The 5 Best Bird Cages for Cockatiels

The 5 Best Bird Cages for Cockatiels

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The cockatiel is a bright and bubbly bird known for its playful nature and unique appearance.

These birds are native to Australia and are related to the cockatoo, as you can see from the feathered crest on top of their heads.

Though these birds are not necessarily high-maintenance pets, they do have specific requirements when it comes to their cages.

Meeting your cockatiel’s cage requirements is the key to keeping him happy and healthy. Keep reading to learn more about cockatiel care requirements and how to shop for the best bird cage for cockatiels.

At a Glance: Best Bird Cages for Cockatiels To Buy

We highly recommend looking at the comparison table we have below where we highlighted the features of each product. You’ll also find more detailed information about each product later in the article.

Compare Best Bird Cages For Cockatiels

Overall Best 1. Prevue Hendryx Pet Products Wrought Iron Select Bird Cage View on Amazon Read Review	Runner Up 2. Yaheetech Wrought Iron Rolling Large Bird Cage View on Amazon Read Review	Best Affordable 3. Super Deal 61” Large Play Top Bird Cage View on Amazon Read Review	Premium Choice 4. Best Choice Products Indoor Outdoor Iron Birdcage w/ Removable Tray View On BestChoiceProducts Read Review	Budget Pick 5. Yaheetech 36” Portable Hanging Medium Size Bird Cage View on Amazon Read Review
Item Dimensions 18 x 18 x 57	Item Dimensions 26.1 x 25.8 x 61.6	Item Dimensions 68. x 31 x 29.5	Item Dimensions 18"(L) x 14"(W) x 36"(H)	Item Dimensions 18.1 x 13.9 x 36.2
Item Weight 46 lbs	Item Weight 56.1 lbs	Item Weight 449 lbs	Item Weight 10 lbs.	Item Weight 9.7 lbs
Material Type Wrought Iron	Material Type Wrought Iron	Material Type Wrought Iron	Material Type Iron, Plastic	Material Type Premium metal & Wood

Understanding Cockatiel Care Requirements  

Cockatiels are highly social birds that live in very large flocks in the wild. If you don’t plan to keep more than one cockatiel, you’ll need to spend plenty of time interacting with your bird.

It’s also important to provide your cockatiel with toys in the cage to provide enrichment.

In addition to choosing the right cage for your cockatiel, you also need to keep it clean. Many bird owners prefer cages that have a slide-out tray on the bottom to make cleaning easy, but you still need to wash the cage regularly to kill bacteria. It is especially important to wash your bird’s food and water dishes on a daily basis.

How To Choose The Best Bird Cage For Cockatiels?

Cockatiels are very playful birds and they are quite active as well – this means they need a cage that provides plenty of space as well as different surfaces to hop between.

This is particularly important if he doesn’t get much out-of-cage time.

Here are some things to look for in cages for cockatiels: 

• Minimum Cage Size – The minimum recommended cage size for a cockatiel is 24x18x24 inches.
• Width and Height – In addition to providing enough square footage for your cockatiel, you need to pay attention to cage dimensions because these birds have a long tail and a head crest – the cage should be at least 24 inches tall, but bigger is better.
• Bar Spacing – Cockatiels are large enough that you shouldn’t have to worry about the bird getting its head stuck between the bars but spacing no more than ¾ inch apart is ideal. You should also make sure the bars are horizontal on at least two sides so your bird can climb.
• Perches – In addition to providing ample space for your cockatiel, you need to provide at least two or three perches of different size and texture (at least 3 inches in diameter). The best materials for perches are natural wood, wooden dowels, and bonded concrete.

Keep reading to see our top 5 recommendations for the best bird cages for cockatiels.

Our Top Picks For The Best Bird Cages For Cockatiels

When it comes to choosing a bird cage for cockatiels, you have to provide ample space as well as plenty of opportunities for enrichment. You’ll need to think about factors such as size, dimensions, and materials when shopping for a cockatiel cage.

Overall Best

1.

Prevue Hendryx Pet Products Wrought Iron Select Bird Cage

View on Amazon

Product Info

• Item Dimensions: 18 x 18 x 57
• Item Weight: 46 lbs
• Material Type: Wrought Iron

Pros

• Made from ultra-durable wrought iron
• Seed guard funnels waste into the slide-out tray
• Set on wheels for easy maneuverability

Cons

• Somewhat more expensive than other models
• Wrought iron is heavy and may be tricky to assemble

Constructed from durable wrought iron, this bird cage will last for years to come. It may be more expensive than other bird cages on the market, but it is worth every penny. This bird cage features a seed guard that funnels waste into the slide-out metal tray and the whole thing is set on wheels for easy maneuverability. Plus, it comes in several sizes if you want to give your cockatiel extra space or if you plan to keep a pair of cockatiels together.

