Budgies are small, lively, and intelligent birds that need a comfortable and spacious home to thrive. Selecting the right cage is one of the most important decisions you'll make as a budgie owner. A well-designed cage provides safety, security, and plenty of room for exercise and enrichment.
This guide will take you through everything you need to know about choosing the perfect budgie cage, including size recommendations, cage setup, essential accessories, and maintenance tips.
1. Understanding Your Budgie’s Cage Needs
Budgies are active and require room to fly, climb, and play. A poorly sized or incorrectly set up cage can lead to boredom, stress, and even health problems. A properly designed cage should:
Be spacious enough for movement and exercise
Have horizontal bars for climbing
Contain essential accessories for stimulation
Be easy to clean for a hygienic environment
A good cage setup will promote your budgie’s physical and mental well-being.
2. Choosing the Right Cage Size
Minimum Cage Size for Budgies
When choosing a cage, bigger is always better. The minimum recommended size for one budgie is:
18 x 18 x 18 inches (45 x 45 x 45 cm)
For two budgies, a larger cage of at least 30 x 18 x 18 inches (75 x 45 x 45 cm) is ideal. If you have multiple budgies, consider a flight cage or aviary to provide ample room.
Why Bigger Is Better
Budgies are active birds that love flying. A small cage restricts their movement, leading to boredom and stress. Always choose the largest possible cage within your available space.
3. Cage Shape & Bar Spacing
Horizontal vs. Vertical Bars
Budgies love to climb using their beaks and feet. Cages with horizontal bars allow for climbing and better exercise. Avoid cages with vertical-only bars, as they make climbing difficult.
Ideal Bar Spacing
Budgies are small birds, and bar spacing is crucial to prevent escape or injury.
The ideal bar spacing is ½ inch (1.27 cm) or less.
Bars wider than ½ inch can allow escape or cause injuries.
4. Cage Setup & Essential Accessories
Once you've chosen the right cage, it's time to set up a safe and stimulating environment for your budgie.
Perches & Roosting Areas
Budgies spend a lot of time on perches, so providing variety is key. Use perches made from:
Natural wood (like apple, willow, or manzanita)
Rope or soft material for foot exercise
Different diameters to promote foot health
Avoid plastic perches or sandpaper perches, as they can cause foot sores.
Food & Water Dishes
Place shallow, accessible bowls for food and water in elevated areas, away from droppings. Ceramic or stainless steel dishes are best to prevent tipping.
Toys & Enrichment
Budgies are intelligent birds that require mental stimulation. Include:
Bells, ropes, and mirrors
Shredding toys for beak exercise
Foraging toys to encourage natural instincts
Swings & ladders for movement
Rotate toys weekly to prevent boredom.
5. Location & Cage Placement
Where you place your budgie’s cage affects their stress levels and well-being. Consider these placement tips:
Avoid direct sunlight (prevents overheating)
Keep away from drafts & air conditioning
Place in a quiet area (but with some human interaction)
Avoid kitchens (fumes and Teflon cookware can be toxic)
Budgies love companionship, so placing the cage in a social part of the home without excessive noise will keep them engaged.
6. Keeping Your Budgie’s Cage Clean
Daily Cleaning Tasks
Change food and water
Remove droppings and debris
Wipe down perches
Weekly Cleaning Tasks
Wash food and water dishes
Replace cage liners or bedding
Scrub bars and surfaces with bird-safe cleaner
Monthly Deep Clean
Disinfect the entire cage
Wash all toys & perches
Check for wear and tear
Keeping the cage clean ensures your budgie stays healthy and happy.
7. Travel & Temporary Cages
Choosing a Travel Cage
If you need to transport your budgie, select a smaller, secure travel cage. Features to look for:
Small, enclosed space to prevent stress
Carrying handle for easy movement
Secure doors to prevent escape
Travel cages should be used only for short trips or vet visits.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the perfect cage for your budgie is essential for their health and happiness. Providing a spacious, well-equipped, clean, and stimulating environment will help your budgie thrive.