Mood:
Stressed
Listening To: HEALTH x FILTER - FREE TO DIE
May 17 2026
Bird Cage Quest Part 2/?
Disclaimer: Units in USA Imperial because there's so many numbers. Apologies to the rest of the world.
A month later, and we’re back at it at Krispy Kreme. I’m just going to jump in. After more research, I found a solution to some of the Critter Nation’s issues, and in doing so, brought up more problems. For the grate, one can use the Midwest Dog Crate Grate, and for the missing tray one can use a Concrete Mixing Tub. After totaling these up (with 4 tubs, just for backup), the total price for this route is $ 445.84. This is if you go with the add-on unit of the CN, versus two single story. I chose the add-on because it’s cheaper, and because I have a stand with which to put the cages on. I do not particularly like the legs of the CN, either, their height being very short.
However, the stand adds a new trial: my stand is 40 in. long x 12. inch wide. Currently, it fits my current cage fine, but isn’t wide enough to support another by its side. I worry 2 CN cages next to each other or stacked on top of each other will be too much for the stand. This means I’d need a whole new stand, an added expense I have no idea how easily I can prepare for, and I worry about space. 72 inches across is a large space, larger than I use for my snakes in their 120 gallon – they only go to 60 inches. I could maybe go to 50 inches in the space for the cage, but now I am at another impasse: how am I to do this? In theory, the CN’s could balance on top of each on the stand, but I have no idea how stable that will be. So what are my other options and their prices?
The first option is to buy a cage that is the same dimensions of the VISION model and put it on top. This IS doable; there are multiple cages that fit in the rough dimensions of 30 x 16.5, but I’m just not happy with the cage selection. The VISION cage works, but I fear a more active bird may not enjoy the confines. What’s more, I’d like to update my first bird’s cage, too, and have it be bigger – the VISION model is fine, but crowded, his tail feathers always appear ‘chewed’ due to them touching bars. Cages at this size vary in price, but are about $100-150.
The second option is to buy 2 cages that are about 20 x 20 x 20 in size. This is smaller than ideal for both birds, but would fit fine on the stand. In this cage size, I can find cages that fit my other criteria: swing-out doors, outside feeder doors, etc. Is it worth the sacrifice in size? The price for 2 cages at this size is about $360-400.
The third option is to buy a whole new set of side-by-side cages. We see that in the semi-local option of my last post, but also in this cage. Many of these cages are especially flimsy and, so I’ve read, not very durable or easy to put together: I fear their reliability. What’s more, the best one I’ve been able to find requires zip-ties to keep the swing up feeder doors shut. However the cages are at 32 x 21 x 65, very close to the size I want. The price point is $645.14 and includes the stand.
The final option, ironically, is to buy a stack of three cages. There exists a stack of 30 x 24 cages with stainless steel outside feeder doors as a three stack. And, surprisingly (and also, worryingly) cheaper: $564.95. But, of course, a three stack of cages invites a third bird...