Cage or aviary for your birds: which to choose for your home?
Cage or aviary? It all depends on how much out-of-cage time you can offer: a large cage suits one or two birds that fly freely around the room every day, while an indoor aviary is essential for a group, untamed birds or long absences. For the same budget, always favour horizontal flying space.
When is a large cage enough?
For two budgies let out one to two hours a day, a cage of at least 80 × 50 × 60 cm does the job (60 to 150 €). The cage is then just a « base camp »: sleeping quarters, feeders, a few toys. Daily flight outside the cage makes up for the limited volume. If out-of-cage time is irregular, the cage quickly becomes a prison: move up a size.
When is an aviary essential?
- A group of 3 birds or more: in-enclosure flight becomes necessary.
- Untamed birds: they will not come out willingly, so the aviary is their only flying space.
- Long absences: full working days, regular weekends away.
- Lively species: canaries and zebra finches fly more than they climb and need length.
Expect 150 to 400 € for a decent indoor aviary (around 180 × 80 × 100 cm), more for zinc-free aluminium.
Which criteria should you compare before buying?
Length matters more than height: birds fly horizontally. Check the bar spacing (10-12 mm for budgies and canaries, 15-20 mm for cockatiels), lead- and zinc-free epoxy paint, secure doors and an easy-to-clean slide-out tray. Steer clear of round cages, whose flaws we detail in this article, and weigh up value for money in our comparison cheap or premium cage.
Can you combine the two?
Yes, and it is often the best set-up: an aviary as the main home and a small travel or hospital cage (30 to 50 €) for avian vet visits and convalescence. Find all our housing guides in the housing and habitat section.
Frequently asked questions
Does an aviary take up too much room in a flat?
An aviary 80 cm deep has the footprint of a large bookcase. In a studio flat, an XXL cage on a stand with daily out-of-cage time is more realistic.
Is an outdoor aviary an option?
Yes for gradually acclimatised birds, with a safety porch, a frost-free shelter and protection from predators — a more demanding project than an indoor aviary.
What total budget should I plan?
A fully equipped cage: 100 to 250 €. A fully equipped aviary: 250 to 600 € with natural wood perches, feeders and toys.
This guide is part of Planète Pets’s Birds universe. Our advice is general in nature: for any health concern, your veterinarian remains the only reference.