Buying a used cage online can sometimes be a great way to save money, but it’s important to proceed with caution. Not all cages are created equal, and some may pose serious safety risks to your bird. Whether you’re adopting a new bird or upgrading an existing cage, knowing what to look for is key to ensuring your feathered companion’s safety and comfort.

Below is a quick reference shopping guide!

Check the measurements

While most cages are advertised by height and width, some listings include overall dimensions that factor in playtops, seed guards, or stands. Always confirm the internal measurements of the cage and be sure they are appropriate for your bird’s species.

And don’t forget: STAR’s cage size requirements do NOT list height. We are looking at depth and width.

Quick tip: Many online listings include diagrams or images showing how measurements were taken, so be sure to review these carefully before adding a cage to your cart.

For example, this photo shows a cage that is 24″ x 22″, but could be listed as 30.5″ x 32″ or even 68.5″.  When comparing sizes to our minimum requirements – the 24″ x 22″ measurements are what counts!

Check the bar spacing

Depending on the size of your bird, appropriate bar spacing can vary significantly. Choosing the wrong spacing can increase the risk of injury or escape, so make sure the cage you’re considering is designed specifically for your bird’s size and species.

Quick tip: Pay attention to not only the size of the spacing, but also the bars themselves. Larger parrots, such as macaws, can easily bend or snap flimsy metal with their powerful beaks.

Check the materials

Lots of places offer cages that are made with unsafe materials like galvanized steel, wood, repainted metal with non-bird safe paint, or plastic components that can harbor bacteria. Whether you are buying a used or new cage, keep an eye out for any harmful materials in the description. It’s best to stick with powder-coated or stainless steel when possible.

Quick tip: NEVER use wood cages: they’re porous, harbor bacteria, and are easy for birds to chew through.

Check the quality

If you see any visible rust, flaking paint or powder coating, bent or loose bars, or sharp edges, it’s best to pass. Even a small rust spot can be toxic if your bird can reach it. Your bird’s health and safety are far more important than saving a few dollars, and refurbishing a damaged cage often becomes costly and time-consuming. Choose cages that are visibly clean, free of debris (which can hide rust or damage), or opt for a new cage when in doubt.

Quick tip: Pay special attention near bowls, the bottom grate, and door frames — rust often hides there.

Thinking about refurbishing a cage? Things to consider:

Why Rust Is Dangerous

• Birds chew on cage bars. Ingesting rust particles can cause heavy metal poisoning.
• Metal toxicity can cause neurological issues, blindness, and death.
• Symptoms may not appear right away, and some metals don’t show up in blood tests.
• Rust particles can damage the crop and digestive tract lining.
• Heavy metals break down faster in a bird’s acidic digestive system, increasing absorption.

Restoration Risks

• Professional sandblasting and re-powder-coating is the only truly safe restoration method.
• Not all powder coatings are parrot-safe. Always confirm before refinishing.
• Never use spray paint directly on a cage for active bird use. Fumes and flakes are toxic.
• Even bird-safe paints must be fully cured in a well-ventilated space for several days before use.