Questionsss please help

[RainbowFlo]

Hi! I'm in the process of ordering cages etc. for a soon arriving tiel but I have a few questions. There are so many things to choose from

1) Which is better- the kind of carrier you might put a cat in with no bars on the sides ( maybe I could put a blanket on the bottom ?) or a small mini type cage with bars. The cat type one (I'd check the bar spacing) would probably be a bit darker inside bit we won't be travelling at night... I could use those cardboard boxes but I think I'd rather not.













2) Finding it difficult to pick between three cages ( I'd prefer it if you could give the cages in order of best to worst but don't stress) ...

Option 1: Yaheetech Mobile Large Parrot Cage w/Stand Bird Cage for Conures Parakeets Cockatiels, Pet Cage for Small Animal, Large Rolling Metal Pet Cage with Detachable Stand Black: Amazon.co.uk: Pet Supplies 1cm bar spacing Dimensions: 61.5 x 42 x 76 cm (LxWxH) OR 24.2'' x 16.5" x 29.9" - now I have a feeling this is too small ...

Option 2: A bit more expensive. Hamberley Single Metal Large Cage 1cm bar spacing Internal Dimensions: 89cm x 80cm x 52cm (LxWxH) OR 35''x 31.5''x 20"

Option 3: Yaheetech Extra Large 2 Tiers Bird Cage for Cockatoo/Parrot/Lovebird/Finch Bird Aviary with Perch Stand and Wheels: Amazon.co.uk: Pet Supplies 1.5 cm bar space: Isn't that on the larger side for a tiel?
Cage dimensions: 79 x 51.8 x 94.5 cm (LxWxH) OR 31'' x 20'' x 37''


Now when I look back the tall, narrow cage I thought a month back was ok I realise how wrong I was thanks to AA I wont be housing a bird in a cage where he/she can barely move I do wish those weren't sold for anything but stuffed toys

3) There journey isn't extremely long but probably over and hour so if anyone has a suggestion for how to give water without it splashing that would be great. I was thinking melon chunks but I have no idea whether he/she would know what it is or even try to eat it ?

4) Should there be toys in a travel cage?

Once again, sorry for the extremely long post

~ Estella

 

[Sylvi_]

You definitely are choosing between lovely sized cages for a Cockatiel, width is so important.
I think they’re all great sizes for a Cockatiel, but the second one strikes me as more durable. It looks like the typical A&E Flight cage available in the US.

Amazon.com : A&E CAGE CO 32-Inch by 21-Inch Flight Cage and Stand, Sandstone : Birds Cages : Pet Supplies

Amazon.com : A&E CAGE CO 32-Inch by 21-Inch Flight Cage and Stand, Sandstone : Birds Cages : Pet Supplies

www.amazon.com

• As for travel cages I use one made by Kaytee for my Gcc & Tiel. Medium size is what you’d want.
  https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B0002ASBUO/ref=cm_cr_othr_mb_bdcrb_top?ie=UTF8&th=1&psc=1
• One thing about the Kaytee travel cage is it’s needed to add a few zip-ties at the base to make sure its 100% secure.
• You want to make sure there’s no hanging toys in a travel cage, since the motion of a car can make those swing and potentially injure a bird. I tie a small shreddable toy to the side of the cage by the perch, along with a water dish & call it a day for outside time/vet trips. I’ll add a photo of Mimi in one of mine at the end.
• Finally, I wanted to wish you the best of luck with your new baby! Cockatiels are absolutely terrific birds and have so much love to give. Take the relationship at their pace and they’ll reward you in bushels.
  

 

[RainbowFlo]

Thank for such a fast reply! Mimi looks adorable

 

[BirdWorld]

I agree with @Sylvi_ , the second one looks best. Pls update when you get your birb! Tiels are so sweet

 

[tka]

I would go with the second or third option for a cage. Have a look at this: Wingspan Info | Natural Inspirations Parrot cages

Cockatiels have an average wingspan of 19."5" (approx 49 cm) so the first cage is much too small. The second cage is good in terms of length and width, but I'm not keen on the low height - having said that, the dimensions look wrong to me as the inside space definitely looks taller than 20".

