Editorial

No Name Cages - Whose makin' em?

As we struggle with higher gas prices, seeking to cut back on summer vacations & find ways to save money on pet care, we are fortunate to have an incredible amount of choices. Maybe too many?

Over the past few years Windycityparrot.com has sold cages from numerous of cage manufacturers.

How do we choose whose cages to sell? We have 3 criteria.

1. How long have the company been producing cages?

This has been an interesting phenomenon. If you didn't know, the majority of cages being produced on the planet today come from China (our guestimate is about 80%) - however there are some exceptions.

• Prevue Hendryx, the oldest and largest cage manufacturer in the world (since 1869 - See Cages through the ages)  is right here in Chicago. Although the majority of their large wrought iron line cage comes from China (we'll return to the China issue in a minute), Prevue still makes many small cages right here in Chicago (about 5 blocks from us). We sell many of their domestically made DB Breeder cages to Universities around the country for ornithological and Avicultural research.
• Although many people are familiar with Kings cages, we find most are unaware that Kings is actually divided into two distinct lines. Kings Economy Line is produced in China. Kings Original Line is Produced in the Czech Republic.
• California Cages are made with 100% U.S. made industrial quality components & is covered with a nontoxic powder coat to provide a durable and attractive finish. The final assembly occurs in Mexico.

The China phenomenon is interesting. It's our understanding there are two factors at work. First in spite of China's exponential economic growth. The price of economic change is many factories struggle to stay open hence they offer very attractive prices to build and deliver cages. Anyone today with a pocket full of money and a visa can import cages into the US. Good news for the consumer - great prices. Bad news for the consumer - what are they made out of?

(Ever wonder why so many cages with different manufactures names look so similar?)

Once an individual goes to China, cuts the deal and returns home to await delivery. No one is left to watch. Older powder coating (originally designed to cover metal lawn furniture) contains zinc. An unsuspecting new cage entrepreneur would have no idea that a lesser grade of powder coating may be substituted.

Unauthorized substandard metal and components are constantly found in Chinese consumer items all the time. Small cage importers who sell their goods on large auction sites and bird shows may never know if they've been duped. Even if they find out - they have no recourse and end up sell their cages off to recoup their investment.

The companies Windycityparrot.com represent dozens of years of experience in trading with China. They have sound relationships and are large enough so if a Chinese manufacturer were to change the rules - the Chinese factory would risk losing far too much business.

    2. How committed is the cage company to customer service? 

We've dealt with some cage companies who's idea of communication is voicemail. If you have a question - you want an answer, not "we'll return your call within one business day."  If we drop ship we want a tracking number we can forward to you - not just an invoice in the mail a week later.

Spare parts? Let's face it, any mass produced item can have imperfections. Shipping (damage) happens. You have a live animal waiting for a home. You need replacement parts not promises.

    3. How deep is their inventory?

Catalogs are great. But if a company offers 5 colors and only has 2 of those colors in stock, what's the point? Our cage manufacturing partners maintain deep inventories of their entire cataloged line.

So before you click that "send my order," ask yourself - "the cage has a really clever name, but who made it and where did it really come from?"

We at Windy City Parrot have done the research to bring you the best and safest cages at the best possible prices for your birds.

Thank you for shopping with us.

Copyright 2007 Windy City Parrot, Inc
You may not reproduce electronically
or in print without written permission