Your Resource For Cockatiel Cages and Bird Cages
Tips For Purchasing Cockatiel Cages
Cockatiel cages come in all shapes and sizes. In order to choose the correct cage for your bird,
there are a number features you will need to consider. This will depend on the size of your cockatiel, budget and personal taste. The choices vary considerably, from small compact cages to large aviaries for multiple birds.
There are some rules for choosing the right cockatiel bird cage, which will help you to determine the minimum specification for your cockatiel, which will enable you to then factor in the cost of additional essential accessories, and give you a total minimum cost. You can then add this to the cost of buying your cockatiel and you will have a minimum set up cost to get started.
You should purchase the largest cage for your budget and the space available. You should always choose a square cage, as cockatiels can get their feet caught in rounded ceilings. A square cage also allows the cockatiel to build a nest in the corner.
The cage should be sufficiently wide to allow your cockatiel to stretch and flap its wings without touching the sides of the cage. You will also need to factor in additional width to accommodate a water dispenser and food cage.
Generally speaking the height of cockatiel cages should be an absolute minimum of 16 inches in order to accommodate two levels of perches, with the ideal height upwards of 18 inches.
The opening to the cage needs to be large enough for you to introduce a hand and remove the bird without the need for the bird to duck, and the cage should be wider than it is high to provide plenty of floor space. Your cockatiel will spend a considerable amount of time on the floor of the cage. Cage floors should be wire, with a plastic tray underneath to clear droppings quickly and to make for easy cleaning.
Care needs to be taken with cheap metal cages, as they can be a source of zinc poisoning for birds. Cleaning wire mesh with vinegar and water will help to remove excess zinc.
Stainless steel cages are the best option, although the pric3e can be prohibitive. A good mid range option is a metal cage with a plastic coating. These allow for much easier cleaning, and will reduce the risk of metal poisoning.
The gaps between the wires should be no more than ¾ inch wide for a cockatiel. This will prevent the cockatiel from getting its head trapped.
Whenever possible you should leave your cage open so that your cockatiel can come and go as it pleases, if not possible make sure the cockatiel can get out for an hour or so each day.