Hyacinth Macaw Cage Information

The three most important factors to consider when choosing the right cage for your hyacinth macaw is size, the material used to construct the cage, cage style and the quality of the workmanship in constructing it. There are many types of cages available but few suitable enough for a large macaw, such as the hyacinth.

Cage Size – The amount of time your bird spends in its cage should not determine the size you choose. Whether they are spending two hours a day or 12 hours a day in their cage, they should still have enough space to easily flap their wings and move freely. The cage should be large enough to accommodate a couple of large perches and toys without interfering with wing exercise and climbing. Cages that are too small are dangerous because without adequate room to flap the wings they can get caught in the bars, possibly breaking or causing injury to the wings. The minimum cage size should be 46 inches wide, 36 inches deep and 6 feet tall. Dome tops are the best choice as they offer more room. The larger the cage you can provide the better. 

Cage Structure – Stainless steel is highly recommended. Cages made of stainless are very expensive, upwards of three times the price of a powder coated, cold rolled steel model. The difference in price is worth it when you consider how quickly a hyacinth macaw can bend the bars to the point of popping them free of the welds in an attempt to squeeze between the bars and escape. We have hyacinth macaws that have literally destroyed powder-coated steel cages in just a few weeks. Another problem is the paint coming off. A large macaw simply playing and climbing will inadvertently scrape off much of the paint with their beak. Although paint used on cages of today is lead-free there is not much information available about the affects of ingesting the paint-chips. Where do these paint-chips end up? Do they lodge internally and damage organs? There has not been adequate research regarding the effects of ingested paint-chips, but one can only assume it can’t be good.
 

Large stainless parrot environment.

Cage Style – The most commonly used cage styles are the dome-top and the play-top. The dome-top is very popular and provides more interior space. The other is called the play-top. Rather then dome shaped it is flat on top and has a play area in place of the dome, trading interior space for additional play space outside of the cage. When deciding on a cage, think of your parrots individual personality, size and situation then look for cage features that match. Safety features such as locking doors, secured grates and feed bowls, appropriate bar spacing, horizontal bars rather then just vertical for easier climbing, and a cage apron to reduce mess are just a few things we recommend in a large macaw cage. Look for solid workmanship such as bars welded in place not just set down into the holes and metal rather then plastic hardware. Take your time when cage shopping, do research and talk to other large parrot owners for their suggestions.