Choosing a Cage for your Parakeet
You are choosing a home for your parakeet,
a place that offers protection and safety but also comfort and fun.
Consider the following when buying a cage for your bird.
Big is Better
Oddly enough, parakeets are often more active than larger parrots.
 They
like to romp and play, spread their wings and fly from perch to
perch. You will want to purchase the largest cage possible, one
that fits your budget as well as the space available in your home.
It is recommended that your bird's cage should be at least 18'W
x 14"D x 22"H but preferably larger. If you do choose
a large cage, make sure it is suitable for budgies which are considered
small birds. (see cage bars) |
| Safe Materials and Construction
Budgies like to chew and will often chew on their cage
as well. So it's important to make sure the cage you purchase
is constructed of safe materials. Ideally, 100% 304 grade stainless
steel is best, providing years of durability. Stainless steel
cages however, tend to be more expensive.
Painted cages must be free of lead and zinc. Powder-coating,
a process which chemically bonds the paint to the metal, is preferable
and helps to prevent the paint from flaking and deters rust.
The cage should be sturdy and free of sharp edges or points.
Avoid doors that slide down to close. Parakeets are smart and
have been known to get their heads stuck underneath in an attempt
to open the door, sometimes hurting themselves. |
|
 Shape
Rectangular shaped cages are preferred rather than dome-shaped
because budgies like to rest in corners. This gives them a sense of
security similar to their natural habitat where they rest within branches
of trees and dense shrubs. The length of the cage is an important factor
because parakeets need to exercise and be able to fly inside their cage.
Cage Bars
Bar Spacing should be close enough so that your budgie can't get his
head stuck in between the bars. It is generally recommended that the
bars be 1/2 inch or less.
Try to get a cage with at least 2 sides with horizontal bars so that
your parakeet can climb up and down when he/she wants to.
Cleaning & Convenience
Keeping your budgie's cage clean is important for their health, so choose
a cage that is easy to clean so you will be encouraged to do it often.
Removable trays that slide out at the bottom of the cage are handy and
convenient. Large access doors make reaching in to change toys and perches
much easier. Some cages also include small access doors for seed trays
and water dishes. Built in seed guards can help eliminate excess seed
hulls from falling outside of the cage.
Location
Like people, parakeets require a certain amount of sunlight to stay
healthy. Locate the cage in a bright part of your home but never in
direct sunlight! The cage should be off of the floor and can be hung
or placed on a sturdy table or stand. Stands with wheels make it easy
to move the cage to a different location for a change of scenery.
Your bird should also be in an area of the home where there is enough
family activity to stimulate his social needs. Otherwise, your budgie
will get lonely and bored. Kitchens are not recommended because cooking
fumes can be harmful to parakeets. Warning: The fumes from an overheated
Teflon pan and skillet can kill a parakeet!
Avoid areas where there are drafts from outside doors, open windows
and heater or air conditioning vents, and excessive heat from wood stoves
or fire places.
Comfort & Fun
Make sure there is plenty of room for toys in your parakeet's
cage. These birds love to play!
Types of Parakeet
Cages
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