Before getting a budgie, you must buy a cage first and have it all set up. Every budgie needs a proper cage that offers safe and secure space from potential predators around the house. However, because of the many cage options available, you might want to know how to choose the perfect one.
Besides considering how many birds you want to keep, you must also consider the aviary’s dimensions. More so, you will have to think about the cage’s shape, its materials, and the bar spacing. Your budget also plays an important role.
So then, what size cage do you need for two or four budgies? This post will guide you through how to pick the right-sized budgie cage.
Budgie Cage Buying Guide
A cage provides your budgie with a safe and secure home where it can exercise and explore. Therefore, choosing the right cage is critical to keeping your pet bird happy. Below are several factors to consider before making your purchase.
1. Considers the cage’s dimensions
The right cage should be spacious enough to allow your budgie to fly and fully stretch its wings. Because if not, your pet bird may become bored, leading to aggressive and self-destructive behavior like feather plucking. With this in mind, the minimum dimensions of your budgie’s cage should be 18″ x 18″ x 18″.
2. Construction materials
Budgie cages are constructed from different materials. The two commonly used materials are powder-coated steel and stainless steel. Stainless steel is the most durable and safest material as it is toxic-free and does not chip. The best part is stainless steel budgie cages can withstand harsh environments, ensuring a longer lifespan.
3. Bar spacing
Because of their small size, budgies need cages with bar spacing of not more than a 1/2-inch apart. If the spacing is broader than this, they may try squeezing between the bars and escape. Even worse, a mouse can slip through the wide bars and attack young and weak budgie chicks.
4. Number of birds
The minimum cage size for a single budgie is 18 by 18 by 18 inches. However, if you have to keep more than one bird, you will need a large-sized cage. For instance, for two budgies, you should not settle for anything less than a 30 by 18 by 18 inches size cage.
5. Store-bought Vs. DIY Vs. Second-hand cage
Depending on your budget, you can choose to get a brand-new budgie cage or buy a second hand one. You could also build one yourself. A used birdcage will be the best choice if you are on a very tight budget. But if you are a DIY person, you can construct the cage from scratch or use a wardrobe.
6. Design of the cage
Budgie cages come in various designs or shapes, from round to rectangular. Also, some have play tops and dome tops, providing more space for climbing. Overall, angled or rectangular cages are the best choices, offering much room for flight and movement compared to round cages.
7. Locking mechanism
Budgie theft is not uncommon. So, buying a budgie cage with a sturdy door and secure lock mechanism is essential. This may also help prevent your pet bird from manipulating the lock and opening the door.
What Size Cage For 2 Budgies
Generally, the recommended cage for two birds is 36″ x 24″ x 24″. The spacing of the bars must not exceed 1/2-inches. But for a travel cage, you can get one with a minimum size of 21 x 21 x 21 inches.
However, if you are not on a budget, you can always get a more giant cage than the recommended size. This will ensure your birds have a spacious room that can fit all their toys and still more space for movement.
What Size Cage For 4 Budgies
You should purchase the most giant cage you can afford if your budgies have to stay in the aviary all day long. This can help protect your budgies from fighting and feeling cramped. Generally, a cage measuring at least 40″ long by 18″ deep by 32″ high should be enough.
However, if you are looking for a travel cage, it should be at least 25 x 25 x 25 inches big. But the bigger the birdcage, the better as long as it can comfortably fit inside your car.
Should The Budgie Cage Be Wide Or Tall?
The answer is both, but wide cages are the most preferred option. Wide because budgies usually fly horizontally or side to side rather than up and down. Therefore, a wide cage would give your birds more room to fly and stretch their wings.
A tall cage is also good because your bird can climb to the top to play or sleep. Therefore, if you want to keep one budgie, the birdcage should not be less than 18-inches wide or tall.
Are Tall Cages Good For Budgies?
Yes, as long as the tall cage is also wide enough. Tall aviaries provide your birds with a safe place to sleep. After all, budgies love sleeping on the highest available perch in the cage while standing up.
However, a tall and narrow cage is not suitable for pet budgies. This is because these birds are very active and enjoy flying around in a horizontal design. A tall cage that is also narrow may feel cramped.
Should You Cover a Budgie Cage At Night?
You don’t have to cover the cage if you can provide your budgie with a dark, secluded, and quiet room to sleep in. That said, there are many benefits to wrapping your bird’s cage at night.
First, covering the cage provides your budgies with a sense of security. These pet birds can get frightened in the dark if they spot shadows moving.
Additionally, if you cover your bird’s cage at night, they will surely get uninterrupted sleep. The cover helps block light and acts as a buffer against loud noises. Covering the cage also helps create an appropriate sleeping pattern for your budgies.
Do Budgies Like To Be High Up?
Yes. However, your budgie’s cage should not be too high or too low. In other words, you should keep it level. If you put it too high, your pet bird may feel like it’s not part of the family.
On the other hand, placing it at a lower height will only make your budgie feel threatened. These birds naturally feel safe when up high. Therefore, the cage should be at your head or chest height.
Are Budgies Happy In Cages?
Yes. However, a pair of budgies are generally happier in a cage than a single pet bird. This is because, in the wild, budgies live in large flocks. But with enough social stimulation, even a single budgie will be happy in the cage.
However, your pet budgies may not be happy being confined in small and round-shaped cages. This is because the birds are super active and only get most of their exercise from flying around the cage. So, the more space the birdcage has, the happier your budgies will be.
FAQs
Before we conclude, let’s quickly check out commonly asked questions about choosing the perfect cage for budgies.
After buying the right-sized budgie cage, you must add 1-2 perches, a climbing rope, a swing, chewable toys, and ladders. These items will keep your bird entertained throughout. You also have to put water and feeding bowls, bells, chimes, balls, and a bird bath.
No. The bigger the cage, the better for your budgie. That said, you must be wary of bar spacing. This is because most larger aviaries have more expansive bar spacing, making them unsuitable for budgies.
The best place to place the cage is in a properly ventilated room that is temperature controlled. You can put it in the corner of the house, away from a window and direct sunlight.
Conclusion
Choosing the perfect cage for your budgie does not have to be complicated if you know what features to look out for. Of course, the right size cage depends on whether you have one, two, four, or more birds. But generally, the birdcage should be wide enough and a little tall.
