Purchasing a bird cage over the internet

[lkalliance]

I'm preparing to welcome a companion bird into my home, and I've been doing bird cage shopping online. I've found several cages that look appropriate.

But when I go to breeders to interact with birds, they all warn me against purchasing cages on the internet. The reasoning seems logical: I can't actually see and touch the cages and thus I can't be assured of quality; I can't be assured that the cage I get is the cage I see pictured. But on the other hand, they could just be protecting their interests.

So I'd picked the cage I wanted, here:
This cage by A&E

At least, it's my preferred size and it suits my color and design ethic as well, which is a bonus. I've also had a chance to chat with at least one person who had the same style and sized cage and was very pleased.

So I saw this very cage at a breeder yesterday FOR TWICE THE PRICE. And of course he said the same things: I don't know for sure I'm getting the same cage, I don't know if it's a quality cage, whereas in his shop I can see it and feel it and examine it.

How worried should I be? I find it hard to believe that a given cage would exist in two forms: one that is higher-quality and is sold in pet stores and another that is lower-quality for sale on the Web. Has anyone here ever had a problem with a cage purchase on the Web, with not getting what they felt they'd ordered or with quality being less than they feared?

[Monica]

Problems like that normally arise on ebay more often than an actual store on the internet I assume... But of course, my comments on that cage... I hate it! I don't see the cage itself as a problem, but those legs, if something is not put down inbetween them (like a tennis ball) a bird could get it's head stuck down in the "V" shape...

[tielfan]

I recently bought a cage online and expect delivery on Tuesday. It's this TriBirds cage.

Although I haven't actually received it yet, it's been an excellent experience so far with great customer service. The seller told me to inspect the cage while the delivery people are still there and to refuse shipment if it's damaged, so I'm very confident that this isn't a scam.

I've never heard of anyone selling counterfeit bird cages and would expect that any established online store would be selling the genuine article. Larger cages are usually shipped "free" so the shipping costs are already built into the price. Online stores don't have nearly as many overhead expenses as a physical store so they can afford to sell at a much lower price.

Shipping damage is always a risk but a reputable seller/carrier will take care of that. Small "no-name" sellers could be a problem.

Monica is right about those legs. V-shapes in general are dangerous for birds since they may slide a body part down into it (heads, feet, a wing, etc) and then get stuck. Gravity is working with them as they're going in and against them as they're trying to escape so their struggles may wedge them in tighter.

[Tiki]

Tielfan, that's a really nice cage! Palace is right!

[jamieo]

I've bought a few cages online and have not had any trouble. I buy from well established places so I don't have any fears of fraud or anything like that. I usually also do some research to see if I can find reviews or opinions of a cages before I buy it.

The selection of cages in the stores in my area is not so great and I can find much better prices online- even after adding shipping on at the end.

Most breeders do not make much of a profit on their birds- once you factor in the time required to hand raise them. So, I am not surprised they are trying to sell cages and other accessories. They can mark those things up by a fairly high amount and supplement the costs of raising the birds.

[tielfan]

Originally Posted by Tiki

Tielfan, that's a really nice cage! Palace is right!

It took a REALLY long time to figure out which cage I wanted - it was more trouble than shopping for a new car! But I really like the one I ended up with, and the tiels should be delirious with pleasure. As soon as they get over being totally freaked out by it anyway. They usually hate anything new at first.

[Lisa B]

Originally Posted by lkalliance

I'm preparing to welcome a companion bird into my home, and I've been doing bird cage shopping online. I've found several cages that look appropriate.

But when I go to breeders to interact with birds, they all warn me against purchasing cages on the internet. The reasoning seems logical: I can't actually see and touch the cages and thus I can't be assured of quality; I can't be assured that the cage I get is the cage I see pictured. But on the other hand, they could just be protecting their interests.

So I'd picked the cage I wanted, here:
This cage by A&E

At least, it's my preferred size and it suits my color and design ethic as well, which is a bonus. I've also had a chance to chat with at least one person who had the same style and sized cage and was very pleased.

So I saw this very cage at a breeder yesterday FOR TWICE THE PRICE. And of course he said the same things: I don't know for sure I'm getting the same cage, I don't know if it's a quality cage, whereas in his shop I can see it and feel it and examine it.

How worried should I be? I find it hard to believe that a given cage would exist in two forms: one that is higher-quality and is sold in pet stores and another that is lower-quality for sale on the Web. Has anyone here ever had a problem with a cage purchase on the Web, with not getting what they felt they'd ordered or with quality being less than they feared?

you will not have a problem with Bird Paradise. Tiki and I have both been there, and it is a store. I posted the avian adventures by them. I get my cages through them.