Native to Australia, cockatiels are some of the most popular birds that are kept internationally. Unlike other parrots, they have a shorter life of 15 to 25 years. Their crested appearance is also a favorite with orange accents on the cheeks and a yellow face being almost iconic.
Additionally, cockatiels are available in color variations, ranging from a dark grey to a yellow lutino, and they also come in a nearly white, albino whiteface lutino color. Color variations aside, cockatiels are considered to be less demanding than other parrots.
Nonetheless, they still require daily attention, and their housing needs have to be adequately met. This is why you need to invest in more than just a birdcage stand. When looked after properly, cockatiels can be a delight to keep and are great pets to have.
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What’s the Best Size for a Cockatiel Cage?
While cockatiels are only 11 to 14 inches in size, their large crest and their tails add more height to them. Moreover, these small parrots love to fly, just like any other bird. This means that you need to have a cage that provides enough room for them to fly about.
Yes, you can always take your cockatiel out of the cage and let it exercise by flying around the room. However, if you’re someone who is gone for long periods, it means your bird is spending long hours in a cramped cage. That’s why you need to invest in getting a bigger size cage.
Experts recommend that the minimum size cage that a cockatiel should be kept in should be 24″ long x 18″ wide x 24″ tall. A cage that is larger than this is preferable, but the size should not be smaller than this.
Other Factors to Consider
Apart from the size of the cockatiel cage size, you also have to consider other factors. When picking a cage, you want to make sure that it is one of the most comfortable options for your bird. Additionally, each bird breed has its own unique quirks that must be accommodated.
For this reason, the following are some factors that you should keep in mind when picking the best cage for cockatiels:
Horizontal Bars
For starters, cockatiels are hookbill parrots and, as such, enjoy climbing with the help of their bills. For this reason, the cage you get should have at least two sides with horizontal bars. These are easier to climb than vertical bars, and there are fewer chances of accidents happening.
Perch – Size and Texture
When picking a cage, you also have to make sure that you’re providing perches to your cockatiel. Furthermore, these should be chosen with care too. Perches should be a minimum size of around 3 ¼ to 4 inches in diameter.
Additionally, these perches should be of different textures. This makes it easier to keep their feet healthy. Popular choices include rope, bonded concrete, and sand and natural wood branches.
Bar Spacing
The spacing of the bar also needs to be considered. If the bars are too far apart, it will tempt your cockatiel to try and find a way out of them. Moreover, if you have other pets, wider bars could allow them to tease and paw at your cockatiel. As a general rule, the bars should be spaced at a maximum of 3 ¼ inches apart to avoid any chances of an injury.
Cage Placement
Last but not least, you have to know where you’re going to place the cage. Many birds thrive indoors at room temperatures but pay attention to any changes. Place the cage off the floor and away from drafty areas, including open windows, doorways, or air vents. It is possible for birds to get sick if they’re exposed to such conditions.
Quiteness of the Room
Your cockatiel will need at least 8 to 12 hours of sleep every night. Birds can be very sensitive to sounds and even low volume sounds can keep them awake. It’s a good idea to keep the cage in a less active room. It ensures that your cockatiel will get some peaceful shut eye when at night.
Durability
The durability of the cage is necessary because hookbill birds are prone to chewing and gnawing on the bars. They will also take apart anything that is not properly secured. The lock mechanism of the cage also needs to be sturdy because cockatiels are smart birds and can learn to unlock the gate themselves.
With the help of these factors, you can easily pick the best cage size for a cockatiel without any difficulties.
However, if you’re still not sure about the right cage for your bird, then we’re here to help you out. Take a look at our recommendations below:
Our Recommendation –The Prevue Hendryx Pet Products Wrought Iron Flight Cage
Coming up to 37 inches long x 23 inches wide and 60 inches tall, this flight cage is a treat for any cockatiel. It is can be used to house two cockatiels with ease and provides enough flying room to keep them happy. The best part is that it comes with a pull-away grille tray on the bottom. This makes the clean up very simple and easy. It also has a shelf at the bottom for storage purposes. The cage also has three solid-wood perches and four plastic feeding cups.
Our Recommendation –The Prevue Pet Products Wrought Iron Select Bird Cage
This is a luxury cage that your little cockatiel is going to love. It is much smaller than the flight cage, coming up to 17 ½ inches in length x 17 ½ inches in width and it is 32 inches tall. However, it has a play top, 2 wooden perches, 4 cups (stainless steel) and also features an innovative push-button lock that is extremely secure. The best part is that it is available in different color variations so you can easily pick one that matches the aesthetics in your home.
