Parakeet Cage Care

Cage Materials

• Rectangular wire cages are the most spacious and the easiest to maintain. Disinfect them once a week with a damp cloth. Placing the cage close to a wall will make the bird feel safer. Avoid purchasing fancy cage shapes, such as houses, palaces, domes and round cages, as they do not provide enough space for the bird to fly around. Also, due to their odd shapes fancy cages have areas where the bird can fling its food outside the cage.

  Though wooden parakeet cages look beautiful, they are quite difficult to clean. Because wood absorbs moisture, it promotes bacteria growth, which can be harmful to your pet.

Cage Size

• A parakeet cage should provide at least 2 cubic feet of free space for each bird. This is exclusive of the space occupied by toys, food and water bowls, swings and perches.

Parakeet Cage Accessories

• Swings and perches are absolutely essential for parakeet cages. Place them at different heights, so your pet can move around freely. Place one of these accessories near the feeding dishes and secure the other to the top of the cage.

  Parakeets enjoy roosting by perching themselves in a convenient location where they can get a clear view of the outdoors. Hang a cuttlebone on the side of the cage so your parakeet can trim its beak.

  When using multiple perches in a large cage, space them far enough apart so the birds do not accidentally bump their heads on a perch or trip over their wings or tail. Add fresh tree branches that are free of synthetic chemical sprays or fertilizers.

Parakeet Cage Care

• Buy a parakeet cage with a pull-out tray. A pull-out tray makes it easier to dispose of the waste droppings, leaves and seeds that fall on the cage floor. Layer the tray with absorbent materials, such as paper sacks or newspaper.

  Clean the droppings from the cage twice a day and make sure the bird has fresh water and food. Wash the food and water bowls everyday with a mild dish soap. Let the feeding bowl dry completely before putting food into it. Wash the toys once a week with a bird-friendly cleaner. Move the toys around occasionally to keep your parakeet from getting bored.

  Once a month, wash the cage with a non-toxic, bird-friendly cleaner. Soak the cage first in a tub of water to loosen stuck bird droppings. Then use the cleaner to wash the cage. Do not use an abrasive sponge to clean the cage; it will mar the finish. Rinse the cage thoroughly and allow it to dry completely before putting your bird back into it.

  If you use wooden perches, check for rough edges that might hurt your bird. Sand them if necessary. Wooden perches facilitate molds and bacteria when wet. Place the perches in such a way that the droppings do not fall into the drinking water or food.