Birds, fish & small animals deals

What the specs mean

Cages, hutches, coops and aquariums are sold by their dimensions, and the animal sets the minimum. Bar spacing, floor area and water volume decide whether a bargain is usable.

Cage dimensions and bar spacing

Birds need room to spread both wings, and bars spaced for a budgie (about 1.2 cm) let a parrot's head through at wider spacings. Compare width, depth and height in centimetres and the bar spacing with the species; horizontal bars suit climbers.

Hutch floor area and levels

Rabbits and guinea pigs need floor space to run, and a hutch's height adds little to it. Compare the floor area per level in centimetres, the run size if one is attached, and solid versus wire flooring.

Aquarium volume

Tank volume sets how many fish it can hold and how stable the water stays; a 10 L desktop tank suits a single betta. Compare litres (length × width × height in centimetres ÷ 1000) and the included filter, heater and light.

Filter and heater rating

A filter is rated in litres per hour and a heater in watts for a tank size. Look for a flow rate of several times the tank volume per hour and a heater wattage matched to the litres, with an Australian plug and RCM mark.

Coop size and predator proofing

Chickens need roost and nest-box space per bird, and foxes test every gap. Compare the number of birds a coop is rated for, nest boxes, the mesh gauge and whether the floor is enclosed.

Material and weather resistance

Outdoor cages and coops rust or rot unless the frame and mesh are treated. Compare galvanised or powder-coated steel, treated timber and a waterproof roof, and whether assembly tools are supplied.