How to Get a New Cage for a Cockatiel

There are many reasons to purchase a new cage for a cockatiel. A new cockatiel from a pet store or breeder will need a cage to go home to, or the cockatiel̵7;s current cage is too small or could be potentially dangerous to the bird and must be replaced. You should keep many factors in mind when you buy a new cage. For example, the cage should be as large as possible with appropriate bar spacing. A cockatiel can be introduced to a new cage slowly, but the cage should be completely set up before you bring a new bird home.

Things You'll Need

  • Bird cage for small to medium sized parrot
  • Various sized wooden perches
  • Cups
  • Cockatiel toys
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Instructions

    • 1

      Determine an area of the house where the bird will get attention and foot traffic, but will be safe from drafts and away from loud noises. The cage should be away from windows and TV̵7;s. Take note of what size of cage can fit in the space, and try to get a cage as large as possible.

    • 2

      Buy a cage no smaller than 2 feet by 2 feet by 30 inches tall, since the cockatiel will need room to spread his wings and have his tail hang without touching the cage bars. Cage bars should be spaced no more than 1/2-inch to 3/4-inches apart to prevent the cockatiel̵7;s head from getting stuck.

    • 3

      Remove the bird's favorite perches, toys and cups from the old cage to put into the new cage. The new cage should contain various sizes of perches made of pine and manzanita, two to three toys, three cups (one neutral color food dish, one treat dish, one water dish), and one water bottle.

    • 4

      Install the perches at different heights and angles in the cage, place the cups and water bottle near the perches so the bird can easily access them and hang the toys from the bars of the cage. Let the cockatiel watch the cage setup from the old cage or from a play gym in the same room; get the bird as close as possible to the new cage if he is frightened.

    • 5

      Put the cockatiel in the new cage, unless he is very scared, in which case he should be introduced to the cage slowly. Start moving the new cage closer to the bird every day or allow him to explore the new cage during play times.