Polly want a cracker? If there are any bird owners called Polly out there, we dread to think how many times you've heard that one. Not from inside your bird cage, but from people who know you own a bird. Eye roll!
Every bird owner will know the love you feel for your feathered companion is unmatched, even if they are cheeky as heck. That's what makes them even more loveable. Who needs to go outside to speak to real people when you can chat away with your pet? They are one of the cleverest pets you can own, as they can learn words and phrases very quickly. Moreso, they also have a big heart and will be by your side all day. Therefore, you want to make them feel at home and comfortable in your house, and that's where having a top-quality bird cage comes in. But it's a lot to think about. What size should I get? What should I put inside the cage? Do I cover my bird's cage at night?
We've got a guide to the best bird cage types you can buy online in 2022: from budgie cages to parrot cages, to big, small, round and tall. Everything you could ever need is right here. As well as our shopping guide, we've got a FAQ section below to answer your burning questions about how to best acclimate your bird to its aviary, so you can keep an eye on them.
Remember to take time every day to have your bird explore outside their cage, as it's important for their physical and mental well-being to fly around properly. If you want your bird to fly outside the house, some people even train their birds for flying walks, called free flight!
The best bird cages to buy online in 2022
The best bird cage for budgies
AmazonA classic, simple cage, ideal for budgies, as well as other small birds. This is a perfect starter cage. You can get this cage in black or white, and it comes with a feeding tray, four bowls, three perches and a cute little swing - as well as a pull-out cleaning tray, which is essential for a clean space. It also has a beautiful, old-fashioned aviary design that is sure to look lovely in your home.
The best cage for: Budgies, Canaries, Parakeets, Cockatiels, Finches and Lovebirds.
Size: Width 46.5cm x Depth 35.5cm x Height 92.5 cm
Rating: 4.5/5
Review: "Easy to assemble, took 5 minutes, has got big door which is good to train/tame birds when putting a hand in and easy to clean with a tray that slides out at the bottom and the big doors. The big cage is good for 2/4 budgies, and the feeders are good as they stop budgies from pooping in them, very good product! Good value for money."
Related: The best fish tank cleaning kits
The best bird cage for parrots
northern parrotswww.northernparrots.com
Parrots are large, loud and lively, and we love them for it. If you want a cage that mirrors the exuberance of your parrot pal, the Discovery Corner Parrot Cage is ideal, officially endorsed by The World Parrot Trust. Not only does it fit snuggly into the corner of a room, meaning it takes up less space indoors, but it's designed specifically with parrots in mind. A robust, secure steel cage under £500, it has a play gym top where your parrot can stretch out and play outside its cage. This aviary also includes two wood perches, swing-out feeder doors complete with metal bowls, a handy slide-out tray and rolling casters so you can move the cage around if needed.
The best cage for: Parrots (e.g Meyer's and Senegal Parrots, Macaws, African Grey Parrots, Amazon Parrots) Quakers also known as Monk Parakeets, Ring-neck Parakeets, Lovebirds and Small Conures.
Size: 180cm H, 88cm W, 57cm D
Rating: 4.8/5
Review: "My CAG was wary for the first day we set it up in the room. But after seeing all the new toys being set up inside it and a larger play area she soon changed her mind and now loves it. It sits so much nicer in the room now and so much easier to clean than her old cage. The only thing I would have liked would be a gravity latch as a backup in case one of the locks was ever left open by accident. Her old one had one. I have also had to add a dog clip onto her bowl doors as she soon figured out how to open them. Overall I would recommend it to anyone. Quality, price and delivery are all 5star."
The best large bird cage under £100
AmazonSometimes you just want a basic shell of a cage that you can subsequently add to create your perfect bird cage, and this Portable Metal Bird Cage from Yaheetech is perfect for just that. Designed to be extra deep for birds who like to flaunt their wingspan, this reliable cage, made from low-carbon, rust-proof and waterproof steel, won't let you down. With simple accessories such as four white plastic food trays & three long wooden perches, it is a blank canvas for you to decorate to your heart's desire.
