How to Build a Breeding Cage for Parakeets

For more than 150 years, technique has been refined, notes and documentation have been made and scholars and novices alike have learned the best way to breed parakeets, also known as budgies. One of the most important parts of the breeding process is setting up the breeding cage. A good breeding cage will not only help the budgies to breed, but also in raising the chicks.

Things You'll Need

  • Bird cage 24 inches high by 16 inches deep and wide with a solid bottom
  • Black-and-white newspaper
  • Nest box that attaches to the outside of the cage
  • Pine shavings
  • 2 water tubes
  • Large jar feeder
  • Mineral block
  • Cuttlebone
  • Sturdy perches
  • Full spectrum lighting
  • Cage cover
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Instructions

    • 1

      Select a proper bird cage as a base. You should use one that is at least 24 inches high by 16 inches wide and deep. You should use one with a solid bottom, not a grate. If you have to use one with a grate, cover the grate in a few layers of black-and-white newspaper.

    • 2

      Choose a nesting box that will attach to the outside of the cage. The best ones open from the side rather than from the top, which makes cleaning much easier.

    • 3

      Lay pine shavings inside the nest box. Do not allow the chicks to lay directly on the bottom, as they will develop splayed feet.

    • 4

      Provide two water tubes for the pair as well as a large jar feeder for seed and other food. Both birds will take a lot of food and water during breeding and when caring for chicks.

    • 5

      Add ample amounts of mineral blocks and cuttlebones. It is absolutely essential that the hen has access to as much calcium as she needs. If she doesn't, her eggs could bind before being laid, which could be fatal.

    • 6

      Make sure all the perches in the cage (you should have at least two, made from natural wood) are very sturdy. Infertility in some birds has been traced to wobbly or rickety perches.

    • 7

      Give the birds access to full spectrum lights, which will keep them from developing vision problems. This is especially important to making to birds feel calm during breeding season.

    • 8

      Create a cage cover or use towels to cover the cage at night. During this time, it is very important to make sure that the birds get 12 hours of light and 12 of dark.