What Do You Need in a Parakeet's Cage?

Parakeets are lively, curious, affectionate pets. These brightly colored birds can be taught to talk and perform tricks that will keep you amused for hours. Parakeets are not difficult to care for, but they do have a few special requirements. Purchase the largest cage you can afford in order to provide room for your pet to fly around, and then learn about the items you will need in your parakeet's cage.

  1. Toys

    • Toys will provide the mental stimulation your parakeet needs. Be prepared to provide new toys on a regular basis, as these intelligent birds soon get bored with the old ones. This need not be an expensive proposition; some objects found around the house can be used for toys, such as toilet paper rolls, bits of thick rope or a string of plastic beads. You can purchase bird gyms, mirrors, bells, rings and many other colorful, shiny toys your parakeet will enjoy.

    Perches

    • Provide a variety of perches for your parakeet. Variety will provide mental and physical stimulation for your pet. Choose wooden, plastic, rope or concrete perches, as well as swings and ladders made especially for parakeets. You can place a natural branch in your parakeet's cage---just be sure to use a nonpoisonous wood such as willow, poplar or a branch from a fruit tree. Place the perches at varying heights and distances, and place one diagonally in the corner. Be sure that at least one of the perches provides access to the food and water bowls.

    Food and Water

    • Provide clean water daily, either in an open bowl or water bottle designed to hang in a bird's cage. Offer water for bathing at least twice a week by placing a shallow pan of water in the bottom of the parakeet's cage. Place high-quality bird pellet food in the cage along with fresh foods such as bean sprouts, broccoli, mangoes, green peppers, peanuts and dandelions, but be careful---some human foods such as avocados and grapefruits are poisonous to parakeets. Millet, oats and dry greens also make healthy additions to a parakeet's diet.

    Cuttlebone and Mineral Block

    • Cuttlebones and mineral blocks are available at pet stores. They provide important minerals, including calcium, that are essential for parakeet health. They also provide a way for parakeets to trim and sharpen their beaks and claws.

    Newspaper

    • Use newspaper to line the bottom of the parakeet's cage. If you place several layers together at a time, you can quickly remove the top layer each day, giving your bird a clean space. Remove all the newspapers each week and wash out the cage thoroughly.