Cockatiel Cages Buying Guide
Short answer: a cockatiel needs a cage that is wide and deep enough to open its wings fully and turn without its long tail hitting the bars. Look for at least about 60 cm wide inside, and more if you can. Bar spacing should be about 1.2–1.5 cm; budgie-sized 1 cm bars are fine too. Cockatiels also need daily time out of the cage.
This guide covers size, bar spacing and set-up, then shows the cages in our range that fit.
Cockatiel cage checklist
| What to check | What to look for |
|---|---|
| Width | At least about 60 cm inside; 75 cm+ is better |
| Height | Enough for the tail to clear the floor from the top perch |
| Bar spacing | 1.2–1.5 cm (1 cm is fine) |
| Wire | 2 mm or more |
| Cleaning | Pull-out tray and floor grille |
| Doors | Wide enough for a cockatiel’s crest and tail |
How big should a cockatiel cage be?
Cockatiels are bigger than they look: much of their length is tail. Choose a cage at least about 60 cm wide inside, deep enough for your bird to turn around, and tall enough for the tail to clear the floor from the highest perch. If you have a pair, or your cockatiel spends long periods in the cage, go wider, ideally 75 cm or more. A flight cage works well.
What bar spacing does a cockatiel need?
About 1.2–1.5 cm. Closer bars (1 cm) are fine and are the right choice if a cockatiel shares with budgies. Avoid spacing much wider than 1.5 cm, which can let a cockatiel get its head stuck. Our bar spacing guide compares every bird size.
Night frights and cage set-up
Cockatiels are prone to “night frights”, when they panic in the dark and thrash about. Keep the cage uncluttered so there’s room to flap safely, and use a dim night light in the room if your bird is affected.
- Perches: natural wood perches of different thicknesses, set so the tail clears bowls and the floor.
- Toys: shreddable and foraging toys, rotated weekly. If you use rope toys, read our bird-safe rope guide first.
- Bowls: away from perches, with food and water kept apart.
- Placement: in a busy room, away from draughts, direct sun and kitchen fumes.
Cockatiel cages we sell
Rainforest Santa Fe (Antique): our pick for one or two
The Rainforest Santa Fe (Antique) is described for small parrots including cockatiels. It’s 87 × 56 × 175 cm outside and 83 × 52 × 103 cm inside, with 1 cm bars and 2 mm wire. It includes an open-top perch, an 89 cm internal perch and three bowls, and it can be used without the stand.
Rainforest Granada: a long flight cage
The Rainforest Granada measures 94 × 58 × 152 cm with 1 cm bars. Its three full-length perches and multiple doors suit a pair of cockatiels or a mixed small-bird flock.
Liberta Oregon: flight cage on wheels
The Liberta Oregon is approx. 78 × 52 × 150 cm with 10 mm bars, a slide-out tray and a wheeled stand with storage.
Rainforest Mini Santa Fe II (Stone): compact with a play top
The Rainforest Mini Santa Fe II is 68 × 51 × 154 cm with 1 cm bars and 2 mm wire. It has an open-top perch, a 70 cm internal perch and three bowls. It’s a good fit for one cockatiel that gets plenty of time out.
See the full range of small and medium bird cages and parrot cages.
Cockatiel cage FAQs
What size cage does a cockatiel need?
At least about 60 cm wide inside, deep enough to turn around and tall enough for the tail to clear the floor. Wider is better, especially for a pair.
What bar spacing is safe for a cockatiel?
About 1.2–1.5 cm. Budgie spacing (1 cm) is also fine.
Can a cockatiel live in a budgie cage?
Only if the cage is large enough. The bar spacing will be fine, but many budgie cages are too small for a cockatiel’s wingspan and tail.
Can I keep two cockatiels together?
Yes. Cockatiels are sociable and often do well in pairs, in a bigger cage with separate perches and bowls.
How often should I clean a cockatiel cage?
Spot-clean daily and do a full clean of the tray, perches and bowls once a week.
Should I cover my cockatiel’s cage at night?
Many owners cover part of the cage for a calm, dark night. If your cockatiel has night frights, leave one side uncovered and use a dim night light.