How big is your Plet cage?

[mamalovesrico]

I've been asked by my AV to design a toy for a parrotlet. One parrotlet patient of her is just bored and the owner can't find any suitable toys. The other parrotlet patient of hers is a plucker.
I have just designed, what I think, is the perfect parrotlet toy. I don't want to make it so big that it doesn't fit into the cage. This toy will be a lot of toys in one and might be the only toy in the cage. So my question is, could you guys tell me how big your P'let toy cages are so I can get an idea of how big or small I have to make this toy?
Thanks so much.

[Monica]

No cage should be smaller than 2' sq all around... any smaller and it can be too in-adequate....

One idea you might like to do is take half of a coconut shell, put holes in the center, and around the sides. The one around the sides you can hang leather strips from, and bead it up! The one in the center you could do the same, or could have multiple ones or even cotton ones hanging from there with the top going up to a clip... so for the center you migh use a chain with a circle on one end to hang things from, and a pear link to hang it by.....

[Joel]

Minimum size IMO & IME for 1 or 2 P'Lets (especially if flighted) with toys = 4x3x3H......

[Monica]

Joel, that would probably be best of course, but some people don't have the money for something that big, they don't have the space, or they just don't think a bird needs much of anything! Sadly, that's how many birds end up in tiny cages.... I do have my budgies in a smaller cage than I want, but they are let out to fly during the day so they are still able to get good exercise.

[mamalovesrico]

Joel, I agree with you 110%. Where there's a will there's a way. I also agree with you by knowing that Monica is a great bird owner.
I thank you both for your input, and Monica thank you for the toy idea.
I have a great idea for a toy of a P'let and designed it on paper today. I'll post a photo when I actually make it. It's going to be many toys in one so I needed to know the average size of the cage so I don't make it too big.

[NapoleonUWS]

I like the idea of the coconut shell, I have one that hangs in the cage with 3 holes in it. My two parrotlets love climbing in and out. I always hide their favorite treats inside and they know to look inside for goodies.

As far as cage size goes, I have one that is 24x24x36. Plenty of room for them (actually, I live in a Manhattan apartment, so square footage-wise, they have more space than I do!!) to climb and play. They also are out whenever I am home and enjoy their playgym. I agree, the more space you can give them the better.

[Monica]

Lara, you could also make some of your regular toys, just petite! And some with beads and whatnot! Can't wait to see photos of them!

I just don't know about any 'average' size cage for a plet as some people buy their plets flight cages or even cages originally designed for sugar gliders! Nice big cages that are at least 2'w x 3'l x 3'h if not bigger!

[mamalovesrico]

Monica, yes I do currently make my toys in a small, medium and large. But recently I've been asked to make one especially for two picky parrotlets. One's a plucker and the other only likes certain qualities in a toy. So, I'm going to take these certain qualities, add factors for a plucking bird and make a toy for each in one. I'll show photos when I'm done.

[Jackie C]

My p'let cage is 24X36 - not sure of the height but it looks to be a little over 2 feet. If you're designing the toy to sell I would try to make it as compact as possible because I know a lot of people think little birds need little cages. I disagree, but I but you'll find that a lot of your customers are keeping their p'lets in cages that are too small. Our local pet store is recommending 18" square cages to customers who buy parrotlets.

I'd be interested to see your toy! I'm having trouble finding something that holds my little ones' interest.