Importance of a Proper Cage

One of the first decisions a bird owner must make after purchasing a new pet is about the cage. Where you put the cage, its size, quality, even shape could affect the bird’s health. Many first time owners who tried to be over generous with their new feathered friend buy cages that are too large, enabling the bird to squeeze through the bars and make an escape. No pet should be bought on a whim. Before purchasing a cockatiel or any type of bird requires research about how much care is required and best practices. Although it there are endless choices when it comes to the types of bird cages available, there are a few simple guidelines you can remember that will make the process of choosing one much easier.

Location and Placement

The area you wish to put the cage should be away from windows and drafts, yet in an active part of your home to encourage your pet's social development. Cockatiels are very social birds that enjoy movement and noise. They thrive when there are kids or a lot of people around, and do not do well if isolated. If you are particular about style, take a cell phone picture of where you want to put the cage and when you are in the store looking at colors and styles, use the picture for a reference to see if the cage will fit in well.

 

 

The smaller cage (left) good for parakeets and lovebirds and the larger cage (right) for birds like macaws. Cockatiels should have a cage between these two extremes.

 

Choosing the Right Size

More important than color is size of the cage. It is better to buy the largest cage possibly can for your bird. Keeping a bird in a cage that's too small can lead to undesirable behaviors such as screaming, biting, psychological disorders, and feather plucking. A good cage should be large enough for your bird to walk around comfortably, and fully extend and flap her wings. Don't forget to take into account the space that will be lost when you add your bird's perches, food bowls, and toys. To give some perspective, cockatiel cages are considered around mid-range. Lovebirds generally fit in an 18” x 18” cage with 1/2" to 5/8" bar spacing. Cockatiel cages should be 22” x 17” with 1/2" inch to 5/8" bar spacing and a Macaw would fit in a 36” x 24” cage with a 1” inch bar space.

Shape and Style
Aside from personal choices, this is really up to the owner, until the bird says otherwise. However, there has been research that shows that round cages have been found to be detrimental to birds' psychological health. Veterinarians are divided on the extent or accuracy of the studies, but to be on the safe side angled cages are preferable. As mentioned above, spacing between the bars is important to consider. Even if the bird can’t escape, if the bars are even a bit too far apart, they may become stuck. Cockatiels generally prefer bars that are placed horizontally rather than vertically for climbing and exercise.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cockatiels enjoy horizontal bars for fun climbing and exercise.