A&E verses HQ Cages

[Shyra]

Which brand of cage do you feel is better? I've seen the specs for HQ cages where they have tested safe for lead. Haven't seen any for the A&E cages. I'm specifically looking at the double macaw cages. A&E has doors that are rounded on one side while the HQ cages are rectangular. I'm wondering if the A&E would make it easier or harder to reach in and out of and clean because of the rounded corner. While my gw isn't what I would call hard on his cage, he is a macaw and they can do damage to the paint without even trying. Mostly I'm looking for the best quality for my money.

Here's the links:

DOUBLE MACAW 64"X32"X62" - Dome Top Bird Cages by A&E Cage Co., LLC

and 36432 HQ Divided Double Macaw Cage 64x32 - Presented by HQ Bird Cages

I'm also looking at the A&E SS cages (in a smaller size -"sigh"). Anyone know anything about the quality of their SS.

Any info would be appreciated.

Has anyone else noticed that several places are saying they sell HQ cages but have pics of A&E cages posted? Talk about confusing.

Shyra

[Sashagirl]

I don't know too much about A&E cages.But I almost purchased that same HQ cage until I notified some bird friends of mine that told me about the metal toxicity in their cages.They had their cages tested.I needed cages really bad so I went with King's cage.We purchased 2 double Macaw cages.We were very pleased and so are 4 of our Macaws.We would buy from them again.The price was very reasonable.

[Monica]

Personally I prefer the square style better..... can't say which brand is better... although the SS are said to be best...

YugiSoft.com

[Shyra]

Hmmm. I saw test results posted on several of the HQ cages and they all came out within acceptable ranges. Of course, that does't mean alot. Sometimes I think it's the luck of the draw as to which batch it comes from.

I love those large double square cages and would probably go for one if I thought my grey could live in one side and the macaw on the other but I'm scared for her little toes. I just don't have room to put it and her cage in the area it needs to go in. One of the smaller doubles would barely fit. I may end up going for a smaller 40 x 30 SS cage for Gandalf. I really wanted more room for him but in the long run that's probably the best thing to do. I need more space. Time to move! LOL

I like the king's cages as well but there seems to be a long waiting list. Many places are having trouble getting them in. If I go for SS though I want it to be a quality SS and not some of the cheaper types that tell you not to get them wet or they will rust. I swear their was a time when picking out a cage was simple.

Shyra

[kerbear]

It seems to me that A&E specializes in making cheap knock-offs of HQ cages. I don't have a parrot but am looking for one and as such, I have done lots of research on cages.

I have seen, time and time again that A&E cages just imitate better brands. I'm not saying HQ is the best brand on the planet, but I am saying that A&E looks pretty shoddy and the price is not much cheaper than more reliable brands.

I have also read on the internet that most of their cages test off the charts for lead or zinc content in the powder coat.

I'm not going to buy that brand. Maybe if you have budgies, finches, tiels, or some other bird that is not likely to chew on bars.... then A&E would be okay. But as it stands I don't trust the company.

[Valo's Moirana]

Originally Posted by kerbear

I have also read on the internet that most of their cages test off the charts for lead or zinc content in the powder coat.

wondering where you read this? a credible source or lots of people talking?

i have A&E cages, and i'm happy with them. i did the lead/zinc testing on them myself as i'm working at an engineering university. the results came back fine - in fact the values were well below the limits (which in and itself can be debated)



i'd go with whatever you feel comfortable - you'll find all kinds of opinions on the powder coating over the web. if you wanna be 100% safe, go with SS. otherwise, contact the vendor and request a statement offering you a refund in case the cage comes back with high levels and get the tests done

[xafsmom]

I have 2 double stack 32 X 21 flight cages by A&E. They are for conures and are only 3mm wire, so during shipping, they can get a bit bent. But the sturdier framing is very nice, well made throughout and a thick powder coat. I'm pleased with them. I also have an HQ cage for my Grey, and a California Cage for the Hahn's. They all seem quite well made, I'd be happy with any (and am).

[BirdCrazy66]

I have an HQ and like it, but I haven't checked out the A&E ones yet.

[ljhassell]

A& E/ Yugisoft are wonderful cages we use nothing but- use to buy Kings cages, now talk about paint chipping and alot of money down the crapper. Id buy Yugi before kings, especially having their cages for 4 years now and will continus to buy, have never had any problems with paint, did have a latch a U2 broke, it was replaced free of charge and no problems since.

[Shyra]

Thanks everyone. I've been trying to do my homework and trying to fit SS into the cage budget. I've been looking at a few test results that have come back on HQ and A&E cages. Really they are no more of a problem than some of the economy kings cages and others. I haven't seen results for the European King's cages but for the price they want for enamel I can pretty much get an A&E SS cage. Just would mean waiting longer to get one. Decisions, decisions....

Shyra