Check what the tiel is already eating. If the baby is eating fresh foods, offer some cucumber, melon or apple to help keep them hydrated. Otherwise, an hour is really not that long.

 

[RainbowFlo]

I would go with the second or third option for a cage. Have a look at this: Wingspan Info | Natural Inspirations Parrot cages

Cockatiels have an average wingspan of 19."5" (approx 49 cm) so the first cage is much too small. The second cage is good in terms of length and width, but I'm not keen on the low height - having said that, the dimensions look wrong to me as the inside space definitely looks taller than 20".

Check what the tiel is already eating. If the baby is eating fresh foods, offer some cucumber, melon or apple to help keep them hydrated. Otherwise, an hour is really not that long.

I thought the height was a bit off too. Someone in the comments said they measured it and it was 91cm/35.8" so I hope they're right

 

[RainbowFlo]

Also random unrelated question, I plan to harness train- no rush, just if there is an established bond. I live in a small town with a town centre with small shops. Would it be ok to take him/her their in terms of perhaps pollution? I was thinking he/she could be socialised/exposed to different people and sounds. Cars do drive past often as it isn't really an isolated town. I'd be worried about him/her getting spooked and flying into a car? Is it best to stick to parks/fields etc.

 

[tka]

I thought the height was a bit off too. Someone in the comments said they measured it and it was 91cm/35.8" so I hope they're right

If that's the actual height, I'd go for that cage. It's the biggest and looks nice and sturdy.

 

[BirdWorld]

Also random unrelated question, I plan to harness train- no rush, just if there is an established bond. I live in a small town with a town centre with small shops. Would it be ok to take him/her their in terms of perhaps pollution? I was thinking he/she could be socialised/exposed to different people and sounds. Cars do drive past often as it isn't really an isolated town. I'd be worried about him/her getting spooked and flying into a car? Is it best to stick to parks/fields etc.

Yes it’d be better to stay away from most pollution, but I’d honestly be more worried about hawks and other predators. Your bird shouldn’t be able to fly away if you have a harness on it.

 

[RainbowFlo]

Yes it’d be better to stay away from most pollution, but I’d honestly be more worried about hawks and other predators. Your bird shouldn’t be able to fly away if you have a harness on it.

Thanks! We don't have hawks where I am but we do have seagulls and the odd crow and they probably would go for a tiel if they had a chance. I think I totally over estimated how long the leashes are on flight harnesses

 

[RainbowFlo]

Now I think about it, I feel bad not adopting/rescuing. There aren't many rescues in the UK but as long as that option is there. I feel bad about going to a breeder. However, I'm a total novice at having a bird and a rescue might be hard

 

[jh81]

Don’t worry, and dont feel guilty! Think of it this way: if you didnt buy this tiel, he/she might have ended up by someone very bad. So you saved a tiel from a potentially bad situation either way.

as for the cages, the best cage is the one that is the biggest you can afford (and space wise). Birds fly a lot in the wild, o our homes are small as it is allready. Even if your bird is out a lot, i still say go for the biggest one possible

i actually have the traveling carrier in that picture, and for me it works well. I made a perch in it, and i can put food in it. Because i use it so little, i dont make much of a thing of it.

When your tiel is settled in, you may still consider adopting another tiel. I always think birds should come in pairs. Talking with someone of your ow species is sometimes much better then talking to someone you dont understand.. even if that someone is a very loving human, sometimes birdies have problems only other birdies understand!

 

[Imogena]

Now I think about it, I feel bad not adopting/rescuing. There aren't many rescues in the UK but as long as that option is there. I feel bad about going to a breeder. However, I'm a total novice at having a bird and a rescue might be hard

Rescue my be hard for a novice. And it is important that you have satisfaction from this relationship as well.
Cudos for you for preparing so well for the New bird. I think your companion will have a great life with you.
In Poland we do not have rescues for birds but even if we had I would still take a baby {weaned of course} because I would be afraid to take an older bird as a novice {which I still am}. There is enough trouble with adolescents even rised by me from very young Age.

