Choosing a Macaw Cage
The best cage can make a difference in the life of a macaw pet. It can aid in bonding the bird and help it grow.
To keep a macaw amused and stimulated, it's essential to have plenty of toys in the cage. The best way to choose the best cage for your pet is to make an informed decision.
Size
Macaws, the biggest of domesticated bird require cages large enough to accommodate their size. These intelligent birds require plenty of room to play and exercise. They also like stimulating toys in their cages to 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 recommended minimum cage size for macaws is 1.5 to 2x the size of the bird's wingspan in order to allow them to exercise and move around. However, if you decide to place perches and toys, feeders and food stations in the cage, they will consume space and leave less room for wing exercise.
You should also take into consideration the height of the cage when you are choosing the macaw cage. Their tails can stretch as long as their bodies. The cage must be tall enough to ensure that the bird's tail doesn't scrape against the cage walls when it turns.
Another factor to consider is the size of the bars in the cage. Buy Macaw are sturdy birds that have strong feet and beaks, so ensure that the bars of the cage are made from sturdy metal. They should also have enough space to keep your bird's fingers from getting trapped. 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 reputable large bird cage for your macaw is an investment that will ensure the health and wellbeing of this magnificent pet. A cage that is suitable will give your bird the space he needs to live a happy and healthy life, and also allow you to spend more time with him and to interact with him outside of the cage.
If you're looking to purchase a gorgeous 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 luxurious Double Macaw Bird Cage with Divider, we have a cage perfect for your bird and will look stunning in your home.
Bar Spacing
The most effective cages for macaws come with a large, solid bases and are constructed of sturdy material. These cages are a great fit for birds that like to climb and hang out. These cages also provide protection for your bird. These features can prevent the bird from accidentally escaping and prevent them from stealing toys or chewing them up that they find in their cage.
The spacing between bars is a further factor to consider when choosing a cage. The cage bars should not be too close together, since birds could get their feet or head stuck between them while climbing. This is very dangerous for a bird, so the spacing between bars should be at least 1/2 inch or 3/8 inch for small finches. For larger parrots the bar spacing must be 3/4 inch or 1 inch apart.
The cage should also have a a large, wide door that is easy to open. This will make it easier for you to clean the cage, and also to access water and food. The front door should be bird-proof. The cage should include perches and grates since birds love perching on them. The cage should also be equipped with a swing-out feeder door and a slide-out tray, a bird-guard rail, and a moveable partition that can transform one cage into two.
Finally, the cage should be a rectangular or square shape rather than round as the odd angles can restrict toes and make it difficult for birds to move around. Avoid cages that have plastic mesh on top and sides because birds are able to chew through the mesh. Galvanized cages should be thoroughly cleaned as the process can leave toxic metals and zinc on the wire.
A cage is a crucial element of your pet's life and can be a source of great happiness or even frustration. Make sure you look at the factors mentioned above before purchasing a cage for your pet. If you select the best cage for your bird both you and your pet will both be happier.
Toys
Macaws are intelligent birds, excellent talking birds, and can live for a long time (up to 100 years). They can also be extremely destructive, which is why it is crucial that their cages and toys provide plenty of entertainment and stimulation.
They are extremely social and like to interact with their owners, so having an array of toys that can be played with in groups or on their own is crucial. It is also important to provide lots of chewing material to keep their powerful beaks engaged. My cockatoo Lily for instance, was fond of shredding and turning books into "confetti" that she would then throw all over the room. Sadly, I had to spend many hours cleaning up the confetti every morning!
There are many parrot toys, however you may already have some in your home. Natural branches from outside for instance, are a great source of fun and can be utilized as hand or foot toys. Untreated lumber from your local home improvement store or even an establishment for woodworking can be an inexpensive toy that will give your bird hours of entertainment. The key is to have lots of non-toxic, care-fully cleaned branches that can be suspended from the bars of their cage and handed to them in small pieces. Some branches can be joined with cotton or sisal, and rope to create a variety of toys.
If you have a cockatoo or other bird that is not used to playing with toys, it may take some time and patience to convince them to be able to play with them. In the beginning keep the toys out of sight and gradually bring them closer. The majority of birds eventually be able to play with toys they don't have.
If you're looking for a bigger cage that can accommodate your Macaw we have several stainless steel cages and aviaries in sizes that are ideal for this large bird species. You can also buy a custom-designed birdcage for this bird to ensure it's strong and secure enough to withstand their powerful claws or beaks.
Safety
Macaws can be smart and curious birds, however they are also prone to accidents if their cages are not suitable. This is why it is essential to consider safety when selecting a cage your pet. A few critical considerations include the size of the cage as well as the spacing between bars and the materials used in the construction of the cage.
Macaws require ample space to move about and stretch their wings to engage in the natural behaviors which improves their overall health. A larger cage lets them accomplish this and offers an environment that is safe and secure that prevents stress and boredom.
The ideal size for a cage is at least 5 to 6 feet tall and wide. This ensures that the bird is free to move around the cage which is crucial for their health. The cage should be constructed from durable materials like stainless steel to withstand the constant biting these large birds do.
The stainless steel cages are a popular choice for pet owners due to their strength and safety. They provide increased ventilation and visibility, while also protecting your macaws from getting trapped by sharp metal components which could cause harm. A lot of stainless steel cages come with wider openings for doors, making it easier to clean and interact with your pet.
Toys are another essential element of a macaw cage that provides both entertainment and enrichment. Rotating toys on a weekly basis will stimulate your pet's mind and help it develop its natural foraging instincts. Toys should also be made from tough materials that can withstand a macaw flying and are safe to ingest or chew.
It's important to avoid materials that are toxic to macaws when making a cage. Some of the most frequent toxic substances are paints and finishes that contain lead as well as other harmful chemicals. You should search for cages that are made of non-toxic materials and that are in compliance with the regulations of the government.
Make sure you provide your macaw with plenty of time for socialization outside of their cage. This helps to bond with their humans reduces stress and anxiety and promotes healthy behavior. Ideally socializing should be conducted in a quiet dark, dark space away from the sounds of other pets or children in your home.