Budgie Cage Size: How to Determine and Things to Consider

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Many pet owners get stressed out trying to select the right budgie cage size.

But I’ll make this process much easier by walking you through it.

Everything within our article will make sure choosing a size becomes a breeze. 

So let’s not waste any more time and dive right into it!

How to Properly Size a Cage for Budgies

Check out this quick video first prior to reading

@thebudgieacademy Care is more than cage size. No cage is truly big enough. #parrotsoftiktok #petthings #birdtok #parakeet #budgie ♬ original sound – Budgie/Parakeet Care&Training

Finding the proper size cage for budgies is a little more involved than people expect. In fact, several factors will play a role in this process. 

But there’s no need to worry as I’ll discuss all of them in extensive detail. You’ll soon know everything about how to size a cage for your budgies properly.

Don’t forget to read our guide on how to care for a budgie.

Minimum Size Requirements

Your first step is acknowledging the minimum size for safely housing a budgie. Experts seem to agree that the minimum cage size for a single budgie is 18 x 18 x 18 inches [1]. 

man measuring something

But it would be best if you didn’t only explore cages of 18 x 18 x 18 inches size. Honestly, I’d suggest going a little bigger as you’ll want the bird to feel as comfortable as possible. 

This size only works if your pet bird isn’t overly active and spends most of its time outside the cage. Budgies spending a lot of time inside the enclosure will need a larger, comfortable space.

Overall, the guideline to remember is that bigger is always better for cage size. It also helps that high-quality cages will last a long time, so buying a large option is cost-effective.

Check this video for more tips.

@thebudgieacademy

If I had to buy another cage…#budgiesoftiktok #parakeetsoftiktok #parakeet #parrotsoftiktok #budgie #birdtok

♬ Memories (In the Style of Maroon 5) [Karaoke Version] – Instrumental King

Security and Safety

parakeet in a cage

Safety and security is a crucial part of selecting a proper cage size. The first thing to understand is not all bird cages will work well for budgies. 

After all, budgies are “one of the smallest species of true parrots.” [2] They’ll escape from certain cages, which often happens when the cage’s bars are too wide. 

You can easily avoid this issue by buying a cage designed for budgies. The cages will consist of sizing based on your budgie’s measurements in these cases. 

I often recommend buying a wire cage for budgie owners. These options will be chew-proof, and the bar spacing will usually be no more than 5/8 inches apart. 

Your budgie won’t squeeze through or get trapped if you stick with these options. It’s a simple safety precaution to avoid any dangerous situations. 

Budgie owners will also want the cage’s bars to be parallel. These birds have a habit of sliding down bars that converge, causing injuries. 

Lastly, check out the door’s mechanism before choosing a suitable budgie cage. These birds are known for being “among the smartest birds” [3] and learning to open a cage door. 

You’ll want to plan for this possibility by choosing an option that’s locked easily. Otherwise, your budgie might find a way out when you’re least expecting it. 

Location and Access

man pointing at something

Budgie owners tend to overlook where they will place the cage inside their homes. But it’s something that you need to think about before selecting a suitable size. 

Your chosen budgie cage should be easy to clean and move. It also needs several accessible points for removing food/water bowls, toys, and bedding.

The cage placement will need to be in a well-ventilated and temperature-controlled area. I’d advise keeping the cage away from direct sunlight, as well. 

Furthermore, don’t place the cage in an area readily accessible to other pets. It wouldn’t make much sense to put a budgie cage right near a hungry cat!

One last thing to consider is budgies do better in a social environment. [3]. Don’t place them in an out-of-the-way basement with little-to-no socialization. 

Take a look at this bird cage tour!

https://www.tiktok.com/@abby.andthe.birdies/video/7016747591492717830?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc&web_id6996644699935327745

Additional Features 

water bowls inside the parakeet cage

Aside from necessities like food/water bowls, your budgie will need other accessories. A budgie has to have items, such as perches, ladders, and toys. 

I’d recommend offering plenty of variation with the perches and ladders. Different sized perches and ladders will exercise other parts of your budgie’s feet.

You can also reduce their boredom by swapping them around every few months. It’s easy to keep budgies entertained when they’re stuck in their cages.

Some owners find it helpful to hang a toy or swing within the cage. But, of course, you want to do whatever is possible to keep your budgie happy and healthy. 

Budgie Cage Size Calculator

budgie cage calculator

Since you now have a handle on all the considerations, let’s move on to the measurements. One of my favorite tools to find the appropriate size is this budgie cage size calculator. [4]

It’s an easy-to-use resource that offers insight into a budgie cage’s proper size. Plus, it was explicitly made based on this bird’s measurements for more exact information.

How Big Should a Budgie Cage Be?

a flock of bird budgie

As I mentioned earlier, the minimum size for a budgie cage must be “18” long, 18″ wide, 18″ tall.” Our handy budgie cage size calculator only confirms it. [1]

But of course, this sizing is the minimum for a single bird. So I’m always suggesting buying a more spacious option that meets your budgie’s particular needs. 

