How do I set up a cage for two African Grey parrots?
Each adult needs at least 8sqft of floor space in a cage that’s 36inches tall, and you can have the whole environment ready in roughly 2weeks.
Space requirement
An African Grey reaches 12–14inches from beak to tail, so a cage that offers 8sqft per bird (about 2ft×4ft) prevents wing‑flapping injuries and gives room for two perches at different heights. Aim for a minimum interior height of 36inches; taller is better because these birds love vertical climbing.
If you can’t fit a single 8‑sq‑ft unit, combine two cages side‑by‑side with a 2‑inch gap for a shared flight tunnel. Measure the floor area with a tape measure, then add 10% extra for future growth or a third bird. Keep the total volume around 150gallons of air to maintain stable humidity without a dehumidifier.
Choosing the location and stabilizing the environment
Pick a room that stays between 70–80°F (21–27°C) all day; a hallway near a thermostat works well. Hang a digital hygrometer and keep humidity at 40–60%—use a 5‑liter ultrasonic humidifier on the low setting for 4hours each morning.
Avoid direct drafts from windows or HVAC vents; a 2‑inch spacer between the cage base and the wall prevents cold spots. Run a 10‑watt heat lamp on a timer for 2hours in winter if the room dips below 68°F, but always use a ceramic cover to stop burns.
Adding cover, perches, toys, and feeding stations
Start with a solid, non‑porous substrate like 1‑inch newspaper strips; replace them weekly to control odor. Lay a 2‑inch layer of coconut fiber underneath for extra grip, but never let it become soggy.
Install three perches of varying diameters—1‑inch natural branch, 1.5‑inch sanded dowel, and a 2‑inch rope—spaced 6–12inches apart. Hang two foraging toys that release 1cup of chopped veggies per day, and a puzzle that holds ¼cup of pellets for mental stimulation.
- Perches: natural branch, sanded dowel, rope
- Toys: foraging bowl, puzzle feeder
- Water: 2gallons, changed daily
Day‑one checklist
Before the birds arrive, verify that the cage is securely locked and that all metal bars are rust‑free. Fill the water dispenser with fresh water at 68°F and test the flow for 30seconds.
Lay out the feeding bowls: 1cup of mixed pellets, ½cup of chopped carrots, ¼cup of leafy greens, and a pinch (≈1tbsp) of seed as a treat. Turn on the UV‑B bulb for 10hours and set the timer to match the household lighting schedule.
- Temperature 70–80°F (21–27°C)
- Humidity 40–60%
- Water changed daily
- Food portions measured
- UV‑B on 10hrs
Common setup mistakes that cause problems
Putting the cage in a high‑traffic zone leads to chronic stress; birds need at least 4hours of quiet per day. A mistake many make is using sand or wood shavings that retain moisture, which spikes humidity above 70% and encourages respiratory issues.
Skipping the gradual introduction of perches often results in foot sores; start with the widest perch for the first week, then add narrower options. Finally, neglecting a daily 30‑minute out‑of‑cage flight session can cause obesity—aim for 15minutes of supervised flight twice a day.
Keep reading about African Grey Parrot: African Grey Parrot care sheet
Related questions
How large should the cage be for two African Greys?
Provide at least 8sqft of floor space per bird, which translates to a minimum interior of 2ft×4ft and a height of 36inches. Larger dimensions reduce aggression and improve wing health.
What humidity level is safe for African Greys?
Keep relative humidity between 40% and 60%; use a hygrometer and a 5‑liter humidifier set to low for 4hours each morning if the room is dry.
How much fresh food should I offer each day?
Offer roughly 1cup of mixed vegetables, ½cup of pellets, and a pinch (about 1tbsp) of seed daily. Adjust portions up or down by 10% based on weight checks every 2weeks.
Not veterinary advice. This guide covers husbandry — housing, feeding, cleaning and handling. If your african grey parrot is injured, off food unusually long, or behaving abnormally, contact a veterinarian.