The Best Size Cage for a Quaker Parrot
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by Shelly Lane Here is one of the first questions every new Quaker Parrot owner faces. This article not only discusses the best cage size but also bar spacing, cage finishes and other tips for choosing a good cage for a Quaker. |
One of the first decisions you need to make once you've decided to add a Quaker Parrot to your home is what will be the best size of cage for your new Quaker. This is one of those questions that people are going to have different opinions about. I'd like to share some things I've learned over the years that hopefully will help with your decision making when it comes to the best size bird cage.
When I first became involved with Quaker Parrots, the wisdom of the day was to purchase a cage that is no smaller than 18×18x18. I believe the thinking was that this size would be sufficient to allow a Quaker to stretch and flap its wings. Of course, that would depend on how many toys and other items are in the cage, but that was the general idea. After living with these birds for a number of years, I agree that this size provides a sufficient home for a Quaker and personally would never consider a cage that was smaller than this.
However, in addition to the outside dimensions of the cage, it's also important to consider the bar spacing of the cage. If the bars are too far apart, you risk your new pet getting its head stuck in the bars. I've found that a bar spacing of 5/8" works very well. Further, most Quakers are able to live safely in a cage with 3/4" bar spacing, but the key word here is "most." Some of the smaller Quakers could possibly run into trouble with this spacing, so do keep your QP's size in mind if you are considering this larger spacing between the bars.
Because your Quaker will be spending a lot of time in its cage, it makes sense to purchase the largest bird cage that you can afford. Since baby Quakers are rather clumsy, it's ok to start with a smaller cage and upgrade to a larger one after six months or so. Also, adult parrots spend most of their time on the highest perches in the cage, so the height of the cage is far less important than the width and depth.
As far as the finish on the cage, I prefer the powder coated cages. Powder coating is a special process that is used to apply the paint to the cage. My personal experience is that powder coated cages last longer than other types of painted cages. I even prefer our powder coated cages to the stainless steel one that we have because dried poop and food are much easier to clean off the powdered coated finish than the stainless steel.
When choosing a cage, look for one with bars that are all the same spacing apart. A few bird cage models have ornate decorations that have proven dangerous for some birds. Also look for doors and food bowl openings that can't be opened by your bird (or purchase quick links to lock them down). Quaker Parrots can be little escape artists, so try to find the most secure cage that you can.
10 Comments on The Best Size Cage for a Quaker Parrot »
June 19, 2007
phil @ 6:48 pm:
I am interested in getting a bird. I have had finches in the past and my father and I built an aviary to try and breed parakeets but were unsuccessful. My thought has been to get a lovebird for several months but then yesterday I had the oppurtunity to hold a quaker that is 3 months of age and just recently quit baby feeding from the pet store that has this bird. Which will make a better and more enjoyable companion, I have two boys 10 and 12. The quaker or the lovebird?
August 4, 2007
Patti @ 12:27 pm:
I have a 4 yr of quaker and I've just was given another one (1 yr old)with a nice big cage. So now I have 2 cages and I really don't have the room. The birds do like each other, I think they still need their own space. Is there a nice size cage that has a divider so they can have their separate spaces?
August 6, 2007
Shelia @ 11:12 pm:
Love birds do not talk. They prefer the company of each other, not people. And they aren't as loud as a Quaker can be. If you want low maintenance, non-sociable, look pretty in the cage birds, get Love Birds. If you want intelligent, talking, sociable, affectionate, entertaining, mischievious, escape artist that can be very loud and noisy, then you want a Quaker. Also, bear in mind Love birds get by with a small cage where as the Quaker needs a minimum 18" wide x 18" deep cage. I prefer the Quaker myself, but I'm experienced with toddlers (Quakers and toddlers are similar!)
