Choosing a Macaw Cage
The proper cage can make all the difference for a pet macaw. It can help strengthen the bonding between the bird and help it thrive.
A healthy pet should also have plenty of toys inside the cage to keep a macaw entertained and occupied. Making an informed choice is the best method to choose the right cage for your pet.
Size
Macaws are among the largest domesticated parrots, and require a large cage that can handle their size. These intelligent birds need plenty of space to play and exercise, and they love having stimulating toys in their cages to keep them engaged throughout the day. Ideally, the cage should be at minimum 3 feet wide, 2.5 feet deep, and 6 feet high.
The recommended minimum size of cage for a macaw is 1.5 to 2 times the bird's wingspan to give them enough space to flap their wings for exercise and for moving around. If you decide to add perches, toys and food stations to the cage, this will take up more space and leave less room for the bird's wings.
It is also important to consider the height of the cage when you are choosing macaw cages. Their tails can stretch as long as their bodies. It is crucial for the cage to be tall enough to stop the bird from scraping its tail against the cage walls when it turns around.
Buy Macaw of the bars is a different factor to consider. Macaws have strong beaks as well as feet, so you want to make sure that the cage's bars are made of sturdy metal and have adequate spacing to keep your bird from getting its fingers stuck in them. Avoid cages that affect the safety of your bird, for instance, cages that are round cages or cages that have decorative spirals.
A high-quality large bird cage is an investment in the wellbeing and well-being of your macaw. A good cage will give your pet the space needed to enjoy a healthy and enjoyable life. It will also allow you to spend time with him, and interact with him beyond the confines of the cage.
Take a look at the variety of macaw cages offered at Bird Cages 4 Less. We have cages that are perfect for your macaw, no matter if it's the larger Empire Macaw Cage 3157 or the deluxe Double Macaw Bird Cage With Divider.
Bar Spacing
The best macaw cages have broad bases, constructed of durable materials. These cages are great for birds who love to climb on or hang out. They also provide security for the bird. These features prevent the bird from accidentally escaping and also stop them from stealing or chewing on toys they discover in their cage.
The spacing between bars is another factor to consider when choosing the right cage. The cage must have bars that aren't too close to each other because birds can get their head or feet stuck between them when climbing. This can be very risky for a bird and the bar spacing should be at least 1/2 inch or 3/8 inch for small finches. For larger parrots, the bar spacing should be 1 inch or 3/4 inch apart.
The cage should also have large, wide doors that is easy to open. This allows you to clean the cage, and to get water and food. The front door must be bird-proof. The cage should have a place for a grate and a perch as birds like to hang out on the perch and the grate. The cage should include an open tray and a swing-out feeder door and a bird fence.
The cage should be square or rectangular instead of round, as the odd angles could keep the bird's toes in place. This makes it difficult for them to move around. Avoid cages with mesh on the sides and top because birds are able to bite through it. Galvanized cages must be cleaned thoroughly because the process can leave tracetraces of zinc and other metals on the wire which can be harmful to birds.
A cage is an integral part of your pet's life and can be a source of great joy or even frustration. To ensure you purchase the best cage for your pet, take the time to take into consideration all the factors listed above. If you select the right cage for your bird's needs and requirements, your pet will live an enjoyable life and you will be happy too.
Toys
Macaws are intelligent birds, great talkers, and long-lived (up to 100 years). They are destructive, so it is important to provide them with toys and cages which keep them occupied and entertained.
It is essential to provide an array of toys for them to play with. They are social and are awed by interactions with their human. It is also important to provide lots of chewing materials that will keep their powerful beaks engaged. My cockatoo Lily, for example, was fond of shredding and turning books into "confetti" that she would then fling all over the room. Unfortunately, I had spend a lot of time sweeping up the confetti every morning!
There are numerous toys that can be purchased specifically for parrots, however the top ones you can find might already be present in your home. Natural branches that grow from outside, for instance, can be an excellent source of enjoyment and can be utilized as hand or foot toys. Untreated lumber cut from your local home improvement store or the nearby woodworking shop can be an inexpensive toy that can give hours of entertainment to your bird. The trick is to have plenty of non-toxic, well-maintained branches that can be hung from the bars of their cage and given to them in small pieces. Some of these branches can also be spliced with sisal or cotton and rope to create a variety of toys.
If you have a cockatoo, or other bird that isn't used to playing with toys, it might take some time and patience to convince them to play with them. Try to keep the new toys out of sight initially, then gradually bring them closer to their eyes. The majority of birds eventually be able to play with toys that they don't own.
We have a range of stainless steel cages of various sizes suitable for Macaws. You can also buy a birdcage custom-built for this species to ensure it is robust and secure enough to withstand their powerful claws or beaks.
Safety
Macaws can be smart and curious birds, but they are also prone to accidents if their cage is not safe. For this reason, it is essential to consider safety when selecting a cage your pet. Some important considerations are the dimensions of your cage, the space between bars, and the materials you use to construct the cage.
Macaws require plenty of space to move around and stretch their wings to engage in natural behaviors that improves their overall health. A larger cage allows them to do this and offers a safe, secure barrier that helps prevent boredom and stress.
The ideal cage size should be at least 5-6 feet high and wide. This ensures that the bird is able to fly freely within the cage which is essential for their health. The cage must also be made of sturdy materials, like stainless steel, to be able to withstand the constant chewing that is common in these large birds.
Due to their durability and security stainless steel cages are a favorite among pet owners. They provide increased ventilation and visibility, while also preventing your macaws from becoming entangled with sharp metal components which can be harmful. Many cages made of stainless steel come with wider openings for doors, which makes it easier to clean and interact with your pet.
Toys offer both entertainment and enrichment for macaws. The provision of a variety and rotating them on a regular basis encourages mental stimulation and strengthens your pet's natural instincts to hunt. Toys should also be made of durable materials that can withstand a macaw flying and are safe to ingest or chew.
It's important to avoid substances that are harmful to macaws while building a cage. A few of the most common poisons are paints and finishes that contain lead and other harmful chemicals. Make sure you choose cages made of non-toxic materials that comply with the regulations of the government.
Allow your macaws to interact outside of its cage. This helps them bond to their human companions, reduces stress and anxiety, and encourages a healthy behavior. Ideally, socialization should be done in a quiet dark, dark space away from the noise of other pets or children in your home.