African Greys are active, intelligent parrots that need room to climb, turn and stretch. Choose a cage for usable interior space, safe bar spacing and enrichment.
Minimum size
As a practical UK guide, start around 90 × 70 × 120 cm and go larger where possible. Your bird should move between perches without its tail rubbing the bars. Out-of-cage time is important but does not replace a spacious cage.
Bar spacing
Around 2–2.5 cm is commonly considered for African Greys. Bars must prevent head entrapment and be strong enough for a determined beak. Check the specification against your individual bird.
Play-top or dome-top?
A play-top adds a supervised perch and activity area for training. A dome-top provides height and may suit climbers. Whichever style you choose, provide varied natural perches, safe toys and clear feeding access.
Buying checklist
- Measure floor area, doorways and cleaning space.
- Check interior dimensions, spacing and wire thickness.
- Look for a tray, seed catcher, secure doors and stable castors.
- Confirm bowls and perches included and plan delivery access.
Cambridge recommendation
The Liberta Cambridge Antique is a play-top option for medium parrots such as African Greys, with seed catcher, castors, perches and stainless bowls.
Setup tips
Place perches at different heights without blocking food or water. Rotate safe enrichment and clean trays and bowls frequently with bird-safe products. Adjust the layout if feathers touch bars.
UK size and bar-spacing checklist
Use this checklist before you buy an African Grey cage in the UK. Treat the numbers as a practical floor — go larger when your room allows.
- Interior volume: start around 90 × 70 × 120 cm; prioritise width and depth so the bird can turn and flap without hitting bars.
- Bar spacing: about 2–2.5 cm for Greys. Tighter than ~1.5 cm is usually for smaller species; wider than ~2.5 cm risks head entrapment.
- Wire strength: typically ≥2.5–3 mm for a determined Grey beak — confirm on the product page.
- Doors and cleaning: large front access, pull-out tray/grille, seed catcher, stable castors.
- Layout: room for two+ perch heights, toys, and separate food/water stations without crowding.
- Room fit: measure doorways, stair turns and final floor footprint (including seed-catcher overhang).
Species bands for other birds are on our bird cage size guide.
Compare: best cages, Toronto II and Rainforest
This page is about size and spacing. For named picks and a quick comparison table, open best cages for African Grey parrots. If floor space is tight, a corner design such as the Rainforest Toronto II can work when interior volume and ~2 cm bar spacing still meet Grey needs — see the corner parrot cages buying guide. For brand-level Rainforest notes (play-top, dome, corner), read the Rainforest parrot cages UK guide, then browse the full parrot cages range.
FAQs
What size cage does an African Grey need in the UK?
Start around 90 × 70 × 120 cm for one Grey and go larger where possible. The bird should move between perches without its tail or wings rubbing the bars.
What bar spacing is safe for an African Grey?
Around 2–2.5 cm is the usual target: wide enough to climb, tight enough to avoid head entrapment. Always check the listing for your individual bird.
Is a corner cage OK for an African Grey?
Yes, if overall size, bar spacing and wire strength are suitable. Measure the corner including door swing and seed-catcher overhang. The Toronto II is a common space-saver to compare.
Can out-of-cage time replace a bigger cage?
No. Daily out-of-cage time is important, but the cage remains the safe base — it still needs proper interior space and enrichment.
Play-top or dome-top for a Grey?
Play-tops add a supervised activity deck; dome/tall styles prioritise interior climbing height. Either can work when the interior dimensions and bar spacing are right.
For cage sizing and UK delivery advice, contact oliver@htmlstudio.co.uk.
