The only time i use the open top is to change out toys or clean the cage. I honestly don't know if could reach all the corners without it. As long as the toys are securely fastened and you don't leave the top open there shouldn't be a problem. This was the ONLY cage that was available in that size with the bar spacing that i needed for my birds. There may be others now that i'm not aware of. Both times i did have to be home to receive the cages because it gets shipped on a semi and they won't just drop it off. i don't know why because it's not that big when it's not assembled, but obviously there is some reason.
