Charlie
You might be very busy, man. Working hard or hanging up with friends is normal for a young person. Have you decided to get a cockatiel or a pair of birds? You need companionship and unconditional love pets offer to their owners. But you are to devote a lot of your energy and time to your feathered friends. How big should a cockatiel cage be? I am sure you want your cherished pet birds to be healthy and happy. A pair of cockatiels should get along well. It’s possible only if your cockatiels have enough space. A healthy, safe, comfortable environment is necessary. Let’s discuss how to provide your lovely pets with a suitable area and conditions.
How Big Is a Cockatiel?
Cockatiels are relatively small pets. They hold an important place in the list of parrots. Growing up to 12-13 inches in length, they belong to medium-size birds. But wingspan of an adult bird is up to 20 inches. So, they need a large space and an eco-friendly environment. Click here for more info!
Best cages for cockatiels are larger than those for parakeets. They are to be safe, comfortable and spacious. Non-toxic, healthy materials are a must. Additionally, the cage should be heavy-duty and well-equipped. It enables easy cage maintenance and great pet birds’ entertainment.
| Size, in | Parakeet | Cockatiel | African Grey |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adult Bird | 6-8 | 12-13 | 12-14 |
| Single Bird Cage | 18 x 18 x 20 | 24 x 18 x 24 | 24 x 24 x 36 |
| Cage for A Pair of Parrots | 20 x 18 x 30 | 30 x 35 x 40 | 28 x 28 x 50 |
| Nest Box | 12 x 12 x 12 | 15 x 12 x 12 | 18 x 12 x 12 |
Cockatiels are not as small as parakeets. They are about as long as flying rats (street pigeons). But their behavior significantly depends on the environment.
Do Birds Like to Be in Cages?
Cockatiels are incredibly smart, intelligent birds. Of course, they prefer staying out of their cages. So, they can:
- stretch their wings;
- fly around the room;
- sit on your shoulder or a nearby piece of furniture;
- nibble everything;
- walk around.
Cockatiels are curious birds, so don’t forget to protect them from household dangers. They like preening each other, paying a lot of time to their feathers. Additionally, cockatiels are affectionate, sociable birds. My pet birds love me petting and playing with them.
Where do birds like to be touched? Loki and Sweetie are especially gentle. They like me scratching their heads and crests. If you doubt, don’t touch your pet bird anywhere, apart from the head. When cockatiels are mating, they might be cuddlier.
Meanwhile, all my feathered friends feel when I am in a bad mood, tight over my business or personal affairs. They try to fly away and avoid communication until I calm down. These terrific pet birds seem to understand your body language. So, they escape all attempts to put them into their cages and keep entertaining.
[amalinkspro type=”showcase” asin=”B072QVRL7P” apilink=”https://www.amazon.com/dp/B072QVRL7P?tag=cockatielreviewapi-20&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1″ new-window=”true” addtocart=”true” nofollow=”true” sc-id=”8″ imgs=”https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51lAQCuL4kL.jpg~~~https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51jG6xSP9BL.jpg~~~https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/5112h-1K1RL.jpg~~~https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/61Qd0GsDPmL.jpg~~~https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/61TdWI7UowL.jpg~~~https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41x+CqCNtVL.jpg~~~https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51O9TQRZZDL.jpg~~~https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51kcVHy9lIL.jpg~~~https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41q4FsVwENL.jpg” link-imgs=”false” btn-color=”#ff9900″ btn-text=”View on Amazon” alignment=”aligncenter” hide-prime=”0″ hide-image=”0″ hide-price=”1″ hide-button=”0″ width=”600″ api=”true”]61/68 Inches Large Bird Cage Play Top [/amalinkspro]How Long Can a Cockatiel Be Left Alone?
No pet likes staying alone at home. Your cockatiels are no exception. These companion birds used to live, eat and fly in large flocks in the wild. They badly need interaction and communication. If you still go to school, spending 5-7 hours there, it’s ok. Your feathered friends spend this time productively if they have a spacious cage and a lot of toys.
Are you working a 12-hour shift or go for the whole weekend? Technically, your cockatiels should feel comfortable. If your pet birds have enough fresh water and food, they’ll survive. How long can a cockatiel go without food and water? Above all, it should be always available. Your lovely pets may refuse feeding and drinking. It should be remembered that it happens due to stress, loneliness or changes in their environment. In this case, see their avian vet asap.
