The African grey parrot is one of the most popular pet birds, renowned for its exceptional intelligence, ability to mimic speech, and affectionate nature when properly socialized. Deciding what size cage an African grey needs is an important consideration for any prospective owner. Providing your grey with an appropriately sized cage is crucial for its health and happiness.
In this blog post, we’ll cover everything you need to know about selecting the right cage for your African grey, including:
• Typical Size Range of African Greys
• Cage Size Recommendations
• Other Cage Considerations: Bar Spacing, Shape, Placement
• Importance of Time Out of the Cage
• Equipping the Cage Properly
• Sample Cages and Dimensions
Understanding how large African greys grow and their typical wingspan will help guide you in choosing an adequately sized cage. Read on for tips from avian experts on cage specs and accessories to give your intelligent companion the very best living space.
Typical Size of African Grey Parrots
African greys are medium-to-large parrots, ranging from 10 to 14 inches in length. Their wingspans can reach up to 20 inches wide when fully grown. On average, they grow to about:
• Length: 13 inches
• Wingspan: 16-20 inches
• Weight: 13-18 oz
The Congo African grey is the larger of the two subspecies, while the smaller Timneh grey maxes out around 10-12 inches long on average. The Timneh’s petite stature means it can often suit a slightly smaller cage than its Congo cousin.
What is the Recommended Minimum Cage Size?
Bird experts agree that bigger is always better when selecting a parrot cage. For an African grey, the absolute bare minimum would be a cage around 20 inches long by 20 inches wide by 27 inches tall. However, that only allows basic movement from a perch to food/water dishes.
Most avian vets and rescue/shelter personnel strongly advise a much more spacious cage, recommending no less than:
• Length: 36 inches
• Width: 24 inches
• Height: 48 inches
This allows your grey adequate room to fully stretch and flap its wings without making contact with the cage sides. The extra height also lets your parrot climb up and down between multiple perches. Smaller cages severely restrict normal bird behaviors like foraging, playing, and exploring.
Prioritize width and length over height too, since African greys are better climbers than flyers. Aim for the largest cage possible that will fit your budget and available space.
Other Key Cage Considerations
Aside from cage dimensions, also factor these into your shopping parameters:
Bar Spacing: Bar spacing on an African grey’s cage should not exceed 3⁄4 to 1 inch between the bars. Any wider risks injury or escape.
Cage Shape: Choose a rectangular cage over round for optimal use of floor space.
Cage Placement: Situate your grey’s cage in a social living area like the family room. But avoid areas with excessive noise or foot traffic that causes stress.
Importance of Daily Out-of-Cage Time
While cage size matters greatly, what’s even more vital for an African grey’s welfare is spending ample time outside of the cage every day. Greys are one of the most intelligent avian species. A cage should be viewed as their sleeping quarters rather than a permanent confinement.
African greys need abundant opportunity to exercise their minds and bodies for several hours daily through interactive toy play, training sessions, spreading their wings, and bonding with their human flock. Cage-bound parrots often develop self-destructive behaviors like screaming or feather-plucking from under-stimulation and loneliness.
Properly Equipping the Cage
Now that you know suitable cage dimensions for an African grey, filling it properly with perches, food bowls, and toys is also key. Be sure to include:
• Various perch types and diameters to exercise feet and prevent arthritis
• Appropriate sized food and water bowls
• An abundance of foraging/puzzle toys to prevent boredom-based problems
• Natural wood branches for chewing and climbing
Sample African Grey Cages and Dimensions
To help visualize suitable African grey housing, here are some well-rated cages along with their dimensions from popular online retailers:
Prevue Hendryx Flight Cage:
• Length: 36 inches
• Width: 25 inches
• Height: 53 inches
Mcage Double Flight Cage:
• Length: 46 inches
• Width: 25 inches
• Height: 53 inches
Yaheetech 54-inch Wrought Iron Standing Large Bird Cage:
• Length: 23 inches
• Width: 23 inches
• Height: 54 inches
VISSION 54-Inch Rolling Bird Cage on Stand:
• Length: 23 inches
• Width: 23 inches
• Height: 60 inches
These are just a few suitable examples that meet expert recommendations for size. Shop around to find one with bar spacing and features that best match your needs and interior décor style.
The Perfect Place to Call Home
From cage requirements to proper socialization, ensuring your African grey’s living situation supports both physical health and mental enrichment is paramount. Adequately sizing their cage is the first step toward responsible parrot ownership.
Pair that roomy cage with plenty of daily free flight time and affection, a nutritious diet, proper vet care, and positive reinforcement training, and you’ll have a happy, thriving feathered companion for decades to come.
