How to Set Up a Bird Cage For Your New Parakeet

Space out the toys and dishes so that the parakeet has room to fly around the cage.

Your parakeet will be spending a lot of time in his cage, so you'll want to make it a fun and comfortable new home. Once you've set up the cage correctly make sure you put it in the right place. Keep it away from both drafts and spots that are overly heated and very dry, and away from the strong smells emanating from the kitchen.

Difficulty:

Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Perches, at least 3
• Toys, at least 2 hanging ones
• 2 sets of food and water dishes
• Cuttlefish bone

1. Pick the right size cage. Your new parakeet will need plenty of space for toys and perches, and there should be enough room in the cage for him to jump from perch to perch. On the other hand, a huge parrot-sized cage would be too big.

2. Put in at least two or three perches. Place each perch at a different height.

3. Decorate the cage with toys — parakeets are smart and love to play. Make sure you include at least one or two hanging toys, as well as toys that can be fastened to the side of the cage. There are lots to choose from: mirrors, bells, rings and even toy bird companions.

4. Get at least two sets of food and water dishes, preferably ones with hoods so the bird's droppings don't fall into them. Hanging treat sticks or sprays of millet seeds are fun snacks, too.

5. Attach a cuttlefish bone to the side of the cage near a perch. Your parakeet needs this to keep his beak sharp.

Tips & Warnings

• It's important to keep your parakeet's cage as clean as possible. A filthy cage is bad for you and your bird. Regularly clean the toys, perches and food and water dishes with soap and water.

• Don't over-decorate. If you crowd too many toys into the cage, the bird may be scared, and he won't have room to move freely around the space.

References

• Bird Guys: How to Care for a Parakeet