What Bar Spacing Size Should My Pet Bird's Cage Have? Guidelines & Chart Below

Bar spacing is the most vital factor to consider when selecting a bird cage. Choosing a cage with bar spacing that's too wide could result in your bird escaping from its cage, or worse yet, injuring itself when trying to escape!

It is also crucial to select a cage that's adequately sized regarding the internal dimensions. Getting the overall cage dimensions correct is extremely important to the health of your bird as well...

This makes for an interesting dilemma when shopping for a bird cage:

You want the cage to be large enough for your bird to spread his wings, but the bar spacing can't be too wide either. And generally, as the cages increase in size, the bar spacing goes up as well.

So How Do I Pick The Right Cage?

Great question.

While it is a simple question, unfortunately, there is no simple answer...

With complex topics like this, it helps to have an expert on your side. 

Luckily, you're in the right place.

If you are looking for some expert advice on choosing the perfect cage, check out what we have in store for you below:

In case you are just wondering about what the best bar spacing is for your bird we have created a handy table below.

It displays the ideal bar spacing range for each category of bird cages (small, medium, large) as well as the exact species it applies to.

If you're ready to find the right cage today, the table below is exactly what you need to jump-start the cage selection. We have already done the homework for you and all you have to do is click on your bird's species name from the chart.

Every cage you see from the species-specific page automatically meets the criteria in the table below and is tailored for your particular feathered friend. Cage shopping couldn't be any easier than that! 

Bird Cage Bar Spacing Table

 Category

Species

Ideal Bar Spacing

Small Birds

1/4" to 1/2"
Small-Medium
1/2" to 5/8"

Medium Birds

5/8" to 3/4"

Large Birds

3/4" to 1"

Extra Large Birds

  • Larger Cockatoos
    • Black Palm
    • Large Umbrella
    • Major Mitchell’s
    • Moluccan
  • Larger Macaws
    • Blue & Gold
    • Green-Wing
    • Military
    • Hyacinth
1" to 1.5"

 

Note: You can click on each species of bird in the chart above to see the specific cages that are recommended for that particular species. Or just go directly to our Bird Cages by Species page to choose from the most common pet birds.

Regardless of your bird's species, we have a wide range of options available to you selecting a bird cage, including different cage styles, cage brands, and even essential accessories like cage covers and fun toys to make your parrot feel right at home in their new enclosure.