To minimize painful condition like stress or depression, try to:
- put radio or TV on;
- make your smart home system turn the lights on remotely;
- ask your neighbor to come in and talk to your cockatiels;
- leave the curtains open.
Looking through the window, your pet birds would feel a bit better. This way, cockatiels watch other birds, hear their babbles and whistle to them. It entertains them a bit. Additionally, they enjoy natural sunlight, feeling beautiful and happy.
How Many Toys Should a Cockatiel Have?
Quite naturally, birds prefer communicating with each other. They might sit close, bowing their heads to each other. One of them greets the other cockatiel or requests preening. But if his or her companion bird dies, your lovely pet would be depressed. You’ll have to devote more time to your lovely cockatiel. Touch and talk to your feathered friend, trying to alleviate his or her sorrows.
How long does a cockatiel live in captivity? In good conditions, pet bird’s lifespan is pretty long. Thanks to healthy nutrition, your cherished pet bird lives up to 20-22 years. Being in groups is also possible if cockatiel cage is big enough. It’s natural for flocking birds. But your lovely cockatiels might make some noise.
[amalinkspro type=”showcase” asin=”B0002DJL50″ apilink=”https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0002DJL50?tag=cockatielreviewapi-20&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1″ new-window=”true” addtocart=”true” nofollow=”true” sc-id=”8″ imgs=”https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/515gtFLIC3L.jpg~~~https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41ysw4mhAhL.jpg~~~https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/31Y-K1RW8DL.jpg~~~https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41Xof0GkbUL.jpg~~~https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41jlEhgIQkL.jpg~~~https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/517ZEgx7cML.jpg~~~https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41ZRZNfsSKL.jpg” link-imgs=”false” btn-color=”#ff9900″ btn-text=”View on Amazon” alignment=”aligncenter” hide-prime=”0″ hide-image=”0″ hide-price=”1″ hide-button=”0″ width=”600″ api=”true”]Penn-Plax Bird Life Activity Center – Large Size[/amalinkspro]A single bird would need more owner’s attention and interaction. Some cockatiel cage accessories are essential, anyway. They’ll keep your cherished birds entertained and energetic for a couple of hours. A good, comfortable cage should include:
- several ladders;
- thick, wooden perches;
- metal shelves;
- some feeding bowls and dishes.
Diverse toys are beneficial. Various swings, ropes, bells and mirrors attract cockatiels’ attention. They don’t let your feathered friends feel bored while you are out. They climb and exercise until you come back and play with them.
Overall Conclusion
Quite naturally, you should know, what to put on the bottom of a bird cage. You are to clean cockatiels’ cage regularly. It is to be roomy, safe and comfortable. It’s necessary to groom your lovely pets. Providing fresh, healthy food and water to them is essential. But your feathered friends need your love and attention. Don’t forget to spend at least 1 hour/day with your pet birds. Talk to them, play with them and interact. Cockatiels return the favor to you. They’ll show their love and affection. Even if they make some noise, no big deal. Your pet birds are in good mood, happy and healthy, and it matters.
There are some very important factors to consider when deciding what kind of a cockatiel cage you should get, and the answer is actually not as simple as “metal cages are bad, plastic cages are good!” The truth is, there are pros and cons to both. Metal cages will often last longer, but are harder to clean and are more difficult to maneuver around the house. Plastic cages, on the other hand, are lighter and easier to move, but may not last as long as a metal one, and may have issues with sharp edges or uncomfortable perches.
A quality cockatiel cage has a 1 ” metal rod spacing and a 1.2mm rod thickness. There should be a sturdy plastic bottom tray that locks into the cage. This type of cage is ideal for cockatiels, cockatiels or cockatiels.
Hi! I have a question about cockatiel cages. I am thinking of getting a cockatiel, and at the moment I have a cage I previously used for my parakeet (sadly passed away, so the cage is currently unused). The size is 26x14x24, would this barely work for one cockatiel😬? When we had our parakeet, we had her out for most of the time, and that’s what we plan to do with our next bird. What do you think?
Hi Karis,
You probably had a smaller parrot, and I think he was comfortable in such a cage. But for cockatiels, larger cells are preferred.
I recommend a minimum of 26x18x24, and the larger the better. They need a place. Also, be sure to let the bird fly around the room. Then your pet will be happy and, accordingly, will delight you too! I hope I gave you a comprehensive answer to your question.
Good luck!