Runner Up

2.

Yaheetech Wrought Iron Rolling Large Bird Cage

View on Amazon

Product Info

• Item Dimensions: 26.1 x 25.8 x 61.6
• Item Weight: 56.1 lbs
• Material Type: Wrought Iron

Pros

• Seed guard catches dropped seed in pull-out tray
• Durable wrought iron design with powder-coated finish
• Comes with free rope bungees for play and enrichment

Cons

• May not be wide enough for use as a flight cage
• Wheels do not have brakes on them, cage may move

Perfectly sized for medium parrots like the cockatiel, this wrought iron bird cage is full of unique features. It has an angled seed guard around the bottom that catches dropped seed and funnels it into the slide-out tray for easy cleaning. The cage itself is made from durable wrought iron and it is set on wheels to make it easy to maneuver. Plus, it has an extra ladder and perch on top for added space.

Best Affordable

3.

Super Deal 61” Large Play Top Bird Cage

View on Amazon

Product Info

• Item Dimensions: 68. x 31 x 29.5
• Item Weight: 449 lbs
• Material Type: Wrought Iron

Pros

• Affordably priced for the size it offers
• Made from durable wrought iron with powder-coated finish
• Comes with perches, metal dishes, and a play top ladder

Cons

• Very heavy and somewhat awkward to assemble
• Bars are fairly thin, may be bent by larger birds

If you want a bird cage that provides your cockatiel with more than enough space, or if you’re trying to accommodate more than one cockatiel, this Super Deal 68” Large Play Top Bird Cage might be a good choice. Made from powder-coated iron, this cage is durable to withstand chewing and scratching. It features a slide-out metal tray for easy cleaning and comes with several perches and metal dishes. It also comes with a ladder leading up to an additional perch on top.

Premium Choice

4.

Best Choice Products Indoor Outdoor Iron Birdcage w/ Removable Tray

View On BestChoiceProducts

Product Info

• Item Dimensions: 18"(L) x 14"(W) x 36"(H)
• Item Weight: 10 lbs.
• Material Type: Iron, Plastic

Pros

• Angled seed guard and slide-out tray for no mess and easy cleaning
• Made from durable metal materials to resist chewing
• Comes on four wheels for easy maneuverability and convenience

Cons

• May not be large enough to use as a flight cage
• Very heavy and somewhat difficult to assemble

If you’re looking for a big, durable bird cage for your cockatiel this Best Choice Products Indoor Outdoor Iron Birdcage is a great option. It is made from heavy-duty materials that are built to last and features a unique design to reduce mess. This cage has an angled seed guard at the bottom that feeds into a slide-out metal tray for quick and easy cleaning. Plus, it comes on wheels for easy maneuverability.

Budget Pick

5.

Yaheetech 36” Portable Hanging Medium Size Bird Cage

View on Amazon

Product Info

• Item Dimensions: 18.1 x 13.9 x 36.2
• Item Weight: 9.7 lbs
• Material Type: Premium metal & Wood

Pros

• Ideal for travel or to use as a daily cage separate from flight cage
• Affordably priced under $50
• Comes with polished wood perches and eco-friendly feeders

Cons

• Not large enough to be used as a flight age or more than one bird
• Not as durable as similar options made from thicker wire

Whether you’re looking for a portable bird cage for your cockatiels or a basic cage to be separate from a flight cage, this Yaheetech 36” Portable Hanging Medium Size Bird Cage is a good option. Priced under $50, this cage is highly affordable, but it is still made from durable materials for safety. It features a slide-out tray for easy cleaning and a handle on top for convenient carry. It can also be used as a hanging bird cage or placed on a stand for your convenience.

How Much Space Do Cockatiels Need?

Cockatiels need a great deal of space because they are very active and because they are larger than some pet birds. The minimum cage size recommendation is 24x18x24 inches, but bigger is always better. You also need to be mindful of where you place your perches, so your cockatiel doesn’t have to hunch down. Provide enough space that your bird can sit up fully when perched.

What Else Should You Include In Your Cockatiel Cage?

In addition to proving ample space in your cockatiel cage, you also need to include perches, toys, and food/water dishes. Cockatiels need at least two or three perches of different size, length, and material as well as at least one food and water dish per bird. Toys can include bells, mirrors, sticks, small objects the bird can toss around.

Final Remarks

When it comes to cockatiel cages, bigger is always better so purchase the largest cage you can comfortably afford.

If you’re not sure where to start shopping for a cockatiel cage, try one of our top 5 picks reviewed above!