The best cage for: Cockatoos, Parrots, Budgies, Cockatiels African Grey, Quaker, Sun Parakeets, Larger Keets (like Bourkes, Red Rumps, and Opalines), Green Cheek Conures, and Lovebirds.
Size: 132cm x 79cm x 52 cm (H x L x W)
Rating: 4.6/5
Review: "As other reviews have said, instructions are awful! Definitely a two-person job and some common sense but nothing impossible! The bars are a bit wider than I would’ve liked but so far no problems with the little escape artists had to upgrade from the previous cage because of the small sliding doors. So much bigger than what I thought it would be, but the girls are loving it, they definitely have a big mansion now so hopefully less squabbling! Would definitely recommend it if you want your birds to have some space to fly if you are unable to get them out as much as you’d like. Food dishes and perches are also a good bonus! Really sturdy cage and has good doors with added security chain. A bit lower down than I would’ve liked as I have 3 cats so will need to make a stand so they are up a bit higher and extra safe!"
Related: The best tortoise house to keep your little slowpoke snug
The best extra large bird cage under £200
mano manowww.manomano.co.uk
If you're looking for a high-quality cage that's extra tall, oftentimes you will have to splash out a lot of cash. However, you need not spend over £200 with this Yaheetech Large Iron Bird Cage, perfect for parrots and other larger pet birds. Made out of iron to defeat even the toughest bird's beak, this cage on a stand with wheels is large enough to comfortably fit your beautiful beast and then some. This cage also comes with rope bungees, wooden perches and a feeder door.
The best cage for: Parrots, Cockatoos and Macaws (also smaller birds if you want a larger space for them.)
Size: 81 x 46.5 x 175.5 cm (WxDxH)
Rating: 4.7/5 (voted number one for value for money award)
Review: "Nicely made from a strong material, plenty of small doors, with two main front doors for easy access. The light grey colour blends in well. We have this cage placed inside looking out through patio doors, with the easy running fitted wheels its easily moved away from the bright sun when necessary. This is one of many cages purchased over the years, and it's one of the best."
The best dome top bird cage
omletwww.omlet.co.uk
If you're looking for a bird cage that works just as well as a decor item as a bird cage, look no further than this circular Geo Bird Cage from Omelet, which has gone viral for its modern, geodesic design. It's completely customisable so you can edit the look to suit your home- want to change the base colour or the mesh colour? Go right ahead. Want to add extra accessories such as a bath, mirror, cage stand or night cover? You can do so here. As a standard, the Geo Bird Cage comes with two perches, a feeder and a drinker that can be adapted to finches if need be. Overall, the geodesic design allows 44 per cent more room for your birds than a conventional rectangular cage.
The best cage for: Budgies, Finches and Canaries.
Size: 62cm (H) x 60cm (W) x 60cm (D)
Rating: 5/5
Review: "We absolutely love the cage. It’s huge for our little budgie and she’s not mad about it. It’s like she’s a completely different bird. She was always such a quiet bird and now she’s melodic and playful. We were overwhelmed when we saw all the parts that needed to be assembled but it needed up being really easy. We get so many compliments on the cage. Couldn’t be happier with it."
Related: A full guide to bearded dragon care
The best outdoor bird cage
aosomwww.aosom.co.uk
If you're looking forward to the warmer weather and want to spend more time outdoors, why not bring your feathered friend with you? With an outdoor cage, much like similar concepts like the catio, you can hang out with your bird in the garden without the risk of them flying off if they're not flight trained. The fresh outdoor air will bring them so much happiness and health benefits alongside it. This PawHut Wooden Outdoor Play House is made with a solid fir wood frame and powder-coated metal grids so your birds are secure and it has a grey asphalt roof to protect them from the elements.
The best cage for: Doves, Pigeons, Love Birds, Finches, Quails or other small flying birds.
Size: 80.5L x 57W x 158.5H cm
Rating: 5/5
Review: "Beautiful! It arrived quickly and well packaged! Easy to assemble! Reliable site."
FAQs: Bird cages
Let's move on to the most frequently asked questions about bird cages, to help you become more knowledgeable about your bird and its living space.
Do birds like cages / is it cruel to keep a bird in a cage?