If you have a single budgie, I’d look at something around 18 x 36 x 24 inches. It’ll give them plenty of space for exercise while removing any feelings of confinement. 

MUST READ: Best Budgie Cages

CAGE SIZE BY NUMBER OF BUDGIES 

So what about multiple budgie owners? Well, let’s take another look at what our budgie cage size calculator says about two, three, and four budgies:

How Big Does a Bird Cage for 2 Budgies Need to Be?

budgies trying to mate (1)

The minimum acceptable cage size for two budgies would be 21 x 21 x 21 inches. But again, it never hurts to acquire a bit more space.

Cage Size for 3 Budgies

3 budgies sitting next to each other

Three budgies will need a cage of at least 23 x 23 x 23 inches. Otherwise, they could become uncomfortable and unhappy birds inside the enclosure. 

Cage Size for 4 Budgies

Don’t settle for anything less than 25 x 25 x 25 inches if you have four budgies. It’ll provide enough room to function as a temporary cage for them. 

Anyone looking to keep four budgies inside a cage for extended periods will need a larger one. The minimum cage size is more for secondary usage or a travel cage.

Can a Budgie Cage Be Too Big?

a budgie cage full of budgies

A common question about budgie cages is whether they can be too big? Well, I’ve found you can go as big as you’d like, but other considerations will come into play.

The main one is your cage’s bar spacing. A larger cage is often built for more giant birds, so the bar spacing isn’t as tight as regular budgie options. 

No pet owner should ever invest in a cage with bar spacing more than ⅝ inches. If the spacing is even a little bigger, it could bring about serious issues. 

For instance, a budgie could get its head trapped between the bars. This event isn’t what a budgie owner wants to experience, ever.

Another consideration is making sure your large cage remains comfortable. You’ll need to consider how to make it feel like home for your bird. 

If it’s an indoor cage, you’ll have to think about ways to keep it covered. It’s an essential aspect of keeping your budgie comfortable during sleeping hours. 

Outdoor cages will require enough shrubbery inside the enclosure. These shrubs will be crucial to ensure they have enough room to take cover during nighttime.

 FAQs

Do Budgies Sleep on a Perch?

Some budgies do sleep on a perch when inside their cages. So don’t be alarmed if your budgie has taken to sleeping on their perches. 

Should I Cover My Budgies Cage at Night?

bird cage being covered

Covering your budgies’ cage at night is recommended. It helps them get their necessary 10 to 12 hours of sleep per night by blocking out any lights. However, budgie owners don’t need to freak out if they miss a day or two. 

How Often to Clean the Budgie Cage?

Cleaning your budgie’s cage needs to be a daily task. You’ll have to clean the cage bars and change the bottom paper every day. A cloth with water/soap will be enough to get the job done.

Conclusion 

These discussions outlined what to expect when selecting a budgie cage’s size. It’s now time to use what you’ve learned and find the perfect one for your birds. 

But if you’re still having trouble, don’t hesitate to post in the comment section. I’ll make sure to answer each post as soon as possible. Thanks for reading!

How to Measure Your Budge Cage

How about you, how do you determine the proper budgie cage size? Let us know in the comments section!

Resources

  • 1. What size cage is the minimum size for one small budgie? [Internet]. Quora. [cited 2022 Feb 6]. Available from: https://www.quora.com/What-size-cage-is-the-minimum-size-for-one-small-budgie
  • 2. 5 Popular Types of Small Parrots [Internet]. The Spruce Pets. [cited 2022 Feb 6]. Available from: https://www.thesprucepets.com/types-of-small-parrots-390928
  • 3. How Intelligent Are Budgies? [Internet]. Budgie Central. 2021 [cited 2022 Feb 6]. Available from: https://www.budgiecentral.com/how-intelligent-are-budgies/#:~:text=Budgies%20are%20among%20the%20smartest
  • 4. Budgie Enrichment: Practical Guide On How To Entertain Your Budgerigar [Internet]. Ruffle Snuffle – Life with Pets. 2021. Available from: https://www.rufflesnuffle.co.uk/budgie-enrichment-practical-guide-on-how-to-entertain-your-budgerigar/
  • 5. Budgie Cage Size Calculator – (Parakeet Cage Calculator) [Internet]. The Pet Supply Guy. 2018 [cited 2022 Feb 6]. Available from: https://thepetsupplyguy.com/budgie-cage-size-calculator/
Alina Hartley
Alina Hartley

Alina Hartley is a small-town girl with a ginormous love of bearded dragons. It all started with Winchester, a baby bearded who was abandoned at the shelter by his former owners because of a birth defect that caused one front leg to be shorter than the other. Alina originally went to the shelter looking for a guinea pig, but one look at Winchester and it was love at first sight. From that day on, Alina has dedicated her life to learning everything she can about bearded dragons. She loves helping new beardie parents start their incredible journey with these magnificent reptiles.
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