Cockatiel needs new cage NOW or LATER?

[PenClem]

My sister was given a 5 y/o male Cockatiel yesterday. He came with his cage, two toys, a tent to sleep in (which she hasn't seem him use) and his food/water bowls. He also came with his food, a Mazuri pellet for small parrots.

She wants to upgrade his cage to something wider and deeper as this one is more tall than anything else. She also wants to add some perches and some toys with my help AND change his food to Zupreem pellets and chop.

He's reluctant to move around much within his cage right now because he's fearful and confused. So my question is: is it better to change his cage immediately or should she keep him in the one he came with until he's settled in?

I can see benefits to both and I want to help her set him up for success. Thoughts? I've attached a pic of Riley in his cage. We've hung a couple toys on the outside of his cage until he gets used to "new" things and we added a stainless steel bowl inside his cage with Zupreem in it in hopes that he'll pick at it.

This is the cage she wants to buy for him: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B06XR9ZLG3/ref=ox_sc_act_title_1?smid=A3ETBB7AWZGBEA&psc=1

 

[Laurasea]

With my rescue I just dumped her in the new cage. And that was a mistake for mine, she really freaked out! So I would say go ahead and get a new cage, but just place it next to the old one. Put perchs and treats on and in, and wait till the bird is comfy visiting the new cage before making the move.

 

[Laurasea]

I like the new cage choice! Having that height with the stand makes them much more comfortable and use more of the cage plus I like white, let's in the light better, and birds like light. Great choice!

 

[PenClem]

That's a great idea! I hadn't thought about putting the cage next to the one he's in now. I'll order it for her and get it set up with everything. When he's out, maybe he'll inspect it on his own. Thanks!

 

[Laurasea]

You hang some millit in that new cage and I just about gaurantee he will!!!!

 

[YSGC]

The bird is already stressed by changing homes so I'd leave it in its familiar cage for a while.

All four sides of that cage have vertical bars.
That would be better for small birds that will fly around in it.

Conures are avid climbers and too large to fly in that cage, so I'd look for one with horizontal bars on at least two sides.
Also a perch/playground on top is handy.

 

[SammyAndyAlex]

The bird is already stressed by changing homes so I'd leave it in its familiar cage for a while.

All four sides of that cage have vertical bars.
That would be better for small birds that will fly around in it.

Conures are avid climbers and too large to fly in that cage, so I'd look for one with horizontal bars on at least two sides.
Also a perch/playground on top is handy.

Didnt she get a cockatiel?

I second the horizontal bars, if possible. I dont think its a necessity but its a plus.

 

[ParrotGenie]

The bird is already stressed by changing homes so I'd leave it in its familiar cage for a while.

All four sides of that cage have vertical bars.
That would be better for small birds that will fly around in it.

Conures are avid climbers and too large to fly in that cage, so I'd look for one with horizontal bars on at least two sides.
Also a perch/playground on top is handy.

Didnt she get a cockatiel?

I second the horizontal bars, if possible. I dont think its a necessity but its a plus.

Third the horizontal bars. Make sure new cage is still the 1/2 bar spacing and no bigger then 5/8 bar spacing.

Best bet is keep him in his old cage and put new cage close to old cage, so he see it and eventually will go in. Usually Spray millet will convince him.

Here one good cage. Their are others, but will have to look up models. JUST AVOID THE EVERILA CAGES. They are junk bars are thin and welds are not good and bars pop out easy.

https://www.amazon.com/Prevue-Products-Pagoda-Cockatiel-Cream/dp/B004482KH0#customerReviews

 

[PenClem]

Thank you for the advice. Is there a flight cage or bigger you'd recommend for one cockatiel that has horizontal bars? I can't seem to find any! Of all the cages we've shopped online, the majority have vertical bars. Weird.

 

[YSGC]

The bird is already stressed by changing homes so I'd leave it in its familiar cage for a while.

All four sides of that cage have vertical bars.
That would be better for small birds that will fly around in it.

Conures are avid climbers and too large to fly in that cage, so I'd look for one with horizontal bars on at least two sides.
Also a perch/playground on top is handy.

Didn't she get a cockatiel? ...

Oh Gosh, you're right. :34:
Sorry.
I have conure on the brain, and need to pay attention to what I read.