The Best Bird Cage for Cockatiel: 8 Top Picks for 2024

Cockatiels are a popular choice for bird enthusiasts, known for their playful and affectionate personalities. However, finding the right bird cage can be a daunting task, especially for first-time bird owners. A good bird cage not only provides a safe and comfortable environment for your feathered friend but also promotes their overall well-being.

When it comes to cockatiels, a bird cage with a minimum size of 24″x18″x18″ is recommended. However, bigger is always better, and a larger bird cage will provide more space for your cockatiel to move around and play. It’s also important to consider the spacing between the bars, as cockatiels are small birds that can easily escape through larger gaps.

Another critical factor to consider is the material of the bird cage. Cockatiels are sensitive to toxins, so it’s essential to choose a bird cage made from non-toxic materials. Stainless steel, powder-coated metal, and wrought iron are all safe options.

In this article, we spent hours researching and testing various bird cages to help you find the best bird cage for your cockatiel. We’ll discuss the essential features to look for and provide recommendations based on our findings.

Top 3 Best Bird Cage for Cockatiel

1. Prevue Hendryx SP850G/W Clean Life Cockatiel Cage, Green and White Green/White

2. Prevue Hendryx Triple Roof Cockatiel Cage, Blue and White Blue & White

3. K&H Pet Products Snuggle-Up Bird Warmer

As bird lovers, we know how important it is to provide our feathered friends with a comfortable and safe living space. Cockatiels, in particular, require a cage that is spacious enough for them to move around and play, while also providing adequate ventilation and easy access for cleaning. After researching and testing various options, we have compiled a list of the best bird cages for cockatiels. These cages are not only functional and durable, but also aesthetically pleasing and affordable. Read on to find the perfect home for your beloved cockatiel.

Prevue Hendryx SP850G/W Clean Life Cockatiel Cage, Green and White Green/White

Prevue Hendryx SP850G/W Clean Life Cockatiel Cage, Green and White Green/White

If you’re looking for an affordable and functional birdcage for your cockatiel, the Prevue Hendryx Clean Life Cockatiel Cage is a great option.

Pros
  • The integrated seed guard helps to keep mess and debris contained, making cleaning up after your bird easier.
  • The removable tray allows for a cleaner living environment for your bird.
  • The cage is affordable and provides ample space for small to medium-sized birds.
Cons
  • The wire spacing may be too wide for some birds, so it’s important to consider your bird’s size and needs before purchasing.
  • Some users have reported that the plastic cups and perches included with the cage are not of the highest quality.
  • The small doors where the feed and water go are a bit too small, which may make it difficult to access the cups.

We recently purchased the Prevue Hendryx Clean Life Cockatiel Cage for our cockatiel and have been pleased with the results. The integrated seed guard has been a game-changer in terms of keeping the mess contained, and the removable tray has made cleaning up after our bird much easier. The cage provides ample space for our cockatiel to move around and play, and we appreciate the affordable price point.

One thing to consider before purchasing this cage is the wire spacing, which may be too wide for some birds. Additionally, some users have reported that the plastic cups and perches included with the cage are not of the highest quality, so you may want to consider purchasing additional accessories separately. Finally, the small doors where the feed and water go are a bit too small, which may make it difficult to access the cups.

Overall, we would recommend the Prevue Hendryx Clean Life Cockatiel Cage to anyone looking for an affordable and functional cage for their small to medium-sized bird.

Prevue Hendryx Triple Roof Cockatiel Cage, Blue and White Blue & White

Prevue Hendryx Triple Roof Cockatiel Cage, Blue and White Blue & White

If you’re looking for a spacious and stylish birdcage for your cockatiel, the Prevue Hendryx Triple Roof Cockatiel Cage is a great option. With its unique triple roof design, this cage is both functional and decorative. It comes with two plastic cups and two wood perches, making it a comfortable home for your feathered friend.

Pros
  • The removable bottom grille and pull-out tray make cleaning a breeze.
  • The cage is designed for parakeets, cockatiels, and other small to medium-sized birds.
  • The triple roof design adds a touch of elegance to your home decor.
Cons
  • The wire spacing may be too wide for some smaller birds.
  • Some customers have reported difficulty with assembly.
  • The cage may not be suitable for larger birds.

