Yes...another cage question (Patagonian)

[LexS]

Hi!

I'm new to the forum and new to birds! I purchased a 3 year old Patagonian Conure about 2 months ago.

I see lots of posts about cages, but I didn't see any that were specific to Patagonians. And since they're larger than other Conures, I wanted to ask specifically about cages for them - here it goes......

He came to us in an 18" by 18" cage - as far as I've seen, this is the bare minimum for a bird his size. It's been fine so far because my husband currently only works 3 long days a week - he gets lots of out of the cage play time. That might change soon - and I've wanted to upgrade the cage anyway. I'm looking at the following cage:

This one measures 24" x 20" x 34 3/4"H


Is this cage big enough? I have space constraints and they may be getting tighter in the near future. I TOTALLY want to get him a cage that is large enough, but don't want to get one that's overkill. What do you guys think?

Like I said, this is my first bird and I'm unsure of many things - but I'm learning! Any thoughts are greatly appreciated!

Thanks all!

[Addicted to Tequila]

hOW MUCH TIME WILL HE BE SPENDING IN THE CAGE (AN HONEST "WORSE CASE SENARIO IS BEST)

Sorry... not yelling. Work program requires all caps. I forgetted.

[LexS]

Worst case scenario - 9/10 hours a day at most. He always gets morning 'play' time before work and he will have plenty of time in the afternoon/evening as well.

[jenseits]

Honestly, I would go bigger. Once you start putting toys and perches in the cage, it starts getting cramped pretty quickly and given how huge Patagonians are, I think Syd will need more room to move around.

I understand about space constraints -- heck, I'm getting rid of furniture to make more room for all my bird stuff -- but it's better to go as big as you can the first time, than to decide later that you need a different cage.

[LexS]

Hi Jen!

Thanks again for your insight. I asked the place selling the cages the same question - they said the cage I originally posted was the perfect size for him. I had my reservations which is why I came here. You've just confirmed what I was concerned about. I want him to be comfy all day and provide lots of things for him to play with. He will need more space.

Next size up is 30" x 22" x 36"H. I think this is the ticket!

[Okanairda]

I am a huge fan of this cage: Bird Cage & Stand for Finch to Conure HQ 13221: WindyCityParrot.com, Parrot Cages, Parrot Food, Aviaries, Parrot Supplies,Bird Toys,Bird Cages

I have one for my sun conure and another for our lovebird. They're the same size as the one you posted, but a lot cheaper. It's a really good quality cage. Turtles has had his for a year and it has held up great. (No chips in the paint or anything.) Just something you might want to consider.

[Addicted to Tequila]

If I might ask... where are you looking at purchasing from?

[Addicted to Tequila]

I have almost the same cage as Adriana. Mine is this one:
Pali PlaceTM 30" x 18" x 62"Free Shipping!: BIRDCAGES4LESS.com

I like the tray on mine better and my Sun and GCC LOVE, LOVE, LOOOOOVE the shelves (especially the one I covered in fleece as a play area! They lay on their backs to play.)

I also got some accessories and more food from that site, as they were cheap and shipping was free anyway! The Zupreem prices are really good.

[Monica]

The HQ/A&E/Centurion Flight cages are the cages that I recommend, minimum, for conure sized birds... or short and simple, a cage that is AT LEAST 30" x 20".

I'm not much of a fan of the style of cages your looking at (LexS) since I'm unsure about the bars beneath the seed skirts... I kinda prefer this style...
WI32R
Although they also have it in playtop, which I really don't care for much (the style of the playtop, that is...)
WI32

Here's some other ideas for cages (if your looking for playtop)
Centurion Aviaries & Cage Co. & Century Mutations
80032 HQ Ramp Style Play Top Cage - Presented by HQ Bird Cages
Play Top Bird Cage with Toy Hook 32"x23" - Play Top Bird Cages by A&E Cage Co., LLC


If you can go bigger, then by all means, go bigger! But when we are speaking of cages, the cage should be large enough for at least 3 perches (one natural, one cotton, one ???), and 3-5 toys (and for a conure, these can't be dinky toys made more for tiels or smaller sized birds). Then of course you need at least two food dishes, possibly more (seed dish? pellet dish? water dish? fresh food dish? treat dish?).

As far as I see it, the 24x22 cages are not made for more than 1 cockatiel, or maybe two greencheeks... but nothing bigger than a tiel! So I'd highly recommend an upgrade!

[Addicted to Tequila]

What are you unsure of as to "bars beneath seed skirt"? Neither the cage LexS posted, nor mine HAVE a seed skirt.

I personally am NOT a huge fan of the cage I have. If not for the GCC I have, I would have something with larger bar spacing and more substantial bars. The Macaw size cage I have was a danger to that little retch! I prefer bars that do not bend as easily... and the latches REALLY drive me nuts. The price and size were right at the time though. And it will make a lovely finch aviary at some point!

I am looking at buying a house... with TWO sunporches (one with lots of windows that have bamboo shades... the other only has 2... but is in the back of the house with a nice view of the woods and stream!). If I get it... I will change the cage once again!