August 8, 2007
reggie cree @ 12:36 am:
i just would love to learn more on quakers i have one his name is otis and i love him much and want to learn everything about him to make him happyier he already gets the best food i can get and all the toys and bird treats but i want to know more please
September 1, 2007
Ingrid @ 1:07 am:
I've had lovebirds in the past and just recently got my first quaker.
The difference is unbelievable. My love birds were nice to look at, but that was about it. And they could be quite loud when they wanted to be. Both my love birds were hand raised, but neither of them cared much for people. I have heard that if you get just one lovebird they bond much better to people.
My quaker Casey, is an absolute hit in our family and even my 7 year old son is quite comfortable with him. He has more character than the lovebirds ever did.
I would pick a quaker over lovebirds any day.
September 23, 2007
Kelly @ 12:54 am:
I just had to post a comment here because we just got a Quaker and I wanted to research the best size cage. I saw all the comments on lovebirds and I want to say that YES lovebirds DO talk. Mostly just the females. Ours just passed away but she did talk, and she was very sociable and she loved us. She gave kisses and she was funny and never wanted to be in her cage. She always wanted to be with one of us. And she adored my 7 year old. If you get a pair they bond with each other but if you get one they usually bond tightly with you!
September 30, 2007
KRISTIE @ 5:34 pm:
I AM A NEW BIRD OWNER. I PURCHASED TWO QUAKERS. I HAVE A RATHER LARGE ORNATE CAGE AND I FELT TWO QUAKERS COULD ENERTAIN EACH OTHER WHILE MY HUSBAND AND I ARE AT WORK. WE SPEND ABOUT 20-30 MINUTES EVERY DAY WITH OUR QUAKERS. WE LET THEM OUT OF THERE CAGE AND PET AND TALK TO THEM. THE PROBLEM IS THAT THEY ARE TRYING TO PICK AT THE FINE WIRE THAT RUNS AROUND THEIR CAGE, WADDING IT UP. IT'S HARD TO PUT IT BACK BECAUSE IT'S SO WADDED UP. OUR CAGE IS A DOME SHAPE WITH BARS RUNNING DOWN AND TWO BARS THAT RUN HORIZONTALLY IN THE MIDDLE SPACED EVENLY APART. THERE IS A FINE WIRE AND SECURES THE HORIZONTAL AND VERTICAL BARS. IT IS WRAPPED AROUND THE BARS OF THE CAGE. THE BIRDS PICK AT THIS WIRE, WADDING IT UP. IT'S HARD TO STRAIGHTEN OUT THEIR MESS. WHAT DO I DO? I'M AFRAID THEY ARE GOING TO BREAK OUT OR HURT THEMSELVES. SOME OF THE BARS ARE SAUTERED AND SOME ARE NOT; I'M NOT SURE WHY. I HOPE YOU CAN GIVE ME SOME SUGGESTIONS.
October 19, 2007
Julie @ 11:55 pm:
It sounds as though your bars are not strong enough for the quakers, and you need a cage with thicker bars. Quakers love to make nests and weave them in the bars, so providing materials for this should help in the meanwhile, but I strongly suggest you get a cage with thicker bars, and make sure all of them are welded together properly before you purchase it. Hope this helps and good luck!
February 21, 2008
Dinah L. @ 9:51 pm:
Hi, I will be getting a Blue Quaker baby in March, 2008. I have a green parakeet now. I was thinking about giving the parakeet away (not wanting the quaker to pick up her noisy).
the breeder said I did,nt have too that they would keep each other company. is this true? also she is in the cage I was going to use for the quaker which is 19" tall and 15" wide is this big enough. I had a peach face love bird that was so wonderful she did alot of tricks and gave kisses but never talked.She would bath in the kitchen sink and stayed on my shoulder. I have a friend with a quaker that say bad boys-bad boys what you goin do. Thanks for any info. Dinah
March 29, 2008
megan @ 9:42 pm:
i have alot of birds, budgies and cockatiels..but i am looking to get a Quaker is there any tips i should no about having one?