Is It Dangerous to Let a Parakeet Out of the Cage?

Parakeets, also known as budgies, are active birds that need to leave their cages to spread their wings. Leaving a parakeet inside of a cage can make the bird unhappy. But your home can be a dangerous place for parakeets because common household items can harm them. Protect your parakeet by removing as many dangers as possible beforehand.

  1. Windows, Doors and Drawers

    • Leaving windows and doors open in the home can invite the parakeet to escape, and the bird may also fly into the glass. The birds may not return once they fly outdoors. Since parakeets are trained to live in a cage, they may not know how to survive in the wild. Inside, the house, stuck parakeets can suffocate if they find their way inside closets or drawers that were open just a crack. Before you let the parakeet out of its cage, close all the windows, doors and drawers. Avoid leaving anything cracked open because the birds can squeeze into small locations. Place shades or blinds over windows to prevent your parakeet from flying into the glass. Curtains and drapes are dangerous because their toenails may become stuck.

    Pets

    • Other pets in your home can harm the parakeets. If the animals in your home are not used to the parakeets, they may attack the birds. It may not appear that your cat will harm the bird when you introduce them, but the cat may defend itself and hurt the bird. When you have other pets in the home, monitor them closely. If you are worried about your pets hurting the bird, let the parakeet out of its cage in a closed room away from other animals.

    Fumes

    • Many household fumes are dangerous for parakeets. Scented air fresheners, perfumes and candles are toxic to the birds. Teflon pans can release dangerous fumes that kill parakeets. The coated pans release these fumes when you place them over high temperatures. Smoke from cigars, cigarettes and marijuana are also dangerous to the birds. If you have a cat litter box, keep it away from parakeets because the dust can harm their respiratory systems.

    Household Dangers

    • There are many other household dangers that can harm a parakeet. Open containers of water, fans and poisonous plants can hurt the birds. Sharp objects, light fixtures, laundry and electronics are also dangerous. Always turn fans off before you let a parakeet out of its cage. Cover fish aquariums and store water dishes away from the birds because even a small amount of water can cause them to drown. Always hide electric cords from parakeets because they will chew on them. Keep piles of laundry away from birds because they often hide under them. For best results, select a room in your home for the parakeet and bird-proof it.