Charlie
Have you just bought a pair of birds? You have to buy a lot of stuff at once. The first thing cockatiels need is a cage. Basic accessories, like perches, ladders, play tops could be available in the set. What to put on the bottom of a bird cage? Pay attention to the cage’s construction. It should be reliable, durable, safe, and easy to clean. Cages with the removable bottom trays and grills are beneficial. It helps to keep your pets’ homes clean. The debris guard keeps waste inside. Lining the cage bottom is essential. Let’s discuss why do we need it and which materials to prefer.
[amalinkspro_table id=”747″ aff-id=”cockatielreviewapi-20″ new-window=”on” nofollow=”on” addtocart=”off” /]How Big Should a Cockatiel Cage Be?
Cockatiels are medium-sized birds. They need a lot of space to play and exercise. In the wild, these beautiful birds live in flocks. Your lovely pets don’t like being alone. So, I would recommend adopting cockatiels in pairs. A solitary bird would need several hours a day to play with you. Otherwise, he or she would suffer from boredom and depression.
The best cockatiel cage is roomy enough for two birds. Each of them must feel comfortable while spreading their wings completely. How to transform it into inches?
| Cockatiels | Min. Cage Size, in. | Min.Bar Spacing, in. |
|---|---|---|
| One adult | 24 x 18 x 24 | 1/2 |
| A pair | 30 x 35 x40 | 3/4 |
| Chicks | 20 x 20 x26 | 1/2 |
The best size cage for cockatiel is rectangular or square. A round cage is not safe. Your cherished pet bird could get stuck on the bottom. The size of your birds’ cage depends on their wingspan. Double it to get to know how wide and tall a cockatiels’ house is. A breeding cage commonly contains a nest box. Its dimensions are 12” x 12” or larger.
Can a Cage Be Too Big for a Cockatiel?
It could not be too roomy. In the wild, these birds live in open landscapes. They fly up to 30 miles a day to get access to water and food. Bar spacing matters. It should be not wide enough to avoid possibility to escape. Eliminate the cockatiels’ risk to stick their heads between the bars.
If your birds are comparatively small or young, choose the cage with ½” or 0.4” spacing. The wire diameter is to be 0.1”, at least. Wrought iron is a beneficial material. These bars are reliable and durable. They come with non-toxic coating, being safe and pet-friendly.
Your room space is another thing. The cockatiels’ cage is to find a place inside it. Where should I keep my birdcage? A good, comfortable location is in a corner or against a wall. Avoid:
- Direct sunlight.
- Draughts.
- Cold and heat extremes.
- Fumes and smokes.
Cockatiel cage with stand that is on the wheels is beneficial. You are free to move it on a balcony, into the garden or to the bathroom to clean. Your cherished birds should sleep in a quiet room. During the day, they need communication. Place the cage in the living room while you are watching movies.
What Do You Put on the Bottom of a Bird Aviary?
Keep the cage away from exterior doors and windows. It’s necessary to avoid your feathered friends’ escape. Nevertheless, your pets might enjoy the view from the window. At least, Nigel does. Sometimes, he calls out “a pretty birdie” when he sees a pigeon or a sparrow on the street.
That is, your lovely birds need the best possible conditions. They require entertainment. So, supply them with mirrors, various perches, ladders, plenty of safe and colorful toys. Cage liners are also essential. They are necessary to eliminate the mess on the cage bottom.
A soft material catches droppings. It absorbs moisture and odors. What can I use to clean a bird cage? The lining might contain:
- paper towels;
- corncob;
- newspapers;
- pine or wood shavings;
- sand;
- cat litter.
A special cage liner is beneficial. It looks like a roll of white paper. Having every inch marks, it’s easy to cut into sheets. The liner is chemical-free. It features an anti-microbial coating. So, it’s easy to replace the paper every day.
Should I Cover My Cockatiels Cage at Night?
Your cherished pets must always feel safe. Pine or wood shavings are good, as they mask unpleasant odors. But wood chips and small particles should not rise up in the cage. Digesting or inhaling sand and liter dust is dangerous for cockatiel’s health.
White paper is preferable. It lies flat, causing no mess or mold growth. You see the dropping on the paper and sight immediately if any of the birds is sick. Moreover, сockatiels might need a cage cover. It would prevent or relieve night frights. Semidarkness mimics nest cavity. It lets cockatiels have not less than 10- 12 hours of sound sleep.
But a cover doesn’t have to be heavy or dense. A good one is:
- single-layer;
- breathable;
- lightweight;
- covering 3 sides of the cage.
What size cage does a cockatiel need? It is to be roomy, as your lovely pet birds need fresh air to breathe. Some visual light is also beneficial. An opening on one side is essential. But the cover pacifies your cherished cockatiels. It lets them sleep undisturbed in the morning. Your cherished birds won’t rise with the sun. They don’t wake up you and your family members too early in the morning.
Final Words
Using a cover doesn’t mean you can avoid playing or interacting with your feathered friends. It doesn’t eliminate harsh sounds and draughts. Starting using a cover, train cockatiels. Watch their behavior changes. Make sure your cherished birds feel secure. They require comfortable conditions, a clean and quiet environment. Keep cockatiels healthy and happy. So, they bring you a lot of positive emotions every day.
A large cage is a great place for a cockatiel to live. It can fit a perch and a swing. That is a good start for a happy and healthy cockatiel. The cage also keeps the bird safe from harm.