You’ve just brought home a kakariki, and within hours you realize these birds aren’t like typical pet parrots. They zoom from perch to perch, climb upside down, and need more horizontal space than a standard cage provides. The wrong cage means a bored, frustrated bird and a stressed owner. Getting this choice right matters.
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A great kakariki cage balances flight space with safe bar spacing. Kakarikis are small but active – they need room to stretch their wings and horizontal bars for climbing. Bar spacing around 1/2 inch keeps them secure without risking their curious heads. Durable, non-toxic construction and easy cleaning are non-negotiable when you’re maintaining a healthy habitat.
We tested three cages from A&E Cage Company, a brand that bird owners trust. Each one serves a different owner type: the flight-focused 503 White SP, the stylish Triple Top, and the classic black 503 Flight Cage (currently out of stock but worth knowing about). If you want the best all-around option for a single kakariki or a pair, the A&E 503 White SP is our top pick. Let’s break down each one.
Here’s a quick comparison of the key specs that matter most for kakariki owners.
| Features | A&E 503 White | A&E Triple Top | A&E 503 Black |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bar Spacing | 1/2 inch | Narrow (approx 1/2 inch) | 1/2 inch |
| Dimensions (WxDxH) | 24x16x16 inches | 26x14x23 inches | 24x16x16 inches |
| Material / Finish | White powder coated | Teal powder coated | Black powder coated |
| Key Feature | Flight cage, carry handle | Decorative triple top | Flight cage, carry handle |
| Best Use Case | Active flight space | Stylish home decor | Classic black (out of stock) |
A&E Cage Co 503 White
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This is the cage for the owner who prioritizes flight space above all else. Kakarikis need to move, and the 24x16x16 inch footprint with horizontal side bars gives them room to hop, stretch, and fly short distances inside. It’s best suited for a single kakariki or a bonded pair if you add extra perches.
The white powder-coated finish stands out. It’s clean, modern, and doesn’t clash with most room decor. More importantly, the non-toxic coating holds up well to daily use and occasional beak scraping. The two plastic feeder stations with dedicated doors let you change food and water without opening the main door – a small detail that saves you from chasing an escape artist around the room.
One trade-off: the cage is compact. A kakariki that spends most of its time inside will need daily out-of-cage exercise. The included wood perch is basic; you’ll want to add natural branches of varying thickness. Also, the slide-out tray is plastic, not metal – it works fine but can warp over time if you use harsh cleaners. Stick to mild soap.
- Dimensions: 24 x 16 x 16 inches
- Bar spacing: 1/2 inch – secure for adult kakarikis
- Includes: 2 feeder stations, 1 wood perch, slide-out tray
- Finish: Non-toxic white powder coating
- Portable: Top carry handle for easy relocation
Best for: Owners who want a safe, flight-friendly cage for one or two active kakarikis and don’t mind supplementing with extra perches and out-of-cage time.
A&E Cage Co Triple Top
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This one targets the owner who cares as much about how the cage looks as how it functions. The triple-top house design with teal powder coating turns a bird cage into a piece of furniture. If your kakariki lives in a living room or home office where style matters, this cage blends in rather than sticking out.
Its dimensions – 26 inches wide, 14 inches deep, 23 inches tall – make it taller than the 503 models. That height works well for kakarikis that like to climb, but the reduced depth (14 inches versus 16 inches) means less horizontal flight length. The cage still works for one kakariki, but don’t expect long flights inside. The three wood perches included are a nice touch – more variety than the single perch in the other models.
The trade-off is the same as with any decorative cage: some sacrifices in practicality. The narrow depth makes it harder to arrange toys and perches without crowding. The feeder stations with access doors are convenient, but the center door is a bit small for reaching the highest perches. Also, the teal finish is lovely but may not match every color scheme. Check the current price on Amazon to see if it fits your budget.
- Dimensions: 26 x 14 x 23 inches
- Bar spacing: narrow – safe for small birds
- Includes: 2 feeder stations, 3 wood perches, slide-out tray with grill
- Finish: Teal powder coated (non-toxic)
- Portable: Top carry handle
Best for: Owners who want a decorative cage that looks good in a visible room and are okay with less horizontal flight space in exchange for vertical climbing depth.
A&E Cage Co 503 Black
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This is the same design as the 503 White SP but in a black powder-coated finish. It’s a classic, no-frills flight cage that many bird owners have relied on for years. The black color hides smudges and scratches better than white, so it stays looking cleaner longer – a real benefit if you’re not obsessive about weekly wipe-downs.
Why include a cage that’s currently out of stock? Because it’s worth knowing about. The 503 Black appears the exact same dimensions and features as the white version – 24x16x16 inches, 1/2 inch bar spacing, dual feeder stations, slide-out tray, and carry handle. If you find it available (stock does come back occasionally), it’s a solid choice. The only difference is the color, and that might matter to someone building a specific aesthetic.
