Bird Cage for Senegal

[Susan R]

It was suggested I cross post my e-mail to this listing. Any comments would be appreciated.

"I could sure use some advice. I have a 14 year old Senegal who currently resides in a Cal cage (approx. 28" high, 23" wide, 32" length). I am downsizing our home and want a smaller cage. I have looked at the HQ 80024 and the AA Protege. Is HQ a high-quality brand? Jake is out a lot and has a play stand and a sleeping cage upstairs. It appears some folks are not happy with the Protege model. I would so appreciate any suggestions and recommendations. This is driving me crazy, and I'm no closer to making a decision. Do you think downsizing will cause Jake any problems?"

Susan

[Pepper's Pa]

I’m not familiar with the cages you are considering, but I want to address your question about whether “downsizing” the cage will create any problems with Jake. Based on the dimensions you gave for your current cage, I can tell you know that parrots do better in cages that are wider and deeper and that height is not the most important dimension. I would recommend you determine the actual volume inside of the cages you are considering. A few inches different in a measurement can have a major affect on the available volume. Jake’s current 28”x23”x32” cage has a volume of 20,608 cubic inches. If you downsized to a cage of 28”x20”x28” the volume drops to 15,680 cubic inches or nearly 25 percent less space. A smaller cage probably means less variety and number of toys and perches for Jake to enjoy.
Based on my observations of my Sennie, he climbs all over the sides and top of his cage, with the exception of not a lot of use of the eight inches of height below his lowest perches. His cage is 25,830 cubic inches or nearly 25 percent more space than you currently provide for Jake.
If there are times when Jake will spend several hours inside his cage, you may want to consider if downsizing his space will be the best for him.
Good luck in making your decision.