How To Measure A Bird Cage?

Hello, our fellow Bird Lovers. Are you curious and confused about the size of your bird’s cage? Wondering how to measure a bird’s cage? Well, we have got you sorted. 

When trying to measure a bird’s cage, people often reach the internet. But since many explanations found online are a bit too technical, we are here trying to simplify the process. Leave all your confusion aside, and remember that measuring a birdcage isn’t rocket science. 

Join us in this article as we guide you through the plain and straightforward process of Measuring a Bird’s Cage. We go with the belief that creating a cosy home for birds should be easy and enjoyable. This article will cover all the basics of measuring, including the cage’s height, depth, and width, along with the all-important bar spacing. So, without wasting much time, grab your measuring tape and get ready to build a spacious and comfortable home for your birdy. 

How To Measure A Bird Cage? Detailed Process

Measuring a bird’s cage accurately is essential to ensure your feathered friend has a comfortable and safe living space. And for doing so, we have curated a step-by-step guide. Here’s all about the same:

Gather the Tools: A flexible measuring tape and Something to note down all the measurements. 

1. Once you have supplies in your hand, you can begin. But, make sure the bird is not in the cage, or your deeds might stress them. 
2. Using the measuring tape, measure the cage’s width (distance from one side to the opposite side). Place the measuring tape horizontally across the widest part of the cage. While you do so, ensure its’ level. Make sure you note down the measurement in cm/ inches.
3. Now, measure the cage’s depth (distance from front to back). Take the measuring tape, place it vertically along the depth of the cage and take the measurements.
4. Now, measure the cage’s height (distance from the bottom to the top or vice versa). Place the measuring tape vertically from the cage’s floor to the highest point and note down the measurements.
5. Further, measure the distance between the bars for the Cage bars. Do not skip this step since it is crucial to ensure that the birds can escape from between the bars or get stuck there. So, taking the measuring tape, measure the distance between bars (both vertically and horizontally). Make sure you are recording/ noting all the measurements this while.
6. Now, for bird cages that have features like feeding stations, nesting boxes, perches, etc., measure their dimensions as well. 

For measuring the interior space: 

While measuring the interior space of a bird’s cage can be tricky, you can do so by multiplying the width of the cage by the depth by the height. This calculation will give you the total cubic space inside the cage. 

Once done with all the measurements, compare the details you noted for your birds’ species. Remember, different birds have different cage needs; thus, provide them with one accordingly. 

Size Information (For Reference Only)

Here’s a general size information:

Medium: 

• Height: Approximately 6 inches
• Cages up to 60 inches in total circumference, including cages like 9×11 to 16×14.

Large: 

• Height: Approximately 8-9 inches
• Cages up to 85 inches in circumference, including cages like 14×18, 18×18, and 20×20.

Large/Tall:

Height: Approximately 14 inches

• Cages up to 85 inches in circumference, including cages like 18×18 and 20×20.
• Suitable for taller cages like the Prevue 123 and 125.

Extra-Large (1X):

• Height: Approximately 15 inches
• Cages up to a 100-inch circumference, including cages like 24×22 and 24×24.

Extra-Large-Short (1XS): 

• Height: Approximately 9 inches
• Cages up to a 100-inch circumference, making it suitable for flight cages like 30×18 and similar sizes.

2X Size: 

• Height: Approximately 15 inches
• Cages up to a 130-inch circumference, including cages like 36×22 and similar sizes.

Jumbo: 

• Height: Approximately 15-16 inches
• Cages up to approximately a 160-inch circumference, including cages measuring up to 48×26 inches in size.

Please Note: The size of a bird cage for different manufacturers can differ; thus, check accordingly. The above-given details are for reference purposes only.

How Big Should A Bird’s Cage? How Much Space Does A Bird Needs?

Choosing the correctly sized bird cage is important for the overall well-being of the avians. A bird’s cage should be sized well enough to allow avians for full wing spreading without touching the bars.

Its height must allow the birds to take short flights and accommodate their natural behaviour, like climbing. At the same time, the depth of the cage should encourage perching and hopping. In addition, bar spacing must be appropriate for the bird’s size.

In general, larger cages are better, with minimum sizes ranging from 18x18x18 inches for small birds to 48x48x48 inches for extra-large species.

