Choosing a Cage for your Cockatiel

It is important to get your cage & supplies BEFORE you get your cockatiel.  Get the biggest cage your budget can afford, since more room is always better than less room when it comes to birds.  Be sure to get a cage with bar spacing anywhere between ½” to ¾” but no bigger than ¾”.

Cockatiels prefer wide areas to move around in rather than tall, thin ones they can just climb.  When you bring your cockatiel home, put her in the cage & leave her undisturbed for at least 1 day while she gets used to her new home, but don’t forget to converse with her to make her feel welcome.

Cages that hang are not recommended for Cockatiels.  The swinging of the cage disturbs the bird causing them to stop eating.  Cockatiels do not like to be looked down on, so be sure the cage is on a stand and is about chest high.

Cockatiels love playgyms, so having a playtop cage is a good option to look at.

For a single cockatiel, the minimum cage size would be about 24” x 22” x 30”.  A cockatiel has a wing span of about 14”.  Giving her double her wingspan as the width of the cage is ideal.  Putting 2 cockatiels in this size cage would be a bit cramped so you would definitely want a larger cage no smaller than 32” x 23” x 30”; a cage 36” x 28” x 30” would be much better for 2 birds.  Still, it is always best to get the biggest cage your budget can afford.  The entire cage should be cleaned at least once a week.

Cockatiels are smart, so get cages with parrot proof latches.  Horizontal bars are important to have on a cage so the birds can climb around on the sides of the cage.  Cockatiels spend most of their time walking around on the floor of the cage, so be sure it’s sturdy.