How Large of a Cage Do Parakeets Require?

Since your parakeet is going to spend most of his time inside his cage, you must be sure he has enough room -- you wouldn't want to be confined to a space that was too small, either. Despite their small size, parakeets need room to spread their wings and enjoy a little freedom, even within the confines of their cages.

  1. Shape and Size

    • While a tall birdcage saves floorspace, it doesn't do your parakeet any favors. One of these birds typically sticks to the top half of his cage, so a tall and narrow cage only gives him more space he won't use. Instead, give your parakeet a cage that is wide and long so he has plenty of room to fly around. For a single parakeet, the cage should be at least 24 by 24 by 24 inches. This gives him the space he needs and will actually use.

    Sitting Space

    • Inside the cage, he needs plenty of space for perching -- after all, if he's not airborne, he's perched somewhere. Give him a few different perches of varying materials so he always has a place to sit comfortably. If you have more than one parakeet in a cage, make sure you have enough perch space for everyone.

    Room for Friends

    • Parakeets are sociable birds that benefit from living with others -- ideally, your parakeet should have at least one cagemate. When you add more birds to the mix, the cage needs to be bigger as well. Of course, this doesn't mean you have to double the cage size just for another bird. Ask your veterinarian for a cage size recommendation based on the number of birds you plan to keep).

    Cage Safety

    • However large a cage you choose, make sure it's safe for your birds. The bars of a parakeet cage should be no more than 1/4-inch apart -- any bigger and your bird can get stuck between them. The bars should be made of a non-toxic material that the parakeet cannot chew through; ideally, avoid a cage with any spring-locking mechanisms -- he can get caught in the spring and hurt himself.