We recently purchased the Prevue Hendryx Triple Roof Cockatiel Cage for our pet cockatiel, and we’re extremely happy with our choice. The cage is spacious enough for our bird to move around comfortably, and the removable bottom grille and pull-out tray make cleaning a breeze. The cage is also designed with safety in mind, with no gaps or sharp edges that could harm our bird.

One thing to keep in mind is that the wire spacing may be too wide for smaller birds, so it’s important to choose the right size cage for your pet. Additionally, some customers have reported difficulty with assembly, so be sure to follow the instructions carefully.

Overall, we highly recommend the Prevue Hendryx Triple Roof Cockatiel Cage for anyone looking for a stylish and functional home for their bird.

K&H Pet Products Snuggle-Up Bird Warmer

K&H Pet Products Snuggle-Up Bird Warmer

If you’re looking for a safe and energy-efficient way to keep your cockatiel warm during colder months, the K&H Pet Products Snuggle-Up Bird Warmer is a great option.

Pros
  • The low voltage 12-volt electricity used to heat the bird warmer is harmless to your bird, making it a safe option.
  • The warmer is thermostatically controlled to an optimum body temperature for birds to snuggle up to, providing the perfect temperature for your bird to stay warm.
  • This bird warmer is designed to protect exotic birds from the harmful effects of air conditioning and cold drafts, making it a great option for those living in colder climates.
Cons
  • Birds must snuggle up to receive heat, so it will not radiate heat into the cage.
  • The small size is recommended for small to medium-sized birds like parakeets and cockatiels, so it may not be suitable for larger birds.
  • The warmer needs to be mounted to the side of the cage, which may be inconvenient for some bird owners.

Overall, the K&H Pet Products Snuggle-Up Bird Warmer is a great investment for bird owners looking for a safe and energy-efficient way to keep their birds warm during colder months. With its thermostatically controlled temperature and protection from cold drafts, this bird warmer is a great choice for those living in colder climates.

PENN-PLAX Cockatiel & Small Parrot Starter Kit

PENN-PLAX Cockatiel & Small Parrot Starter Kit

If you’re looking for a complete birdcage setup for your cockatiel or small parrot, the PENN-PLAX Cockatiel & Small Parrot Starter Kit is a great option.

Pros
  • This kit includes everything you need to get started, including a birdcage, wood perches, food and water cups, play swing, mineral treat, cuttlebone, cement perch, perch covers, and kabob toy.
  • The square dome birdcage features a sturdy, impact-resistant base with high sides that control seed and food scattering. The easy access bottom grid and slide-out tray make cleaning simple and quick.
  • The locking front door doubles as a landing platform, and the birdcage has a bar spacing of 3/4″, making it suitable for cockatiels, conures, and small parrots.
Cons
  • Some customers have found the cage to be too small for their cockatiels to live in comfortably.
  • Some of the included accessories may vary from the images shown.
  • The colored chew toys included in the kit may not be suitable for all birds.

We’ve had a great experience with the PENN-PLAX Cockatiel & Small Parrot Starter Kit. The birdcage is easy to clean and provides plenty of space for our cockatiel to move around and play. The included accessories are a nice touch and add some variety to our bird’s environment. However, we did have to replace some of the toys with ones our bird preferred. Overall, if you’re looking for a complete birdcage setup for your cockatiel or small parrot, the PENN-PLAX Cockatiel & Small Parrot Starter Kit is a great option.

Prevue Pet Products SP50051 Barn Style Bird Cage, Brown/White

Prevue Pet Products SP50051 Barn Style Bird Cage, Brown/White

If you’re looking for a spacious and stylish birdcage for your cockatiel, the Prevue Pet Products SP50051 Barn Style Bird Cage is a great option to consider.

Pros
  • The unique decorative barn-style roof design adds a touch of elegance to any room
  • The large front door and landing perch door make it easy to access and interact with your pet
  • The removable bottom grille and pull-out tray make cleaning a breeze
Cons
  • The 1/2-inch wire spacing may not be suitable for smaller birds or baby cockatiels
  • The plastic cups included with the cage may not be as durable as metal ones
  • Some users reported difficulty assembling the cage, so be prepared to set aside some time for assembly

We recently purchased this cage for our cockatiel and have been very pleased with it so far. The barn-style roof design is not only aesthetically pleasing but also provides ample headroom for our bird to move around and exercise. The large front door and landing perch door are convenient for feeding, watering, and interacting with our pet. The removable bottom grille and pull-out tray make cleaning the cage a quick and easy task.

