Updated at: 06-06-2023 - By: Jane Brody

One of the most active types of birds is the parakeet.

In other words, a larger enclosure makes them happier.

If a parakeet has to choose between a tall cage and a wide cage, it will pick the wider one every time.

Why? Because unlike helicopters, birds fly horizontally rather than up and outward.

The ideal size for a bird cage is discussed in greater depth below.

This is crucial information!

Okay, so let’s begin!

Should Bird Cages Be Wide Or Tall? 

How Big Should A Parakeet Cage Be-2

Okay, but they always need to be big and bulky.

Theoretically, a bird will have more freedom to fly and perch in a large cage.

A similarly sized bird would have less room in a narrower, taller cage.

Just like a room with a 10-foot-by-10-foot floor plan will have the same amount of usable floor space regardless of the height of its ceiling, so it is with infinite rooms.

Of course, if you’re in the market for a new aviary, you might be wondering:

Which Is The Best Bird Cage?

How Big Should A Parakeet Cage Be-3

If you’re going to buy one, you might as well get the largest one in your price range.

Check out my article, “Best Bird Cages For Budgies,” for my recommendations on some great bird cages (Parakeets)

Make sure your birdcage serves a purpose, though, and isn’t merely for show.

Why?

This is due to the fact that pricey and uncomfortable luxury cages are of little utility to the animals housed inside them.

Both you and your parakeet can benefit from this.

Accordingly, the ideal cage is the one that works best for both you and your feathered friend.

When shopping for a new birdcage, you may want to think about the following:

1. Cage Size:

The first consideration is the size of the cage; ideally, your bird should be able to fly about the cage freely without bumping against the bars or the roof.

Therefore, if you intend to keep more than one bird, you should increase the birdcage’s dimensions accordingly.

Furthermore, if your family of birds consists of several different kinds, you’ll want to make sure the size is adequate for all of them.

Somewhat counterintuitively, smaller birds have more room requirements than larger ones.

This is due to the fact that smaller birds tend to be more active than their larger counterparts.

Thus, your parakeets might require a roomier aviary than your macaws.

2. Cage Safety:

What’s the use of caging your bird if it can’t fly out of, or stay inside, his cage?

For that reason, before purchasing a cage, make sure it satisfies the following safety requirements:

a. Material

There are mostly galvanized cages.

It’s possible that they still have some of the zinc, which is harmful to birds, on them.

If you do decide to purchase such a cage, be sure to give it a thorough cleaning using vinegar and towels soaked in soap.

Another option is to purchase a stainless steel cage.

b. Bar Spacing

If the bars are too close together, a bird’s head could get stuck. For the bird, this can be fatal.

Make sure your bird’s cage has small enough bars so it can’t fly out.

Parakeets do best with a bar spacing of 12mm, which is less than half an inch.

c. Bar Lining 

The lining of the bar ought to be thick enough that your bird can’t gnaw through it.

As a result, extra-thick wires for large birds, and thicker wires still for smaller ones.

The inside of the cage should be parallel to the outside.

Why? Because your bird could become stuck or hurt if the bar linings aren’t perfectly parallel all the way around.

d. Cage Door 

Sliding doors have been installed on a few of the cages.

Because of his intelligence, your bird can easily get through locked doors.

And that’s if you’re fortunate. A bird could get hurt if he got his head caught in a sliding door.

My advice is to not enter through the door.

e.  Food supply

Check to see whether your cage can accommodate containers with adhesive backing; I find these to be the most convenient. Water storage containers with attached pipes work well, whereas bowls are preferable for food.

This will allow you to check the availability of seeds for your bird by blowing the husks off of them.

2. Ease of Cleaning

It is recommended that you clean your birdcage once every day, at minimum.

Invest in a cage that is easy to clean by ensuring there are no tight crevices.

Get a cage with a grate for the bottom, too.

Cleaning up after your bird’s poop will be a breeze with this.

In addition, your pet can’t access its waste.

3. Cage Shape

Stick to squares and rectangles at all times.

Cages in the shape of a circle are not ideal since they can cause stress to your bird.

Some of the birds can have their feet or feathers snagged on the bars of the cages.

4. Cage Accessories

The birds’ health depends on both mental and physical challenge.

Furthermore, they are quickly bored.

Therefore, your birdcage needs to have room for multiple perches and playthings.

A cage stand placed alongside the cage is a suggestion I have.

Cages, however, can be placed on the ground without any special preparation.

However, a cage stand could make your bird more secure against cats and rats.

Still, most of the standards for cages haven’t changed.

The size of the cage, however, varies considerably between species.

So,

What is the Best Size Cage for a parakeet? 

How Big Should A Parakeet Cage Be

The primary one, obviously.

However, a single parakeet requires a space no smaller than 18 inches in width, depth, and height.

Inches, this is roughly 5800.

A cage that is 30 inches wide, 18 inches deep, and 18 inches high is adequate for a pair of parakeets.

Adding birds to an existing cage requires around 4000-5000 cubic inches of space per bird.

This is, however, only a rough estimate for the Australian budgerigar.

You may need roughly 7,000 cubic inches per bird if you have other types of parakeets, such as Monk Parakeets or Indian Ringneck Parakeets.

But,

Can a cage be too big for a parakeet? 

A home unfit for either parakeets or humans.

Your parakeet seems like a really busy bird, so giving him plenty of opportunities to fly will make him very happy.

Therefore, the confinement area can’t be too spacious.

Only, he has to be surrounded by other birds so he doesn’t become lonely.

Another good reason to invest in a flight cage is if you are frequently out of the house and your bird spends most of his time in there.

Your bird will be able to exercise his wings within the safety of his cage.

Conclusion

Get your parakeet the largest cage you can afford.

If you have to pick one, though, go with width over height.

In any way, guarantee the safety and contentment of your parakeet within his enclosure.

Large bird cages allow your pet to move around freely.

To keep your bird occupied and interested, you can also include a selection of toys.

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