, bar spacing, and the materials employed in the construction of the cage.
Macaws require ample space to move about to stretch their wings, move around and engage in natural behavior which improves their overall health. A larger cage provides them with the space they need to do this and also provides a safe and secure barrier that can prevent stress and boredom.
The ideal size for a cage is at least 5 to 6 feet tall and wide. This ensures that the bird will be able to fly freely within the enclosure, which is vital for their health. The cage should also be constructed with robust materials, such as stainless steel, which can be able to withstand the constant chewing that occurs in these large birds.
Steel cages made of stainless steel are a popular choice among pet owners due to their durability and security. They offer increased ventilation and visibility while also preventing your macaw from becoming entangled in sharp metal components that could cause harm 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 provide both enjoyment and enrichment for macaws. Rotating toys on a weekly basis can stimulate your pet's mind and stimulate its natural instincts to hunt. Furthermore, toys should be made from durable materials that can withstand the force of a flying macaw, and are safe from ingesting or chewing.
When building a cage, it is also essential to not use materials that could be harmful to macaws. Paints and finishes containing lead and other harmful chemicals are among the most common toxic materials. You should look for cages made from non-toxic materials and that are in compliance with government regulations.
Also, make sure to ensure that your macaw gets plenty of time to socialize outside of their cage. Pixie mini macaw helps them bond to their owners, lessens anxiety and stress and encourages healthy behavior. Ideal socialization takes place in a quiet, dark space away from other pets and children.