Whether you have an African Grey Parrot, Macaw, Cockatoo, Senegal, Cockatiel or a Canary, the larger the parrot cage, the happier your parrot will be.

Some pet shops will offer you advise on which type of cage to buy or if you buy from a reputable breeder they will also guide you in the right direction.

Amongst the many factors to take into account when choosing and buying your parrot cage, the most important one I think is that the bigger the bird cage the better. I know that this is not always financially possible, but if you want the best for your bird then invest in a bird that you know you can afford and can provide the best home for.

Your new bird needs plenty of room to move about, exercise and flap his wings easily without risk of them banging on the sides of the parrot cage. If you are able to provide this for your parrot then this is an excellent start for both of you.

Consider what shape of parrot cage to purchase. Some people like a square or rectangular shaped cage and others like the look of a rounded one. I think that most parrot owners agree that a square parrot cage will provide a more secure environment for your bird whereas a round one can cause your bird to feel stressed as these do not fit into corners of the room very easily and can cause your bird to feel vulnerable. A square cage can be put against a wall or in a corner so that 1 or 2 of the sides are closed in and parrots appear to prefer this.

It should be acknowledged that African Greys and Macaws enjoy plenty of space as they are large birds and if they are cooped up in a small parrot cage they become depressed and stressed which can lead to feather plucking. Parrot cages with a gym or play top are a good idea if your bird likes to come out of his cage and also if you can’t afford to purchase a playstand for your bird.

It is wise to invest in a good quality cage - there are some good powder coated ones on the market which have been oven baked at high temperatures resulting in a parrot cage that will provide a long lasting and safe environment for your bird. Always check to make sure that the paint is non-toxic and does not contain any zinc which can be fatal to birds.

A point to remember - Your parrot will be like having a small child. He will rely on you not only to provide the best housing for him, but also to provide good, nutritious food, toys to play with and because parrots are very social creatures, plenty of time to spend with him.