Softbill Cages

The Softbill cage colours are black outside, including the wire fronts, with white interior.

In general small softbills are shown in decorated cages, with the design to represent the birds natural environment & also to hopefully show the bird(s) at their best. Small softbills can also be shown in pairs if compatible.

Do not be put off by the prospect of an empty cage & how to set it out, it can be as simple or complex as you feel suitable & never forget that it is actually the bird that the judge is looking at, the cage just helps it look at its best!

Large softbills are generally shown in cages with just a suitable floor covering, that can be dried leaves, stone chips, bark or even blotting paper. The only exception seems to be thrushes, as these are not so destructive these can be in decorated cages - but it is up to the individuals choice!

Softbill show cages should be as large as practicable. The following sizes are suggested:

However the sizes  above are not strict (apart from minimum sizes), as long as the overall sizes are suitable for the bird and no smaller than stated above, the general shapes of cages do & can vary.

Some birds such as Redstarts are even shown in quite tall cages to very good effect.

Many people show their birds in larger than the specified minimum sizes

The common cages are usually the 24" long, 12" deep & 15-16" tall, and these can then be used by changing the interior, for quite a variety.

These can either come with a "desk" type front, which allows in more light OR they can be box cages - with just a vertical front!

The access doors must always be on the RH side of the cage looking from the front this is a stipulation that needs to be adhered to.

Food and water vessels must be within the cage