Budgies, also known as parakeets, are popular pet birds that originate from Australia. These small, active birds require proper housing to thrive in captivity. Choosing the right cage for your budgie is one of the most important decisions you’ll make as a budgie owner. The cage needs to be large enough to accommodate their natural behaviors like climbing, flying and playing. It should also be constructed of bird-safe materials and allow for proper cleaning and maintenance. This article will discuss the key factors to consider when selecting a budgie cage, and provide recommendations on the best cage types and sizes for these lively little companion birds.
What are the basic requirements for a budgie cage?
There are a few essential requirements that any good budgie cage should meet:
- Bar spacing – Bars should be no more than 1/2 inch apart horizontally to prevent escape and injury.
- Bar material – Powder coated metal bars are best. Avoid cages with zinc or lead which can be toxic.
- Size – Minimum dimensions are 18″ x 18″ x 18″ for one budgie. Larger is better.
- Shape – A longer horizontal cage provides more flying room.
- Access – Large front opening doors make accessing your budgie easier.
- Flooring – Solid metal or grates over a droppings tray works best for cleaning.
- Perches – Natural wood perches of varying widths protect feet and provide exercise.
- Toys – Include places to attach swings, mirrors and other enrichment toys.
- Easy to clean – Removable trays and grates simplify cleaning.
Following these guidelines when selecting a cage will help ensure your budgie has a healthy, safe home. But what are the different cage types available, and which is truly the best choice?
The common cage types for budgies
There are three primary types of cages commonly used to house budgies:
1. Standard Cages
These rectangular wire cages are the most basic and economical option. They typically feature a wire mesh floor over a slide-out metal tray for waste, one or two doors, and a few horizontal bars for perching. They come in a range of sizes, with a minimum of 18″ x 18″ x 18″ for one budgie.
Pros:
- Inexpensive starting price
- Allow interaction from all sides
- Simple to clean
Cons:
- Limited interior space
- Not enough horizontal bars for climbing
- Unable to affix many toys and accessories
- Can seem sterile and confining
Overall, standard cages provide acceptable though basic housing for a single budgie or a bonded pair. But lack of space and interior accessories may limit natural behaviors.
2. Flight Cages
These extra wide cages are designed to allow room for flight inside. They are much longer than they are deep, and taller than standard cages. Horizontal bars allow for climbing across the full cage length.
Pros:
- Allow short flight distances
- Increased climbing and play space
- Accommodate more birds
- Come in larger sizes
Cons:
- More expensive than standard
- Cleaning can be more difficult
- Bulky footprint takes up space
- Bars may be too widely spaced for small budgies
Flight cages provide substantially more room for an active budgie to zip around and climb. The extra space allows for more toys and accessories too. But the potential drawbacks should be considered.
3. Aviaries
Aviaries are the largest, most elaborate enclosed habitats for birds. Walk-in aviaries allow you to enter and interact inside. They use mesh panels or screening instead of bars, and often incorporate natural wood branches.
Pros:
- Allow free flight in a contained space
- Can incorporate outdoor access
- Very naturalistic and enriching
- Let you interact “within” their space
Cons:
- Potential for injury with collisions
- Difficult to fully budgie-proof
- Much more expensive than cages
- Permanent structure not easy to move
For devoted bird enthusiasts with the space and budget, an aviary provides the ultimate environment. But for most owners, the limitations make an aviary impractical.
Now that we’ve compared the pros and cons, which cage really is the best investment for your budgies?
Best cage type by budgie owner
The cage type that will work best depends in part on your specific situation as a budgie owner. Here are some cage recommendations based on common owner scenarios:
For first-time or casual budgie owners
A standard cage is probably your best bet. You can always upgrade later if you get more involved in the hobby. Aim for the largest size possible – bigger is always better.
For owners with limited space
Consider a standard cage but maximize the horizontal space by choosing a longer rectangular footprint if possible. Add toys andAccessories to make the most of the room.
For owners with multiple budgies
Invest in a spacious flight cage to give energetic flock members enough room to fly and climb. The extra space makes managing multiple birds easier.