 

[RainbowFlo]

When your tiel is settled in, you may still consider adopting another tiel. I always think birds should come in pairs. Talking with someone of your ow species is sometimes much better then talking to someone you dont understand.. even if that someone is a very loving human, sometimes birdies have problems only other birdies understand!

That is definitely an option in the future Thanks!

 

[jh81]

We’ve all been there

 

[RainbowFlo]

About the third cage option, the bar spacing is 1.5cm. I think the max for a tiel is 1.9cm which is 3/4''. Do you think 1.5 is too close to the max? Peace of mind is so important for me as I worry a lot. I'm also worried about night frights happening and whether I would hear them. I don't live in a giant house and the cage isn't far away but I still worry... I think I need a relaxing holiday after this lockdown stuff

 

[Sylvi_]

the bar spacing is 1.5cm. I think the max for a tiel is 1.9cm which is 3/4''. Do you think 1.5 is too close to the max?

That’s just a hair past 1/2 an inch, totally appropriate for a Cockatiel.
Only would worry a little if you had a particularly small Budgie.

 

[BirdWorld]

I always think birds should come in pairs.

So true!!! Actually, come to think of it, all animals should come in pairs. Dogs, guinea pigs, fish, and ofc birds. They are just so much happier with buddies...

 

[clarousel]

Don't know why but I really like the 3rd option.

Eeks I'm so excited for you!!

 

[conureluv]

Hi! I'm in the process of ordering cages etc. for a soon arriving tiel but I have a few questions. There are so many things to choose from

1) Which is better- the kind of carrier you might put a cat in with no bars on the sides ( maybe I could put a blanket on the bottom ?) or a small mini type cage with bars. The cat type one (I'd check the bar spacing) would probably be a bit darker inside bit we won't be travelling at night... I could use those cardboard boxes but I think I'd rather not.
View attachment 345271












2) Finding it difficult to pick between three cages ( I'd prefer it if you could give the cages in order of best to worst but don't stress) ...

Option 1: Yaheetech Mobile Large Parrot Cage w/Stand Bird Cage for Conures Parakeets Cockatiels, Pet Cage for Small Animal, Large Rolling Metal Pet Cage with Detachable Stand Black: Amazon.co.uk: Pet Supplies 1cm bar spacing Dimensions: 61.5 x 42 x 76 cm (LxWxH) OR 24.2'' x 16.5" x 29.9" - now I have a feeling this is too small ...

Option 2: A bit more expensive. Hamberley Single Metal Large Cage 1cm bar spacing Internal Dimensions: 89cm x 80cm x 52cm (LxWxH) OR 35''x 31.5''x 20"

Option 3: Yaheetech Extra Large 2 Tiers Bird Cage for Cockatoo/Parrot/Lovebird/Finch Bird Aviary with Perch Stand and Wheels: Amazon.co.uk: Pet Supplies 1.5 cm bar space: Isn't that on the larger side for a tiel?
Cage dimensions: 79 x 51.8 x 94.5 cm (LxWxH) OR 31'' x 20'' x 37''


Now when I look back the tall, narrow cage I thought a month back was ok I realise how wrong I was thanks to AA I wont be housing a bird in a cage where he/she can barely move I do wish those weren't sold for anything but stuffed toys

3) There journey isn't extremely long but probably over and hour so if anyone has a suggestion for how to give water without it splashing that would be great. I was thinking melon chunks but I have no idea whether he/she would know what it is or even try to eat it ?

4) Should there be toys in a travel cage?

Once again, sorry for the extremely long post

~ Estella

I say Option 2 would be the best alternative. It’s nice and wide and with a good height and would overall be a great size for a cockatiel. My green cheek conure has a cage around 31 x 20.5 x 48 not including stand and I got it for around 130$ on Amazon.
You can choose if you want to put toys in a travel cage, I think it would be best because it’s a distraction from any fear that they may have.
I’d choose a travel cage specifically for birds because it mimicks a cage, but it’s up to you. Good luck!