| When people speak of wanting a parrot as a pet, | | | | back and forth. Height almost tends to get wasted in |
| many times they are visualizing a parakeet. It is the | | | | regards to flight but it may come in handy if you |
| term that is loosely applied to many small and | | | | have perches at varied levels to encourage climbing. |
| medium long-tailed parrots including budgies and | | | | In terms of the recommended shape of the cage, a |
| conures. So if you are thinking of bringing home one | | | | rectangular one with one side of the parakeet cage |
| of these birds, you should first buy a parakeet bird | | | | against the wall will probably make the bird feel most |
| cage. It is important that you have a home ready for | | | | secure. Repeatedly, we hear parrot experts say that |
| your pet before you pick it up. | | | | a round cage is not the best idea. |
| When looking for a parakeet bird cage there are a | | | | 3. Bars: Given the small size of the parakeet, the |
| few things that you should know. | | | | cage you choose should have bar spaced no more |
| 1. Size: Although parakeets are relatively smaller than | | | | than ½ an inch apart. A wider spacing may tempt |
| many other birds they should not be housed in a | | | | the bird to push its head through and this can be |
| cage smaller than 24"x16"x16". This is because your | | | | dangerous as it can get stuck in that position. |
| bird will need enough room to spread its wings fully. | | | | Speaking of bar spacing, experts recommend that |
| You should factor in the wingspan and room to spare | | | | two cage walls with horizontal bars may be ideal for |
| in all directions. | | | | parakeets as they love to climb. |
| A parakeet should never feel crunched for space | | | | 4. Type of Material: The next question is what |
| from having its wings or tail brush against the sides | | | | material is ideal for a parakeet cage. Stainless steel |
| when it tries to spread them. This will negatively | | | | tops the list of recommendations and wrought iron |
| impact their physical, and eventually, their mental | | | | and cold rolled steel are also candidates. |
| well-being. So, as is the recommendation with any | | | | Stainless steel is easy to maintain and rust resistant |
| bird cage, you should pick up the largest parakeet | | | | and this is the reason it the material of choice. Avoid |
| cage you can afford. | | | | cages made of brass, lead, galvanized steel or zinc as |
| Since parakeets do like to nest with each other, you | | | | these can be toxic for the parakeets. |
| can get a really big cage and keep two or three of | | | | Parakeets like to chew and explore and they may |
| them together. Many parakeet cages come with | | | | ingest poisonous tarnish or rust that can cause |
| multiple feeder bowls and water bottles to | | | | serious harm. This is the also the reason to keep a |
| accommodate such an arrangement. But you should | | | | constant eye out for chipped paint or dislodged |
| avoid housing a parakeet with other kinds of parrots | | | | metal. Look for a cage that is made with naturally |
| as this can lead to behavioral problems. | | | | treated materials rather than ones that use too |
| 2. Shape: Whatever size cage you are able to afford, | | | | many chemical elements. |
| it is key to note that parakeets benefit more from a | | | | With this list in hand, you will have no trouble locating |
| wide rather than a tall cage as the birds tend to fly | | | | the perfect parakeet bird cage. |