Is 16" L X 16" W X 21.5" H enough for one Cockatiel?

Codemaster23

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I'm planning on getting a Cockatiel and I was wondering if that was a big enough cage for one. I can go a little bigger, but any space that would be safe for the bird is pretty much restricted to my 19X19 nightstand next to my computer desk. It can hang off a little since I could always move the chair over a bit when I sit to use the computer.

Here is a link to the cage:Prevue Hendryx FeatherStone Heights Brownstone Bird Cage at PETCO

I thought it was cute, but it seems a little small, but then again I don't know much about birds yet, still doing that research.
 

jenphilly

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that is a cute cage for a parakeet, but I would say definitely no to keeping a cockatiel in a cage that size. A decent minimum size cockatiel cage would be 24" square, in my opinion at least....
 

jenphilly

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The two level rooftop kind of cages seem to almost have wasted space. I would not keep a cockatiel in that cage either, but again, that is my personal opinion. With birds, typically the rule of go as large as you can is a great rule or plan. There are cages you can get that have stands, so you do not need to worry about it fitting on top of a nightstand table.

This type of cage is a good option, we actually have this cage (or one almost identical) and used it for years for two cockatiels. AE Cage Flight Cage Powder Coated 32 x 21 - FLIGHT & AVIARY CAGES by Bird Paradise

This one would about as small as I would consider going, and even then its a little on the small side... AE Cage Flight Cage Powder Coated 28 x 18 - FLIGHT & AVIARY CAGES by Bird Paradise
 
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Codemaster23

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Kinda pricey, but I see what you are saying. I will keep looking around to see if I can get a better deal on something like that. I will also have to see where in my room I can keep it since both of those won't fit where I was going to put a cage.
 

jenphilly

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The initial output for a bird is just a drop in the bucket for what you'll spend to properly feed and keep a bird stocked in toys. A cockatiel, tho a small bird, needs a high quality diet including fresh foods - veggies, fruits, nuts, seeds, grains, etc.
 

Mariahh0721

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And food will be your biggest cost, on top of the fresh fruits and veggies like jenphilly said most people get pellets on top of that. I spend 150-200 just on the pellet mix I get for my birds it has dried fruits veggies herbs and pellets. I buy that every one and a half to two months, and that's 20-25 lbs of food I go through, granted I have 4 birds but my small ones eat the most.
 
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Codemaster23

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I make roughly $700 a month and if need to, I can spend less on myself and more on the bird. Cost hopefully wont' be an issue, and if it is I can beg for a few more hours a month, since I work 64, but am only allowed 69.
 

crimson

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a 'standard' size for a cockatiel is 18x18x24(or sometimes 26)

I was going to mention if he is out most of the day, and would sleep in his cage at night time, then the second one would be fine, but like Jen said, it's sort of a waste of space.

But, since you work 64 hours per week, I'm wondering how much time you can devote to him on a daily basis. since you work those hours a larger size would be more appropriate, as cockatiels require room to spread and stretch their wings at full span.

since space is a bit of an issue, maybe a taller thinner cage might be a better option.
 
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Codemaster23

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a 'standard' size for a cockatiel is 18x18x24(or sometimes 26)

I was going to mention if he is out most of the day, and would sleep in his cage at night time, then the second one would be fine, but like Jen said, it's sort of a waste of space.

But, since you work 64 hours per week, I'm wondering how much time you can devote to him on a daily basis. since you work those hours a larger size would be more appropriate, as cockatiels require room to spread and stretch their wings at full span.

since space is a bit of an issue, maybe a taller thinner cage might be a better option.

I get home by 4pm the three days I work, and so spending time with him/her wont be a problem since I will want to most of the time anyways. My hope is that one the bird is use to me and trusts me, it will be out of the cage when I am in my room which is plenty of time. When it comes time that I get a full time job, I will get a bigger cage if I end up getting one of the smaller ones so there is more room.
 
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aether-drifter

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The initial output for a bird is just a drop in the bucket for what you'll spend to properly feed and keep a bird stocked in toys. A cockatiel, tho a small bird, needs a high quality diet including fresh foods - veggies, fruits, nuts, seeds, grains, etc.

100% agree with this...trust me, get a suitable cage now and you will set yourself (and your bird!) up for happiness. It'll be a waste of money if you get a too-small cage now and end up having to replace it later. Consider one of the flight cages that jenphilly linked; they are actually an amazing value when you consider what smaller, flimsier cages cost.

I think 16" in any direction is much too small for any bird. Consider it this way...would you rather live in a room the size of a bathroom, or a luxurious master suite? :) I have cockatiels and they LOVE their space. They don't even like being caged at all, so I don't think they would fare well in anything smaller than a flight cage.
 
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Codemaster23

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I will probably get the first one that jenphilly linked, I like the look of it and I will have to move things around, but I'm sure that I could find a spot for the cage to go in my room, even if it is kinda big. It is a big investment, but a smaller one then having to end up buying a bigger cage later.
 

MonicaMc

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If you are lucky, you might be able to find a descent used cage for cheaper.


I bought my first flight cage for $100 off of Craigslist, although it was new in box, and an HQ instead of an A&E. (two doors vs one) It originally came from this place.

Sugar Glider Cage: Sturdy



Other options.... (compare shipping charges)

[ame="http://www.amazon.com/HQ-Flight-Purpose-Aviary-32x21x60/dp/B0055OGG7M/"]Amazon.com: HQ Flight Cage, Multi Purpose Aviary With Cart Stand, 1 Per Box, 32x21x60"H, Green: Pet Supplies[/ame]

[ame=http://www.amazon.com/HQ-Purpose-32-Inch-21-Inch-60-Inch/dp/B0055OGFZ0/]Amazon.com: HQ Multi Purpose Aviary Flight Cage with Cart Stand 1 Per Box, 32-Inch by 21-Inch by 60-Inch, Beige: Pet Supplies[/ame]
 
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jenphilly

Active member
Oct 15, 2013
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Lehigh Valley, PA
Parrots
BE2 (Ivory), B&G Macaw (Max), Budgie Group,
Granbirds- tiels; GCC (Monkey & Monster); Sun Conure (Loki); Bare Eyed Too (Folger); Evil Green Monster YNA (Kelly); B&G (Titan)
Depending on how quickly you need to purchase, you can find that cage on ebay too. And check out the websites daily to see if they post % coupons, they pop up for a day or two, so checking everyday til you need to purchase is the best bet to save another $20 or so. mybirdstore and ebay both should give you free shipping.
 

crimson

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a 'standard' size for a cockatiel is 18x18x24(or sometimes 26)

I was going to mention if he is out most of the day, and would sleep in his cage at night time, then the second one would be fine, but like Jen said, it's sort of a waste of space.

But, since you work 64 hours per week, I'm wondering how much time you can devote to him on a daily basis. since you work those hours a larger size would be more appropriate, as cockatiels require room to spread and stretch their wings at full span.

since space is a bit of an issue, maybe a taller thinner cage might be a better option.

I get home by 4pm the three days I work, and so spending time with him/her wont be a problem since I will want to most of the time anyways. My hope is that one the bird is use to me and trusts me, it will be out of the cage when I am in my room which is plenty of time. When it comes time that I get a full time job, I will get a bigger cage if I end up getting one of the smaller ones so there is more room.

that is good to hear :D...cockatiels LOVE company
 

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