Instructions
Choose a cage that is large enough to provide plenty of space for your sun conure to climb and play. The cage should be a minimum of 24 inches wide by 24 inches deep, although bigger is always better. Cage height is not as important, but the cage should be at least 24 inches high.
Measure the space between the bars on the cage. The ideal bar spacing for sun conures is 3/4 inch, but 1/2 inch or 1 inch is also acceptable. Spacing greater than 1 inch may lead to injury if your bird tries to put his head between the cage bars and becomes stuck.
Look for a cage with sturdy construction and relatively thick bars, as sun conures chew voraciously and will quickly demolish flimsy cages. If the wire gauge is listed on the cage's packaging, make sure that it is in the 12 to 14 range. Thinner wire, such as 16 gauge, is likely to bend or break when chewed.
Examine the cage for parts that could be difficult to clean. Sun conures eat large amounts of fruit and can be quite messy, so their cages must be easily cleaned. Stainless steel or powder-coated cages are by far easiest to clean. Avoid painted and brass-plated cages, as these can be chipped by the conure's powerful beak. If the cage has a bottom grate, make sure that it slides out easily for daily cleaning.
Choose a cage with a built-in or matching wheeled stand when possible. This will make it far easier to move the cage and to take it outside for cleaning. Your sun conure will also appreciate spending time outdoors (in the cage), and this is more practical if the cage has a stand with wheels.
Check the cage latches to make sure all cage doors (not just the main door) lock securely and cannot be opened from the inside. Sun conures often escape their cages and take unsupervised excursions in their owner's home. Any unsecured nest box or feeding doors should be latched using stainless steel quick-links that have been tightened with pliers.
How to Choose a Cage for a Sun Conure
Sun conures are colorful mid-sized parrots that are frequently kept as pets in the United States. They are native to the northeastern coastal regions of South America, as well as parts of Central America. Appropriate cages for pet sun conures can be somewhat difficult to find, since they are only slightly larger than cockatiels but have much stronger beaks. As a result, cockatiel cages are generally not sturdy enough and parrot cages usually have bar spacing that is too wide.