Cockatiel Cage Bar Spacing

[SoarAzure]

Hello!

I have a question about cage bar spacing my pet cockatiel. I recently bought this cage https://www.amazon.ca/Vision-Bird-Cage-Model-Large/dp/B0012DOXFW

I measured the spacing to be just about 5/8, if a tiny bit above. Are there any cockatiel owners with this same cage or with bar spacing that's larger like 3/4? Should this cage be fine for a cockatiel? It I read that 1/2 - 5/8 is ideal for a cockatiel, and some saying up to 3/4 can be okay too.

Thanks.

 

[WilliamKenyon]

That's a very nice cage. I would say that is getting on the larger side of things however I believe it should be alright . Once the cage arrives you will most likely be able to visibly see if the spacing is a bit large. If you cannot tell visibly you may have to measure his head size, possibly by toweling him. A short time of unpleasantness for him could mean his safety so it is definitely worth checking. I personally have 1cm (0.39 inches) bar spacing on Mango's cage.

 

[reeb]

In my opinion, the spacing is okay, but you are able to see the cage in person so you just need to judge whether it is nearing 3/4 spacing.

5/8 to 1/2 is ideal for a cockatiel, 3/4 is just too big. A cockatiel could definitely get his or her head stuck in between the bars, causing severe, sometimes fatal injury. There are lots of cages available that are very big but still have appropriate bar spacing. Take mine for example (busy changing out toys at the moment, it seems a bit empty but it isn't usually):



If you measure 5/8, then it should be fine, but anything bigger is not a good idea though. Mine is around 1 cm.
I initially mis-read and thought that you said that the spacing was 3/4, sorry about that!

 

[SailBoat]

Great answers above!

It is important to remember 'why' the bar spacing is so very important: Proper spacing assures that your Cockatiel does not 'hang' itself.

The smallest measurement between the eyes (inside distance) is the widest measured spacing of any cage opening.

We have Amazons and I choose to keep the spacing on the small size since over time, placement of perches etc. can result in bars becoming bent and as a result, opening the spacing. With each clearing, we inspect the cage and if we find bent bars, we fix them before returning the cage to our Amazon.