Removable base vs. Slide out tray?

Question

I have a cage with a removable base. I love the design and I think it's a good cage. One thing that I'm not sure of is that it has a removable base instead of a slide out tray. It removes very easily, BUT- does that seem like a pain to do every day? I'm a first time bird owner so I'm not sure. Because you remove the cage from the base, there is no bottom, and you need to lift the cage and put it elsewhere..is that annoying for the bird as well as myself? A slide out tray seems so much quicker and easier. That's the only thing making me debate my purchase. Is that enough of a reason to return the cage? Or is it no big deal? I know that ultimately it's my choice, so if you answer, please just tell me YOUR opinion. Thanks.

Oh and this is for a budgie.

You're right, I AM referring to the new vision cage lol.

Answer 1

I've never been a fan of Vision cages just because I dislike their overall design. I do prefer slide out trays, but I don't even use them. Since cleaning the cage lining at the very least is required daily, I simply layer my papers over and over once a week and each day, I open the cage, let the birds out, and remove the layers that have been pooped on to reveal a fresh, clean layer. Slide out trays are definitely more convenient, and if your bird is not exactly tame or acclimated, it's easier on the bird. A lot easier. Being moved around and not being able to adjust may be frightening.

I think you could keep this cage as a travel cage or a last resort cage, but definitely look into a better one. As Christie said, it's flimsier than some much better cages out there and the plastic breaks easily. I had a similar type of plastic on one of my old cages and it fell off of a rack while drying. The base had a huge crack in it and was missing giant pieces, and I have to say, that really sucked.

Answer 2

The slide out tray is less tramatic for the birds when you clean.

Like I said before about this cage, the plastic is very flimsy and will easily break. Think about how many times you will be handling these plastic pieces when lifting the cage, and frightening your bird.

I had a cage with plastic pieces, it broke one night, very late and I had to figure out a way to keep my bird safe until morning when I could go get another cage. It is not worth it in my oppinion.

Go with a better cage that has a slide out tray. The money you spend on a better cage will be well worth it!

Answer 3

Well, i have a removeable base, with trays that slide in and out....During the week, it is simple to change their corncob in the bottom, because all i have to do is pull out the trays. However, once its time for a full overhaul, i take the base off the cage....Clean their toys, cage, baths, change food and water, etc. I have a cage fit for two birds, with 2 birds in it, where they play most of the day....and after a week, and its time to do the whole thing, it only takes me about 10-15 minutes to clean the whole thing! So, maybe get one with the removeable base, AND the slide out try...WOrks wonderfully!

Answer 4

I can understand your reasoning, a removeable base DOES sound like a pain...but to be honest...I HATE SLIDE OUT PANS !! The food and poop get stuck in between the pan and the base. To clean THAT, you still have to remove the base from the cage anyway, to soak it in a sink of hot water for a few minutes to loosen the mess. I believe I know which cage you are referring to, the new Vision Cages? I like the removeable base idea of them, but they are a royal pain to keep clean otherwise. Just my two cents!
One of these days, a manufacturer will make a cage that meets everyone's needs.
Good Luck

Answer 5

budgies tend to get their toes caught in removable trays. also they can be slid out just enough that the bird can get loose.