How to Choose a Cage for a Budgie
Budgerigars, or budgies, are a small parakeet native to the Australian Outback. They are one of the most popular pet birds due to their ease of care, variety of available color mutations and spunky personality. When choosing a cage for a budgie, you should keep in mind that despite their size, budgies are members of the parrot family. This means they are avid chewers, climbers and escape artists.
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Instructions
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Choose a cage of an appropriate size for the budgie. Many inexpensive cages sold as "parakeet cages" are more appropriate for tiny birds such as zebra finches. Budgies are very active birds and will do best in a cage that is at least 20 inches wide and 12 inches deep. The height of the cage is less important, but 12 inches is a minimum.
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Measure the spacing between the bars on the cage. Budgies are small birds and can easily become trapped if the spacing is not sufficiently narrow. The distance between cage bars should be no more than 1/2 inch to prevent injury or escape.
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Look at the packaging for the cage to determine what kind of finish it has. Powder-coated cages are an excellent choice, and brass is acceptable for very small birds such as budgies. Stainless steel budgie cages are hard to find, but are extremely durable and easily cleaned. Avoid painted cages, and never buy a wooden, bamboo, or plastic cage, as even a budgie will quickly destroy it.
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Examine the cage to determine how difficult it will be to clean. If you are considering a flight cage, check to see if it can be collapsed or disassembled easily for cleaning. If the cage has a grate, it should slide out easily for daily cleaning. Avoid cages with plastic bottoms, as these tend to collect food debris and droppings, which can mold and cause health problems for your budgie.
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Consider a cage with a matching or built in stand. Although these are less common in cages designed for budgies, they can be quite useful. Most stands are on caster wheels, allowing the cage to be moved easily from room to room, or outdoors.
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Check the latch mechanisms on the main cage door, as well as any feeding or nest box doors. Budgie cages often have guillotine-style feeding doors, which are unsecured. Despite the name, these doors are not usually dangerous, but they are very easy to escape through. Budgies cannot open most cage latches, but unsecured doors will require a stainless steel quick-link or other device to prevent escape.
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Tips & Warnings
Flight cages for budgies offer plenty of room for flying and playing. Although more expensive than a standard cage, your bird will appreciate the space.
Cages with horizontal bars provide additional climbing space for your budgie.
Beware decorative and round cages, as these often have scrollwork and narrow attachment points where beaks and toes can get caught.