One thing to keep in mind is that the 1/2-inch wire spacing may not be suitable for smaller birds or baby cockatiels, as they may be able to squeeze through the bars. Additionally, the plastic cups included with the cage may not be as durable as metal ones, so you may want to consider purchasing metal cups separately. Finally, some users reported difficulty assembling the cage, so be prepared to set aside some time for assembly.

Overall, we highly recommend the Prevue Pet Products SP50051 Barn Style Bird Cage for anyone looking for a spacious and stylish home for their cockatiel or other small-medium sized birds.

Lixit Quick Lock Bird Cage Bath

Lixit Quick Lock Bird Cage Bath

If you’re looking for a bird bath that’s easy to use and maintain, the Lixit Quick Lock Bird Cage Bath is a great choice for your feathered friends. We highly recommend this product because it’s an ideal size for small to medium birds like lovebirds, canaries, finches, parakeets, and cockatiels.

Pros
  • The clear, durable plastic bird bath lets your birds bathe themselves as they please.
  • The twist and lock design provides a stable installation.
  • Simple to assemble and install, making cleaning effortless.
Cons
  • The bird bath is not suitable for larger birds.
  • Some customers have reported difficulty with the twist and lock design.
  • The bath may not fit all cage sizes.

We found the Lixit Quick Lock Bird Cage Bath to be a great addition to our cockatiel’s cage. The bath is easy to fill and clean, and our bird loves to splash around in it. The installation was straightforward, and the twist and lock design ensures that the bath stays in place.

The bath is also versatile and can be used for bathing, watering, and bird seed. We appreciate that it fits most cages and can even be installed outside for a breath of fresh air.

Overall, we think the Lixit Quick Lock Bird Cage Bath is a fantastic investment for any bird owner looking to provide their feathered friend with a fun and easy way to bathe and stay hydrated.

VEVOR Flight Bird Cage

VEVOR Flight Bird Cage

If you are looking for a budget-friendly option for your cockatiel, the VEVOR Flight Bird Cage is definitely worth considering.

Pros
  • The cage is made of Q195 carbon steel, which makes it sturdy and durable.
  • The ample space of 18″L x 14″W x 60″H with a 0.4” grid spacing provides a comfortable living space for 2-3 large-sized birds.
  • The secure door design prevents birds from accidentally escaping or flying out of the cage.
Cons
  • The assembly process can be a bit challenging without instructions.
  • The cage is best suited for small birds, as larger birds may find it cramped.
  • The cage may not be as stable as some other options on the market.

We found the VEVOR Flight Bird Cage to be a good option for those on a budget. The cage is made of high-strength carbon steel, which makes it sturdy and durable. The ample space offers a comfortable living space for 2-3 large-sized birds, and the secure door design prevents birds from accidentally escaping or flying out of the cage.

However, the assembly process can be a bit challenging without instructions, and the cage may not be as stable as some other options on the market. Additionally, the cage is best suited for small birds, as larger birds may find it cramped.

Overall, if you are looking for an affordable option for your cockatiel, the VEVOR Flight Bird Cage is definitely worth considering.

Prevue Pet Products SPECONO1818H-PB Tall Tiel Cage, Periwinkle Blue

Prevue Pet Products SPECONO1818H-PB Tall Tiel Cage, Periwinkle Blue

If you’re looking for a roomy and comfortable cage for your cockatiel, the Prevue Pet Products SPECONO1818H-PB Tall Tiel Cage in Periwinkle Blue is a great option.

Pros
  • The extra tall design of the cage provides ample space for your bird to fly and move around.
  • The top carrying handle makes it easy to transport the cage from one room to another or even when you’re traveling with your bird.
  • The cage comes with four wood perches and two plastic cups, so you don’t have to purchase them separately.
Cons
  • The bars of the cage are a bit flimsy, making it difficult to hang anything on them.
  • The front latch of the cage can come off easily when you undo it.
  • The cage may be too small for medium-sized birds.

