I have been reading everyone's posts about cages, but it is usually for a single bird. What size would be good for 2 birds housed together? Or do you think I should separate them? Afterall, I dont know their sex and I dont know if they are siblings because they were a rescues from a colony of nests living in Chicago. Should I have them sexed and then decide. Will they breed without a nest box?

here are a couple of cages I am considering. I would buy a separate playtop for the ones without it. Do you think the stacked double cage would stress the bird put in the bottom part of the cage?

http://www.petco.com/product/12868/Avian-A...f3-000423c27407


http://cgi.ebay.com/Large-Double-Bird-Cage...=item5883a22a74

http://cgi.ebay.com/LARGE-Double-Bird-Cage...=item335169b7b6

Hi, Ginny!
I would recommend that you either have them dna-sexed or house them separately. Even if they get along you don't want to house two birds of the opposite sex in the same cage unless you are wanting them to breed and definitely not if they are brother & sister. Personally, I would have them dna-sexed anyway. The reason I like to have my birds dna-sexed is that way I can watch for problems such as egg-laying & possibly egg binding problems. As far as cages go the bar spacing is one of the most important requirements. Personally for Quakers I prefer 5/8th inch bar spacing but if necessary you can go as large as 3/4th inch bar spacing. For a single Quaker the cage should be no smaller than 18 by 18 inches. Think of the cage the same as you would a home for yourself. If you get a good quality house that meets your needs you can live in it all of your life but if you get too small or inadequate to meet you & your family's needs you will later on need to buy a bigger or "better" house. Others will have to advise you on an appropriate size cage for two birds as I prefer my birds to have their own home. I like my space and I think my birds like having their "space" in their own cage that they don't have to share with any other bird unless they want to.

So glad you could take in two birds in need of a good home! Oh, might I suggest a couple of books? Mattie Sue Athan's book, Guide to the Quaker Parrot is an excellent resource I have used for years. Cost around $10 and available at most local bookstores or online at Amazon.com or Barnes & Noble. Also, our forum owner, Shelly has written a book that you can download (I haven't been able to check it out yet but hope to soon.).

Jess

I would not get the stackable cages if you want seperat cages what about a side by side flight cage with a partition , I think I have a link ...I`ll go check..

Here is one ...

http://www.birdandcage.com/flight.html

Are they babies or are they older and have they always been caged together? I personally would not cage then together... after a very short time with each other they will bond and you'll be the third wheel in no time. Two cages would be best in my opinion Good luck!

Looking at this thread I consider myself lucky with Crackerjack as he only uses his cage for fod other wise he's on his perch on the terrace screaming at our cats and dogs. Or picking on the kitten indoors. He normally flies freely and doesn't go far at all, even outside!!!

Please be very careful ...a fright or gust of wind and you could loose your little guy..Its not really the thing to do taking a bird (clipped or flighted) outside without a harness....a very risky thing to do...

My boys are out of their cage all day also but they have a cage to sleep and one to be put in if need be , a cage is for their protection only and I love to have the boys out , they do fly free within the bird room and when I am downstairs with the adjoining family room...

i have a pair of bonded quakers that are caged together. Sky is a former breeder but she wasn't bred with her boyfriend, Gator. with them being caged together, they see no need for me except for food. Gator protects Sky so there is no way I can get close to her.

if you want pets... keep them seperated. they can have play time together but they should sleep in different cages unless you don't mind having quakers that bond with each other and not you.

i can't touch Gator or Sky but i'm okay with that. they will both take a great from my out-stretched hand but that's about it. Sky doesn't talk but Gator talks and sings so i do interact with them.

also, i have Cricket who is my "baby" so i'm okay giving Gator and Sky their privacy. now, they are boy and girl... they do monkey around occasionally... but have never produced any eggs.