What Size Should a Cockatiel Cage Be?

Cockatiels are relatives of the cockatoo, and hail from Australia. Breeders in Europe have maintained stocks of pet cockatiels since the mid 1800s. In the wild, cockatiels live in pairs or flocks of up to a dozen, though as pets, they are often kept singly. Your bird will be happiest if his cage is the proper size for his breed.

  1. Function

    • Decide how much time your cockatiel will spend in the cage in a 24-hour period. Birds that are to spend more time in their cages need a larger cage than birds who will only use the cage for sleeping at night.

    Types

    • Bird cages come in a variety of shapes as well as sizes. Cockatiels like to stay near the top of the cage, so a long, wide cage will benefit the bird more than a tall, skinny cage.

    Features

    • Bars should be no farther apart than 3/4 inch, to ensure the bird doesn't stick his head through and get stuck.
      The cage should have one or two perches. The bird's tail should brush the floor of the cage on the lowest perch, not drag on the floor or catch in the bars.
      A mix of horizontal and vertical bars encourage climbing.
      The cage should house one or two destructible bird toys. Leave the cage as clutter-free as possible.
      It should also have a removable plastic tray base for easy cleaning

    Size

    • The cage should have a depth of 18 to 50 inches, a width of 18 to 50 inches, and a height of 25 to 75 inches.

    Considerations

    • You do not want a cage that is too small nor too large. The cockatiel should be able to fully open its wings and flap without touching the sides of the cage. Cockatiels are prey animals, and a single bird in a too-large cage would be stressful to the bird.

    Expert Insight

    • Cockatiels need daily out-of-cage time for proper exercise and social interaction with you.