We’ve been using this cage for our cockatiel for a few months now, and we’re quite happy with it. The cage is easy to assemble, and the removable bottom grille and sliding tray make it easy to clean. Our bird loves the extra space provided by the tall design of the cage, and the included perches and cups are a nice touch.

One thing to keep in mind is that the bars of the cage are not very sturdy, so you may have trouble hanging toys or accessories on them. Additionally, the front latch of the cage can come off quite easily, so you’ll need to be careful when opening and closing the door.

Overall, we would definitely recommend the Prevue Pet Products SPECONO1818H-PB Tall Tiel Cage in Periwinkle Blue for anyone looking for a spacious and comfortable cage for their cockatiel.

Buying Guide

When choosing a bird cage for your cockatiel, there are several important factors to consider. Here are some key features to look for:

Size

The cage should be large enough for your cockatiel to move around comfortably and spread its wings. A good rule of thumb is to choose a cage that is at least 18 inches wide, 18 inches deep, and 24 inches high. However, if you have more than one bird or plan to keep toys and perches in the cage, you may need a larger size.

Bar Spacing

The spacing between the bars should be narrow enough to prevent your cockatiel from escaping or getting its head stuck, but wide enough to allow for good ventilation and visibility. For cockatiels, the ideal bar spacing is between 1/2 and 5/8 inches.

Material

Bird cages can be made from a variety of materials, including metal, plastic, and wood. Metal cages are the most durable and easy to clean, but they can be noisy and may rust over time. Plastic cages are lightweight and easy to move, but they may not be as sturdy as metal cages. Wooden cages are attractive and provide a natural look, but they can be difficult to clean and may harbor bacteria.

Accessories

A good bird cage should come with several accessories, including perches, food and water dishes, and a removable tray for easy cleaning. Look for cages that have multiple perches at different heights to encourage exercise and prevent boredom. The food and water dishes should be easy to access and clean, and the tray should be large enough to catch any debris.

Price

Bird cages can range in price from less than $50 to several hundred dollars. While it may be tempting to choose a cheaper option, it’s important to invest in a high-quality cage that will keep your cockatiel safe and comfortable. Look for cages that offer a good balance of price and quality, and consider the long-term cost of maintenance and replacement parts.

By considering these factors and doing your research, you can choose the best bird cage for your cockatiel that will provide a safe and comfortable home for years to come.

Frequently Asked Questions

What size cage is recommended for a cockatiel’s comfort and health?

A cage that is at least 18 inches wide, 18 inches deep, and 24 inches tall is recommended for a single cockatiel. However, the larger the cage, the better. Cockatiels are active birds and need plenty of space to move around, climb, and play. The bars of the cage should be spaced no more than 3/4 inch apart to prevent the bird from getting stuck or escaping.

How should a cockatiel’s cage be set up indoors for optimal safety and stimulation?

The cage should be placed in a well-lit area away from drafts, direct sunlight, and other pets. Provide perches of varying sizes and textures for the bird to stand on and chew. Include toys, such as swings, ladders, and bells, to keep the bird entertained and mentally stimulated. Provide fresh food and water daily and clean the cage regularly to prevent the buildup of bacteria and mold.

What are the key features to look for when purchasing a cockatiel cage?

Look for a cage with a sturdy frame made of non-toxic materials, such as stainless steel or powder-coated metal. The cage should have a removable tray for easy cleaning and a secure door latch to prevent escape. A cage with a play top or a separate play gym is also a great option for providing additional exercise and stimulation for the bird.

Is it necessary to cover a cockatiel’s cage at night, and what are the benefits?

It is not necessary to cover a cockatiel’s cage at night, but it can provide a sense of security and help the bird sleep better. Covering the cage can also help regulate the bird’s sleep schedule by blocking out light and reducing noise.

What is the average price range for a quality cockatiel cage?

The average price range for a quality cockatiel cage is between $50 and $150, depending on the size and features of the cage. However, it is important to invest in a high-quality cage to ensure the bird’s safety and comfort.

Can a cockatiel remain happy and healthy living in a cage, and how can an owner facilitate this?

Yes, a cockatiel can remain happy and healthy living in a cage if provided with plenty of space, toys, and mental stimulation. Owners can facilitate this by providing a variety of toys, perches, and food options, as well as spending time interacting with the bird outside of the cage. It is also important to provide regular veterinary care and maintain a clean and safe living environment for the bird.