Play Top Cages vs. Dome Top Cages

Last Updated on January 14, 2024 by Mitch Rezman

First, please understand the bird doesn’t know the difference in the tops parrot cages. Birds like to be up high and will go to the top of the cage regardless.

Playtops are really more of a convenience for you than the bird. Dometop , Victorian (or Napoleon) top cages fall under the category of dome top bird cages but may offer doors that open on the top of the cage providing birds with an exit other than the main front door.

Some of these cages may simply have a curved roof that is fixed shut

A playtop parrot cage will have at the very least a perch and food dishes on the top of the cage, some offer toys hooks. It will also have a tray under the play area, which would be the roof of the cage.

Lined with newspaper, the top of the cage will remain clean as well as the interior. The tray will restrict light coming through the top of the cage so many parrot owners will choose to remove the top refuse tray and deal with the poop on the roof bars but allow the bird to enjoy natural (or artificial) light.

If a bird takes up residence on the top of a dome-top cage, you’ll be cleaning additional poop on the top of the cage.

With a bird spending time on top of a dome top whether it be a large parrot cage or a small one, you risk “birdie boredom.”

Dome Top Bird Cage for Medium Parrots by AE 9002422 Black

With play-top cages, the bird not only has a comfortable perch for their feet but food dishes help with activities such as dunking their favorite foods in the water dishes.

The tray (or roof area) below can also hold foot toys such as whiffle balls that they can throw on the floor for you to retrieve providing great entertainment for your bird.

The biggest issue is where will your bird perch when not in the cage?

If the cage is in a social area of your home, where all the activity is happening – TV, meals and so forth, a play-top cage is ideal.

When the bird is out, he or she climbs to the top and enjoys human interaction. If the cage acts more as a place to sleep, you may want to consider a dome top giving the bird more “headroom” in the cage. then introduce a parrot play stand so the bird has a place to perch when not on its cage

Speaking of headroom, and here’s where things get a little murky, due to today’s advanced manufacturing techniques, many dome top parrot cages open at the top and may have a drop-down landing door in front.

Dual Top Bird Cage for Medium Large Parrots by Prevue 3159 Black

Place an appropriate perch between the two open doors up to and you have a playtop as well. Hanging bird toys from a top opening door is the downside to this arrangement. It can be done but may prove to be impractical with certain bird toys or accessories.

In conclusion, the choice between Play Top Cages and Dome Top Cages is a matter of aesthetics and practicality.

Mitch Rezman
Vice President

Windy City Parrot, Inc.

Simply Everything for Exotic Birds