How to Introduce a Parakeet to a New Cage

Parakeets are a popular companion bird for young and old alike. The tiny birds are easy to train, adore being around people, bond closely with their owners and can even learn to talk. Parakeets adapt to the world around them easily. The cage they are housed in is very important because the parakeet will spend a good portion of its life within the cage's confines. The cage needs to offer safety and a sense of security. Introducing the parakeet to a new cage is both an exciting and terrifying experience for the bird. A few easy-to-follow steps can help the bird adjust to the transition of a new home environment without undue stress.

Things You'll Need

  • Sheet or blanket
  • Perches
  • Parakeet food
  • Water
  • Toys
  • Mirror toy
  • Cuttlebone
  • Radio or television
  • Pipe cleaners
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Instructions

    • 1

      Purchase a cage that offers ample space for the parakeet. The ideal parakeet size cage should be a minimum of 18 inches wide by 18 inches deep by 24 inches tall. The parakeet should be able to easily spread its wings. The bars of the cage should be horizontal so the parakeet can easily climb the sides. Parakeets adore climbing inside a cage. Make sure bar spacing is no larger than 1/2 inch so there is no danger of the parakeet's head getting stuck between the bars.

    • 2

      Place the cage in the corner of a room where you will spend a great deal of time. Parakeets enjoy being close to people and listening to different sounds. Drape a cloth over the wall side of the cage until the parakeet becomes secure and familiar with its new cage. The cloth gives the parakeet a sense of security and safety. Make sure the cage is positioned in a place where the parakeet can see all around the room.

    • 3

      Choose various toys to place inside the cage, including toys from the old cage that will offer the parakeet a sense of security. Parakeets especially like to look at themselves in mirrors. Make sure there is food and water located in the new cage. Hang a cuttle bone for the parakeet to enjoy chewing on and to meet the parakeet's calcium requirements.

    • 4

      Keep loud noises down in the room. Talk softly until the parakeet adjusts to the new cage. Play a radio softly in the background or leave the television on so the parakeet can easily adjust. Parakeets do not like silence because in the wild, silence often means a predators is close by. Keep the noise level soft and continuous to offer a feeling of security in the new cage.

    • 5

      Cover the cage during the night to offer the parakeet a sense of safety. Use an old blanket or sheet as a cover. Uncover the parakeet in the morning.