The best cages are made of wire, not wood. Wood looks beautiful but is notoriously difficult to clean. It absorbs moisture, and becomes breeding ground for bacteria. Wire, on the other hand, needs only weekly disinfection with a damp cloth. Look for cages that have a pull-out tray so it’s easy to throw out droppings or any seeds or leaves that may have fallen to the floor.
The wire bars should be about 3 quarters of an inch apart. This will prevent your parakeet from escaping, or getting caught between the bars if it tries to wriggle out. (Given how curious these birds are, it’ll only be a matter of time before this occurs.)
Parakeet Cage- Cage paraphernalia
Most cages come with one perch or swing, but two set at different heights so your parakeet can hop around. There should be one placed by the feeding dishes, and another secured near the top of the cage. Your pet will probably enjoy roosting there—it’ll give a good view of the room, or the outdoors.
Make sure there’s enough space between the perches so it doesn’t bump its head or trip on its wings or tail. You can also add fresh tree branches. Just make sure that the branches haven’t been sprayed with fertilizer or other chemical sprays!
Parakeet Cage-Location of the cage
In its first weeks in your home, your parakeet would probably feel more secure if the cage is placed in a quiet room. Large, sudden noises may startle it, and lead to a nervous disposition. Once it’s adjusted to its new environment, you can move the cage to the living room or any area where it can be part of the “family action”.
Avoid placing the cage in front of drafts or direct sunlight. Don’t put it in the kitchen, either, because of the sudden changes in temperature—birds are very sensitive to that, and can get sick.
It’s also a good idea to hang the cage out of reach of small children. Parakeets are gentle creatures, but will nip in self-defense if poked or provoked. Parents should teach proper rules and guidelines for handling the pets, and train the birds to get used to humans before introducing them to younger members of the household.