Parakeets are one of the most active bird species.
So, the bigger the cage the better they feel.
But, if it is a choice between height or width, then a parakeet would prefer a wider cage over a tall one.
It’s because birds don’t fly vertically up like helicopters, but they fly horizontally.
In this article we’ll go into more detail about bird cages and how big they should be
Very important stuff!
Let’s get started!
Should Bird Cages Be Wide Or Tall?
Well, they must always be wide and broad.
Technically, a wide cage will provide more space for a bird’s activities.
Compared to this, a narrow but tall cage of equal volume will give less space to the same bird.
It’s like if you have a room of say 10’ by 10’, then no matter how high your ceiling is, you will still have the same area for walking.
But, if you are looking for a new birdcage then you may be wondering:
Which Is The Best Bird Cage?
The rule of thumb is to buy the biggest one you can afford.
You can have a look at some awesome bird cages that I recommend in my article – Best Bird Cages For Budgies (Parakeets)
Only make sure your birdcage is a practical one and not just some “fancy type”.
Why?
It’s because fancy cages are not only ridiculously expensive but are usually uncomfortable.
Not just for you, but also your parakeet.
So, the best birdcage is the one that fits you and your bird well.
You can consider the following factors when buying a new birdcage:
1. Cage Size:
Ideally, a birdcage should allow your bird to perform as many maneuvers as he wants to, without being touched by any of the walls, or the ceiling.
Consequently, if you have more than one bird then, the size of the birdcage should increase proportionally.
Also, if your bird family has multiple species, then the size should be even bigger.
Funnily enough, small birds need more space than bigger birds.
It’s because small birds are usually more active than bigger birds.
So, your pair or parakeets may need a bigger cage compared to your macaws.
2. Cage Safety:
If your bird is not safe from his cage or in his cage, what is the point of caging him?
So, check these for safety before buying a cage:
a. Material
Most of the cages are galvanized.
So, they may have some residual zinc on them which is toxic for birds.
If you buy such a cage, then carefully cleanse it with vinegar and soap-soaked clothes.
Alternatively, just buy a 100% stainless steel cage.
b. Bar Spacing
A bird’s head can easily get stuck within bars if the spacing is not right. This can be lethal for the bird.
Make sure the bars are narrow enough to not let your bird get through.
For a parakeet, a bar spacing of 12mm or less than ½” is optimum.
c. Bar Lining
Now, bar lining should be thick enough that your bird cannot chew its way out.
So, thick wires for small birds and even thicker for bigger birds.
Also, make sure your birdcage has parallel linings.
It’s because unparallel bar linings are bound to be narrow at points and that might get your bird stuck or injured.
d. Cage Door
Now, several of the cages have sliding doors.
Your bird is intelligent, and he will slide through doors.
And that is only if you are lucky. Otherwise, a bird might get stuck in a sliding door and may get himself injured.
So, I recommend you avoid such doors.
e. Food supply
I prefer containers that can get stuck to the walls, so see if your cage can support those. The pipe-linked containers are best suited for water, however, for food use bowl-shaped containers.
This way you can blow out seed husks and see if seeds are still available to your bird.
2. Ease of Cleaning
Your birdcage is something you will have to clean at least once a day.
Be practical and buy a cage with no hard-to-reach corners.
Also, buy a cage with grate flooring underneath.
This will make it easier for you to clean your bird’s droppings.
Furthermore, your bird won’t be able to reach its droppings.
3. Cage Shape
Always go with simple rectangles or squares.
Round-shaped cages are the worst cages, as they may strain your bird.
The birds may get their feathers or feet injured in these cages.
4. Cage Accessories
The birds need both mental and physical stimulation to keep themselves healthy.
Also, they get easily bored.
So, your birdcage should be able to accommodate several perches and toys.
I recommend you buy a cage stand along the cage.
Though, cages can be put directly onto the floor.
But, a cage stand may provide extra safety to your bird from cats or rodents.
Though, most parameters for cages remain the same.
However, the size of the cage varies greatly for different species.
So,
What is the Best Size Cage for a parakeet?
Of course, the biggest one.
But, a minimum of 18” wide x 18” deep x 18” high is appropriate for a single parakeet.
This is around 5800 cubic inches.
But if you have a pair of parakeets then 30” wide x 18” deep x 18” high is alright.
If you are adding birds in a single cage, roughly use 4000-5000 cubic inches per bird and you be fine.
However, this calculation is for Australian budgerigar.
If you have other species of parakeets say Monk Parakeets or Indian Ringneck Parakeets, then you may need around 7000 cubic inches per bird.
But,
Can a cage be too big for a parakeet?
No house is big enough for either parakeets or humans.
Your parakeet is quite an active bird and the more he flies, the happier he will be.
So, his cage cannot be too big.
Only, he should have other birds around him to not feel lonely.
Also, if you are not home much and your bird remains in his cage most of the time, then buy a flight cage.
It will allow your bird to fly within his cage, keeping him healthy.
Conclusion
Buy the biggest cage you can buy for your parakeet.
But, if you must choose, then go for a wide cage rather than a tall one.
In any case, make sure your parakeet is comfortable and safe in his cage.
A large bird cage gives your birdie plenty of space to fly about
You can also add a variety of toys to keep your bird entertained
