How to Decorate a Cockatiel Cage

The sociable and gentle cockatiel requires many toys to decorate his home and stay content. The small parrot can be kept in a minimum cage size of at least 18 inches tall, 18 inches deep and 18 inches long, if he receives regular outings from his cage, according to cockatiel breeder Linda Greeson. However, if left alone in the cage for long periods of time, choose a larger cage. Reduce boredom and anxiety by decorating the bird cage with a variety of toys that encourage preening, swinging, chewing, problem solving and vocal exercises.

Things You'll Need

  • Wooden bead toys
  • Shell and mineral toys
  • Perches
  • Swings
  • Mirrors
  • Bells
  • Dried fruits
  • Whole nuts
  • Bailing twine
  • Cage cover
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Instructions

    • 1

      Add hanging toys to the cage. Choose colorful nontoxic wooden beads or natural shell and mineral kabob-style toys that hang with C-links or smooth chains. Avoid hangers with rough edges or tiny gaps that can trap small cockatiel toenails and beaks.

    • 2

      Install a variety of perches and swings. Choose rope perches, natural apple tree branches, mineral covered perches and swings decorated with colorful beads and bells for added interest. Select perches with a grooves cut into the ends that use tension to stay in place between the bars.

    • 3

      Hang mirrors and bells. Let the cockatiel sing to his reflection by placing the reflective toys on the cage wall next to a perch. Remove any clappers from bells, as these pose a choking hazard.

    • 4

      Use treats as decorations. Thread dried apples, apricots, whole walnuts and almonds onto raw bailing twine. Tie the treat from the ceiling of the cage, allowing the bird to preen the twine, chew the fruit and crack open the nuts.

    • 5

      Add a cage cover. Drape a custom-made bird cage cover or decorative sheet over the backside of the cage to add color and style. Choose a cartoon theme cover for a child's bedroom or coordinate colors with window treatments nearby.