what size bird cage for a cockatiel

Keeping birds can be done well, and to the benefit of both them and us. But too often in doing so we take away the very thing that defines them: flight. So here are some suggested minimum case sizes to allow your feathered friends to enjoy their fullest lives.

Why is it important? Studies have repeatedly shown that birds in smaller cages are more likely to suffer from:

Bird Cage Size Chart

Dimensions display minimum floor areas; long rectangles work better than squares for these types of spaces. All measurements are in cm.

Length of bird	1 bird	2 birds	4 birds	Height
10 (finch, canary)	100 x 37	100 x 55	150 x 61	60
20 (budgie, bourke)	160 x 45	180 x 60	200 x 90	60
30 (cockatiel)	180 x 60	200 x 75	200 x 150	90
40 (most parrots)	200 x 75	225 x 100	250 x 150	90
50 (most cockatoos)	250 x 100	250 x 150	250 x 250	150

*An outdoor aviary or cage’s minimum dimension in any direction shouldn’t be less than 60 cm. **Any outdoor aviary or cage should have a minimum height of one 5 meters above the ground to give birds a safe haven from predators The Queensland code of practice stipulates a 180cm height outdoors.

Some Notes On Cage Sizes

The Victorian Code of Practice for the Housing of Caged Birds and the Queensland Aviculture Code of Practice 2010 are the two sources of information that I used. Due to their social nature, most birds should be kept in groups of two or four rather than alone. Therefore, sizes for multiples have also been included.

For each, I have used recommended sizes for outdoor cages. These are ideal for smaller birds like cockatiels and budgerigars indoors. I hope you can go over these measurements whenever you can, or give your bird daily freedom to fly around the house.

Cages outside require roofs and a single, sturdy wall that faces the direction of the wind. Additionally, all cages require a range of sized natural stick perches that are positioned so they don’t obstruct flight.

My tiel is 23″ long, 14″ wide, and 16″ tall, and I would really like to get her a larger cage. The one she came with when I rescued her seems too small. Google states that the dimensions are 24″ long, 18″ wide, and 24″ tall, but I wanted to check with you guys to see what you thought. In addition, is 5/8 bar spacing too much? I really don’t want to have to spend a lot of money, but I’ll do whatever it takes to make sure she’s satisfied.

FAQ

Do cockatiels prefer tall or wide cages?

Cockatiels are active and playful and should have a large cage. Opinions on the minimum size vary, but a good rule of thumb is at least 20 inches by 20 inches wide, and 26 inches tall as a bare minimum. The spacing on the cage bars should be no more than 3/4 inches (any larger is a safety hazard).

What cages are best for cockatiels?

A quality primary cage should be made of either stainless steel or steel with a heavy powder coating applied to it. These cages cost more but are built to last for decades. For Cockatiels, aluminium cages are also a safe, though slightly less durable, option.

Is a cockatiel a small or medium bird?

The cockatiel (/ˌkɒkəˈtiːl/; Nymphicus hollandicus), also known as the weero/weiro or quarrion, is a medium-sized parrot that is a member of its own branch of the cockatoo family endemic to Australia.