Split level cage for one bird (timneh)?

[kapowilicious]

I'm getting an African Grey Timneh in a few months (okay, more than a few but I like to be ultra prepared!), and had a question about the cage.

The cage I own measures 36" wide x 24" deep x 48" tall.  I have read in a couple places that greys like to spend time playing on the floors of their cages, and a couple books have said it is better to have a cage that is wider than it is high for greys.  The cage I have has a grate with a tray that goes in the middle of the cage, making it into two *almost* separate areas.  There is an opening in one corner of the grate/tray that measures 9" x 6".  There are incredibly wide doors on each level, so I'm not too worried about extra cleaning.

I could fairly easily take the cage apart and remove this middle grate/tray system, but I am just trying to figure out if the bird would actually like having two different levels to play in because there would be a lot of floor space for it?  Or is it preferable to have that huge 48" tall space as one area?  I'm also not sure if the bird would ever even WANT to go down to the lower level?

I plan on having a separate cage for sleeping, and the bird will be on a play stand when we are home.  The big cage will be for when no one is here.

If anyone can offer opinions on taking the middle tray out or leaving it in, that would be very much appreciated! 

Thanks! 

[billysprout]

I would take the middle grate out, the more space the better, if hes only a baby when you get him though leave it in for a while.

[kapowilicious]

He will probably be between 12-16 weeks when I get him. 

I was concerned about him falling with such a long drop, which I assume is why you recommend leaving it in for a little bit.  How long is a little bit though?  A couple months?  Or until he is closer to a year old?

thanks!

[billysprout]

Leave the grate in and put a thick towel under the newspaper, falls from perches are common for a while, the towel will stop him hurting himself. A couple of weeks to a month should be fine, you will know when you feel its safe to move the towel and grate.