Minimum cage size?

[Joshaeus]

This post is fairly self descriptive...how large would you say a cage must be to support a budgie (or similarly sized parakeet or perhaps parrotlet) or cockatiel, respectively? This is assuming that the birds will usually get several hours of out of cage time each day.

 

[RavensGryf]

Hi, my budgies each have their own cage, and I have two identical.
While it goes without saying they could definitely have a larger cage, what I have is the MINIMUM I would use for my budgies. My cages are 14x21" and V shape roof 21" at highest point. Here's a picture of Pix in his cage for reference.

 

[SteelyBird.com]

Ideally, a reasonably large cage that can allow the budgies to move around without being able to fit their heads through the bars and provide free movement around toys and other accessories would be a good place to start.

Try to follow these guidelines at minimum:

Budgie:
- Min. cage size - 18"x18"x24" , Bar spacing - 1/2"
Cockatiel:
- Min. cage size - 20"x20"x24" , Bar spacing - 1/2" to 5/8"
Parrotlet:
- Min. cage size - 24"x24"x24" , Bar spacing - 1/2"

 

[RavensGryf]

Also keep in mind Budgies are a VERY active species, and you'll really have to be on top of cleaning when you have an extra active bird in a minimum sized cage.

A large flight cage would be nice too, and you usually see them with the smaller bar spacing safe for small birds 1/2". That would be nice for any of the smaller species.

 

[aether-drifter]

I'd go with a flight cage (around 30" x 20") for any small bird. Even if they are out several hours a day, I'd want them to have plenty of space to stretch their wings and move around when in the cage. Large cages allow for climbing, multiple play areas and toys, and don't lead to the bird being as sedentary as if they were confined to a small cage. It's good to leave enough empty space in a cage for the bird to be able to flap its wings comfortably.

[SIZE="-2"](I'm not really a fan of "minimum" size cages...)[/SIZE]

 

[Joshaeus]

So, would a 30" long by 18"wide by 36" high cage with 1/2 inch bars do for the above species?

 

[thekarens]

Yes, that would be fine. That's what I have my linnies in.

 

[DallyTsuka]

So, would a 30" long by 18"wide by 36" high cage with 1/2 inch bars do for the above species?

yes this size would work as a great cage for any of the above

 

[Joshaeus]

Hate to burden such a simple thread with more questions, but do parrots care more about height or floor space as far as cage size is concerned?

 

[Terry57]

Width is usually more important than height in a cage

 

[DallyTsuka]

in all the species you listed, width is especially more important than height... particularly for budgies and tiels since theyre naturally ground foragers so they will enjoy more floor space. parrotlets are very very active and will need as much space as possible

 

[Joshaeus]

OK, thankx! I was just not sure considering how many VERY vertically oriented cages are out there...I was assuming horizontal in view of the preferences of most other animals, but just needed confirmation. Thank you again!

 

[thekarens]

Width is usually more important than height in a cage

This is normally the case. However my linnies had two cages side by side that were the same size, but one was wider and the other taller. My linnies moved into the taller one and ignored the wider one. I think parrots just like to be up high.

 

[RavensGryf]

Width is usually more important than height in a cage

This is normally the case. However my linnies had two cages side by side that were the same size, but one was wider and the other taller. My linnies moved into the taller one and ignored the wider one. I think parrots just like to be up high.

Good point Karen
While Terry and DallyTsuka are right about room in the the width for movement, and that is the case most of the time, some birds (or certain species) who are either strictly tree dwelling and/or not super active types may have the priority of being up as high as possible. I've experienced that also. I think the species you're interested in though, would appreciate a nice big flight cage if you have the space.

 

[MonicaMc]

I would say a 2' sq cage min. for the really small species.

Birds fly horizontally, not vertically, so width is more important than height. Saying that, birds do prefer being up high as they feel safer up high vs down low. Being prey animals, this makes sense. Height equals safety.