Much like a crated dog at night, animals appreciate a hove they can live in as a safe space, as long as they are being let out during the day. This is the same with birds. Birds are a curious and intelligent species, and if you kept them locked in their cage throughout the day, they can be taken over with loneliness and self-destructive tendencies, and can even develop depression.
However, if you make sure to have as much outside cage time during the day, where you socialise and play with your bird, they will live a happy and fulfilled life. If you are still worried about keeping your bird indoors, you can invest in an outdoor bird cage like the one we listed above, or look into flight-training your bird. As well as this, a lot of bird species are very sociable, as they are used to living as a flock. So if you have a lone bird living at home, you could look into getting them a companion bird.
How often should bird cages be cleaned?
You should clean your bird cage at least once a week with hot water and non-toxic disinfectant soap. Remember to let the disinfectant sit untouched for 15 minutes to let it work its magic before scrubbing off. Some people claim smaller birds only need to be cleaned after once a month, but we recommend doing it once a week, all the same, to make sure your bird has a hygienic, and therefore, safe space.
amazon
amazonWhat are the best bird cage accessories?
There are so many bird cage accessories online to pick from to entertain your birdy, but here are just a few of the best ones from Jolleys. It's important to keep your pet's mind stimulated for a happy life. As a standard, all bird cages should contain a food bowl filled with nutritious food, and a drinking bottle - but if you want the best life for your bird, you should have these supplies too...
jolleyswww.jollyes.co.uk
"Just like we (humans) feed our babies milk for stronger bones, birds should be fed with these cuttlebone bird food. This bird food is a powerhouse of dietary calcium, helps in healthy egg production, promotes healthy behaviour and eliminates issues like feather chewing or plucking."
jolleyswww.jollyes.co.uk
"Made from carefully selected seeds, this honey snack bar is delicious as well as nutritious. All the seeds are essential for the proper growth and development of your little friend."
jolleyswww.jollyes.co.uk
"It is specifically built so that titbits, cuttlefish, millet sprays, seed treats, nibbles and snacks can be conveniently put in the cage of your pet and they can conveniently eat them."
jolleyswww.jollyes.co.uk
"Add to their entertainment and keep them busy by getting this Beaks Mirror with Bell Bird Toy. One of the best bird cage accessories, this bird mirror toy is sturdy and makes a long-lasting trinket for your pet's cage."
jolleyswww.jollyes.co.uk
"This bird toy for the ocean mix is available in various colours that your bird can fall in love with. The smartest thing about this pet bird toy is that if you are busy with your own stuff, it will keep your little friend amused and engaged."
jolleyswww.jollyes.co.uk
"With the wooden ladder, your bird can stay active. It can be used to climb up to a perch from the floor of their cage or from one perch to another or use it as a swing!" You can get this item in medium or large.
jolleyswww.jollyes.co.uk
"The wood logs are covered in bark that helps to keep beaks busy and entertained by chewing it. You can hang the bridges in various combinations across the bars to create new routes and ways to make more fun for your little friends in their cage." This item is available in medium or large.
Why cover my bird cage at night?
Getting a good night's rest is vital for your bird's health. Just like we pull shut our curtains at night to minimise light disturbance, your birds need the same treatment so they sleep soundly. It allows them a long uninterrupted period of privacy which means your bird is able to be in a state of calm. If you've got a talkative bird, I think it's fair to say you'd rather not hear them chatting away at three in the morning, so this calm mindset will help them quieten down. Overall it's a good idea to invest in a cover for those moments when your bird needs a safe space.
There are many different shapes and sizes of bird cage covers out there, and often times there will be a cover designed specifically for the cage you have. However, if you need just general dimensions, we've found some fantastic products that will fit your cage size.
For small-sized cages, this black cover from eBay will fit cages up to 33 L x 32 W x 44cm H.
For medium-sized cages, this black cover from Amazon will fit cages up to 35 L, 46 W and 82cm H.
For large-sized cages, this black cover from Amazon will fit cages up to 88 L, 62 W and 120cm H.
If you want a more colourful cover for your bird cage, Etsy has some fantastic options that are bright and super fun.