For free flight enthusiasts
An aviary is the ideal if you have the resources. You’ll give your budgies an enriched, stimulating environment and have the joy of interacting with them in flight.
For breeders
Use standard breeding cages for pairs, and large flight cages to raise young birds once fledged. Easy access, cleaning and ability to add nest boxes are essentials.
The cage type for you depends on your specific goals and situation as an owner. Assess your needs, space and budget when deciding. But remember – bigger is better for an active pet like a budgie whenever possible.
Best cage size for budgies
Now that you know which cage types may work for your situation, what about cage dimensions? Budgies are highly active so the more spacious the better. Here are some minimum size guidelines:
– Standard cages: 30″ wide x 18″ deep x 18″ high
– Flight cages: 32″ wide x 20″ deep x 40″ high
– Aviaries: 4 ft x 8 ft x 6 ft walk-in minimum (or larger)
For standard and flight cages, bigger is definitely better. Opt for the largest size possible given your space and budget constraints. More room allows you to add multiple perches, toys, and accessories to create an enriched environment.
When it comes to aviaries, sky’s the limit! Flighted birds like budgies benefit from maximizing flight space both vertically and horizontally. If you have the ability, create the largest free flight space you can accommodate.
Cage materials to look for
In addition to the right cage type and size, choose a cage constructed from safe, durable materials:
Bars: Powder coated metal bars are ideal. Stainless steel is also very durable. Avoid lead and zinc.
Flooring: Metal over a droppings tray or grates work best for cleaning and hygiene.
Doors: Large front doors offer easy everyday access. Top opening doors make cleaning simpler.
Feeders/water: Stainless steel or crockery feeders are chew-proof. Water bottles affix easily and prevent mess.
Perches: Natural wood branches of varying widths and diameters exercise feet.
Trays: Slide out trays below a grate floor catch debris for quick cleaning.
Finding a cage made with high-quality, bird-safe materials will offer years of safe use. Metal with a powder coated finish prevents corrosion or lead/zinc toxicity. Proper doors and interior fittings also make caring for your budgies easier.
Added cage features to look for
Once you’ve settled on the right base cage, look for added features that provide extra enrichment. Useful additions include:
– Playtops that allow budgies to climb on top of the cage
– Cages that separate into two halves, allowing you to split up bonded pairs if needed
– Grates over feeders to prevent waste
– Removable divider panels for splitting the space
– Drawers or storage shelves to stash supplies
– Casters for easy mobility around your home
– Multiple doors for convenient access
– Interior ladders, swings and perches for climbing
– Extra feeder cups and perch mounts to supplement toys
Budgies thrive when they have an interactive space with ample opportunity for exercise and play. Seek out cages with add-ons that maximize usable space and enrichment.
Where to buy the best budgie cage
Now it’s time to turn research into action by finding the ideal budgie cage to buy. Here are some top places to shop:
Local pet stores – A good specialty bird store will have a wide selection of quality cages in stock. You can see sizes and features up close.
Online specialty retailers – Websites like Chewy, Petco, PetSmart or Amazon offer a huge online inventory. Filter by size, type, price and features.
Bird or avian expos – These huge regional events have vendors selling every supply imaginable. You’re sure to find a perfect cage.
Breeders or rescues – Sometimes you can find a quality used cage from an avian-focused breeder or rescue organization.
Wherever you buy, be sure to price compare between retailers and products. Take exact measurements of the space the cage will occupy and budgies’ current cage to ensure the right fit. The extra time invested will pay off with years of use from the ideal cage.
Conclusion
Providing an appropriately sized cage crafted from bird-safe materials is one of the most important investments you’ll make for your pet budgies. Opting for the largest dimensions possible gives active budgies needed space to engage in natural climbing, flying and playing behavior. Supplement the base cage by adding enriching toys, perches and accessories too. Flight cages offer the best of both worlds for most owners – room to move and budget friendly price. But standard cages work well for pet owners with limited space or budget. Free flight aviaries are fantastic for enthusiasts ready to commit maximum resources. Shop around both local stores and quality online sellers to find the best construction, materials and features for your needs. With the right cage, your budgies will not only survive but thrive for years to come!