The limitation here is availability. You can’t count on buying it today. If you need a cage now, the white version is identical in function. Also, black cages can make the interior feel darker, especially if placed in a corner. Your kakariki might prefer a brighter white interior. Evaluate based on your bird’s personality and room lighting.
- Dimensions: 24 x 16 x 16 inches
- Bar spacing: 1/2 inch
- Includes: 2 feeder stations, 1 wood perch, slide-out tray
- Finish: Non-toxic black powder coating
- Out of stock as of writing – check Amazon for availability
Best for: Owners set on a black cage who can wait for restock, or those who want the same functional design with a different visual look.
How We Chose These Products
We looked at kakariki-specific needs first. Bar spacing had to be 1/2 inch or narrower – any wider and these curious parrots risk getting their heads stuck. All three A&E models meet that standard. We then evaluated interior space. Kakarikis are active fliers, so a cage with horizontal length matters more than height for these birds. The 503 models offer 24 inches of width with horizontal side bars for climbing; the Triple Top trades some width for vertical height and style.
Material safety and ease of cleaning came next. All three use non-toxic powder coatings and have slide-out trays that simplify maintenance. We considered brand reputation – A&E Cage Company has been manufacturing bird cages in the United States for decades, and their quality control is consistent. Finally, we factored in real-world use cases: whether a cage works for a single bird, a pair, or someone who wants a decorative piece. Each product serves a different owner, and our recommendations reflect that.
Buying Guide: What Really Matters
Bar spacing is the most critical spec for kakarikis. 1/2 inch is ideal. Anything wider than 5/8 inch and a kakariki can squeeze through or get wedged. Measure yourself – sometimes listed spacing varies slightly. Also check the bar orientation. Kakarikis love to climb sideways, so cages with horizontal bars on the sides (like these A&E models) give them natural grip points.
Size matters, but not how most people think. These birds need horizontal flight distance, not towering height. A cage that’s wide and moderately tall beats a narrow tall cage. The 24-inch wide footprint of the 503 models is a good minimum for one kakariki. If you keep two, go larger if space allows. Add natural perches of different diameters – the included wood perches are too uniform for foot health.
Cleaning ease separates a cage you’ll actually maintain from one you’ll neglect. Slide-out trays are essential. The included plastic trays work fine, but consider getting a metal tray as a long-term upgrade if you use strong disinfectants. Feeder doors that let you access bowls without opening the main door are a huge timesaver – both 503 models and the Triple Top have them. That’s not a gimmick; it really cuts down on escape risks during feeding.
Our Top Recommendation
The A&E Cage Co 503 White SP flight cage is our top pick for most kakariki owners. It hits the sweet spot: enough horizontal space for active birds, safe 1/2 inch bar spacing, and a white finish that keeps the interior bright and inviting. The carry handle and slide-out tray make daily care simple. It’s affordable (check the current price on Amazon) and readily in stock. For a single kakariki or a pair that gets plenty of out-of-cage time, this cage covers all the bases.
If your home demands style and you’re willing to sacrifice some flight length for a pretty teal silhouette, the A&E Cage Co Triple Top is a solid runner-up. Just add more horizontal perches and give your bird daily supervised flight outside. If you’re set on a black cage and can wait for restock, the 503 Black offers the same performance in a different color. But for the best blend of function, safety, and value, start with the 503 White SP.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can kakarikis chew through these powder-coated cages?
Kakarikis have strong beaks for their size, but the powder coating on these cages is baked on and non-toxic. Most birds won’t damage it with normal chewing. However, if your bird is a persistent chewer, check the coating for chips. Any exposed metal should be touched up with bird-safe paint to prevent rust. The bars themselves are thick enough to resist bending.
Is the 1/2 inch bar spacing safe for baby kakarikis or smaller species?
Yes, it’s safe for adult kakarikis. But babies and very small parrotlets might still squeeze through if the spacing is at the upper end of 1/2 inch. If you’re raising chicks, use a brooder or a cage with 3/8 inch spacing until they’re fully feathered and too big to slip. Once they’re full-grown, 1/2 inch works perfectly.
Do I need to replace the included perches right away?
The wood perches that come with these cages are smooth and uniform. They’re fine as temporary perches, but kakarikis need varied diameters to exercise their feet and prevent pressure sores. We recommend adding at least two natural branch perches (like manzanita or dragonwood) within the first week. The included perches can stay as backup or lower perches.
How do I clean the slide-out tray without damaging the plastic?
Use a mild dish soap and warm water. Avoid bleach, ammonia, or abrasive scrubbers – they’ll cloud the plastic and may leave harmful residues. For stuck-on droppings, soak the tray for 10 minutes before scrubbing. The tray is removable, so you can clean it in a sink. Replace it if it cracks or warps; plastic trays are inexpensive to replace.