Last modified: February 2, 2005
Books and articles recommend that a pet canary be kept in a cage that is at least 24 inches wide. This size is needed so the bird can fly for exercise without risking the dangers of being allowed loose in the house. However, the pet industry offers mostly smaller cages because they take up less room and can be priced for less.
It is not as important how tall or deep the cage is. Canaries benefit from flying back and forth, not up and down. Avoid round cages because canaries prefer corners to give them a sense of orientation. A tall, round cage may look nice with your decore, but a wide, rectangular cage is much better for the bird's physical and mental health.
Bar spacing must be close enough so the bird's head cannot get caught. Many larger cages are meant for parrots and have spacing too wide for a canary. Choose a cage with spacing no more than 5/8 inch between the bars, most are half inch.
Avoid wooden cages or excessively ornate cages if you want to have an easy time cleaning. A plain, rectangular, metal wire cage is best. The bottom tray can be metal or plastic. A bottom wire grill is not needed for an adult canary and adds to the cleaning work. Such a grill does not hurt them, though, and may keep the bird's feet cleaner if you do not change the bottom cage paper daily. Avoid cages with the grill permenantly attached, they are difficult to clean and I do not recommend that type in a home.
Cage color is mostly a matter of personal preference. Canaries sometimes spray their droppings out and the uric acid may dry as white powder spots on the bars, so white painted cages hide this better. Any cage will eventually look dull with dust and droppings, so occational thorough cleaning is needed to keep it looking nice. Dried droppings and dust on the bars will not hurt the bird, though.
Clean the cage with biodegradable detergent and warm water. Soaking the cage in a bathtub or shower will soften debris, then scrub with a sponge or soft nylon brush that will not scratch the metal parts. There is no need to sterilize or disinfect a cage that is going to have the same bird returned to it if the bird is healthy and has no parasites. A smaller carrying cage is useful for housing the bird while the main cage is being cleaned.
It can be time consuming and frustrating to find an appropriate cage in local pet shops. The following mail-order companies sell large cages that are the right size for one pet canary and have ½ inch bar spacing or very close to that.
The Higgins
Group Corp. (now owns Sunshine Bird Supplies), Miami Florida
1-305-593-2666 or 1-800-878-2666.
The recommended cage model is RB-35, which is included in this
photo
Model RB-30 is a non-collapsing version of the same cage and has been
discontinued. A small stand on wheels is also available. Call for
current prices. They don't always include the cage assembly instructions,
so click here for a copy: RB-35 Instructions
Hagen (manufacturer's website)
Any of the Hagen "Regal" models would be suitable for one pet
canary. They are all 23 ¾" wide. Note, many of Hagen's "pet"
canary cages are too small or the wrong shape (round). Contact Hagan
and ask for a distributor or dealer near you.
Model B-4261 Hagen "Avian" Parakeet Villa is 32" wide, 14" deep, 19" tall. Comes with a stand.
Get Bird Stuff
Mini Aviary 26" wide, 22" deep, 5 feet tall
Sundown Aviary
C702 Small Parrot Dome 36"W x 18"D x 26"H, see:
http://www.sundownaviary.com/SmallBirdCages.html
Drs. Foster & Smith
They bought out Pet Warehouse and Hornbecks.
They have many cages and some are suitable, check their website
for current models.
Bird Supply
601 Aviary & Stand, 31 ¾" wide x 21" deep x 35" high, see:
http://www.birdsupply.com/aviaries.htm
Prevue Hendryx
(manufactures cages and only sells directly
to distributors, but you can see their cage models here)
Prevue Hendryx models to consider:
1803 23 ½ x 15 x 19 ½
1804 23 ¼ x 15 x 20
F088B 23 ½ x 14 x 20 ½
F099B 30 x 14 x 29
King's Cages
Napoleon Top Model #106 (20 in. Deep x 32 in. Wide x 62 in. High)
Inside Height 41 inches
http://www.kingscages.com/106.htm
Rainforest Cages
Select California Cages in left frame,
see Cockatiel Dome Top Cage
24x20x30
The Country Roost Cages
model #795XS 25"x21"x28"
model #0594 39"x24"x70" aviary
model #058432"x28"x73" aviary
Model 2411 is similar to the Higgens RB-35, but
Must order in sets of 4 stackable cages.
World of Birds
See Models CA-A10 listed under:
Small Cages
27" wide x 17.5" deep x 26" high, Colors: White, blue, brass
Abba Seed Co.
Model AA3201 is complete with stand on wheels, 4 perches, 1 water
tube, 1 covered inside cup, Heavy Duty Galvanized Metal tray and
floor grill. Special Features: Clear Plastic Front, Open Wire Top
with Access Door, Virtually mess free cage with all metal sides.
Powdered coated white enamel.
Cage Measures 23 inches across, 12 inches deep, 15.5 inches High
(Overall Height with Stand 44 inches).
Model AA3201
Mayer's Pet Shop Toronto, Canada
They carry Hagan cages, including the Regal models (23 -3/4" long)
and the Avian model (32" long). All prices are in Canadian dollars.
Caribbean Bird Cage Company
For those who want something really different where price is
no object, here are some hand-crafted hardwood cages that are actually
the correct size!