Cage Size Recommendation for Different Bird Species

Here are some general cage size recommendations for specific bird sizes: 

• Small Birds (e.g., Budgerigars, Canaries): Minimum cage size: 18 inches (width) x 18 inches (depth) x 18 inches (height).
• Medium Birds (e.g., Cockatiels, Lovebirds): Minimum cage size: 24 inches (width) x 24 inches (depth) x 24 inches (height).
• Large Birds (e.g., African Greys, Conures): Minimum cage size: 36 inches (width) x 36 inches (depth) x 36 inches (height).
• Extra-Large Birds (e.g., Macaws, Cockatoos): Minimum cage size: 48 inches (width) x 48 inches (depth) x 48 inches (height) or larger.

Remember that these are minimum recommendations, and providing more space is always better. Birds need space not only for physical exercise but also mental stimulation.

In addition to that, it is important to allow frequent out-of-cage time for your pet birds. Doing so helps them maintain their flight and encourage social interaction.

How Many Birds Can I Have In One Cage?

Birds can co-live like a family in one cage, and such settings are helpful for their mental stimulation and emotional well-being. However, the number of birds in one cage depends upon the cage’s size, bird species and their compatibility and birds’ individual needs. While living together in a cage can be beneficial for many birds, it is also important to avoid overcrowding.

A small group (or pair) of budgerigars, canaries and other smaller birds can often share a cage. However, the cage should be spacious enough to prevent territorial disputes.

Large birds require more cage space; thus, keeping them together isn’t very promising. Also, large birds show signs of aggression and, therefore, can be incompatible with each other.

When housing two or multiple birds together, make sure you focus on the specific needs and behaviours of the bird species. Also, do take a moment to consult with a veterinarian or avian expert for guidance.

Do Birds Like Wider or Taller Cages?

Whether birds like wider or taller cages depends upon their individual behaviour and species; however, we can offer you some insight into how wider and taller cages can help the birds.

Wider Cages allow birds to enjoy flying horizontally. Bird species like parakeets and canaries often appreciate wider cages. Such settings offer them space to move around easily. Not only this, but it also allows them to enjoy short flights from perch to perch.

Whereas Taller Cages allow birds to enjoy climbing and perching at various heights. Some bird species enjoy taller cages, including cockatiels and conures. Such cages encourage vertical movement, accommodating the natural behaviour of birds. 

Some birds may thrive in cages that combine width and height to provide various perching and flying options. Regardless of the dimensions, the cage should always meet the minimum size recommendations for your particular bird species to ensure their well-being.

How to Know if My Bird Cage Is Too Small? 

For your pet’s well-being, again, it is important to recognize if the bird cage is too small. To do so, here are some signs you need to look out for:

1. If the bird is having difficulty moving around, the cage is small. Limited movement, like short distance flights and difficulty in stretching wings fully, also indicates space issues.
2. If your pet bird seems stressed or bored, it can be due to a lack of space. Remember, m birds need mental stimulation and exercise. Besides space, adding toys into their cage is also necessary.
3. If you observe territorial disputes among birds sharing the cage, less space can be an issue. 
4. Bird cages that get messy quickly, with food and droppings, might be too small.
5. Pet birds kept in small and cramped cages also develop muscle atrophy and obesity with time. This happens due to a lack of exercise and space to move.

Are There Any Downside of Using Bird Cage That Is Too Big?

Yes, like using a small bird cage can lead to problems, using a one that is too big can also have its share of disadvantages. For instance:

1. If the bird cage is too large, you may find it difficult to locate or retrieve your birds, especially since the bird may hide behind objects or in the corners.
2. Bird cages that are larger require more time and effort to clean thoroughly. And while cleaning, reaching all areas of the cage can be challenging due to limited accessibility. This further can lead to hygiene issues.
3. The larger the bird’s cage, the more bedding, toys, and accessories, and the increasing ongoing expenses it requires.
4. Birds love company and interaction; thus, cages that are excessively large may make them feel isolated. Social birds may prefer smaller cages if they have avian companions.
5. Bird cages that are too large may have a lot of wasted space. 

Therefore, choose a cage size that accommodates your bird’s species to strike the right balance. Going for a cage that is too small or too large isn’t always the best idea. The cage should be sized well to allow birds’ natural behaviours like wing stretching, perching, and flying short distances.

Overall….

By the end of this article, we hope you have not gotten the idea of measuring the birds’ cage properly. The guideline above is only a starting point that will help you choose the best home for your feathered friends.