Parrotlet Cages?

I think that if you're going to be letting him or her out often enough, having a cockatiel sized cage isn't necessary, although I'm sure the parrotlet would like it. We'll probably give our single parrotlet our cockatiel cage when we get him and his budgie buddy a new one. Our parrotlet seems to be fine with her cage, it's not a small one...not sure on the dimensions, perhaps around this one's size http://birdcages4less.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?page=B/PROD/Small_Bird_Cages/PA5753

I haven't measured our Kiwi, but 5 inches might be about right. Just be sure to give him lots of toys :D ours has taken up boxing recently(hits around a wooden hanging block thing). She also likes to play dentist. Oh, and she's a Ninja...and a princess...

She's a bit spoiled maybe :p

well technically it's a small cage, but not like those ridiculously small how could you put a bird in there sized ones.

This is about the same size cage that I have my parrotlet in!!

These birds are 5" long - and they play like they're 5' long. They will use every single inch of space you give them no matter what size the cage is - you could house them in a full room and it will not be too much space.

A rule of thumb for any bird is this: bigger is better. The larger the cage, the more room for toys, perches, foraging and eating stations; you can include mini environments within her larger environments and she will have room to fly and stretch her wings and exercise within her cage when you aren't around to let her loose.

The one exception to this are newly-weaned chicks who have not yet been shown a cage environment; many breeders raise chicks in aquariums or other low, padded environments - new babies may be clumsy and fall from perches for a while until they get used to it. Ask your breeder if they recommend a smaller cage for the first two or three months.

And finally, that cage isn't suitable. The bar spacing is too wide - parrotlets should be housed with no greater than 1/2" bar spacing.

For a really great, inexpensive, everyone-has-it cage for parrotlets and other small birds, let me recommend this:

http://www.windycityparrot.com/page/Windycityparrot/PROD/specials/19302242001

It is a really nice cage; huge, easy to get into, lots of room for toys and perches, and one parrotlet will be VERY happy in it.

The cage posted by the above commenter would be the absolute minimum I would consider for a parrotlet for an emergency situation - temporary housing for months, at best. If you're interested in Bird Cages 4 Less, check out their Banyan line - 1/2" bar spacing and the Aloha Abode or Hula Hotel would probably be a good starter cage.

The Nina is also not a bad starter cage; Avian Adventures' cages are really gorgeous.

I know it seems a lot for a "little bird", but it helps to not think of them that way - no amount of out-of-cage time compensates for a tiny little enclosure when it's necessary to cage them, and they need to stay in more often than one might think.

http://www.avianadventures.com/protege.htm

The Protege is also suitable.

Hey, Thank you for the cage suggestion in this comment. That looks like something I might invest in for my Petri-bird after I get settled into a more permanent apartment location.

To the OP, I would like to reiterate what everyone else has said that these little critters need as much cage room as you can give them- even if you're going to have them out most of the time. They are quite the little bundle of energy despite their small size, and have personality worlds bigger than their little bodies. My p'let has a pretty big cage and he uses every square inch of it- running back and forth, playing with different toys, etc. Also, be sure to provide your little one with lots and lots of toys in his cage. Be careful when buying toys though. Make sure they are sturdy. Petsmart/Petco/etc have a lot of really cheap flimsy plastic toys that would probably be appropriate for parakeets, etc. Parrotlets have VERY strong little beaks despite their size and these flimsy toys can be a hazard. Go for the toys made of sturdy plastic, wood, etc. A baby will go through cuttlebone like nobody's business, so be sure to have it always available. The young ones also tend to really like the shreddable toys. Also be aware that grit and sandpaper perches are not good for birds, but you will find them at many chain pet stores. Sorry for giving more advice than just about the cages, but I remember being completely lost when I brought home my little pride and joy for the first time :-). Enjoy your parrotlet- they are among the most sweet, feisty, entertaining, and loving critters around!

Thanks for all the insight. I appreciate any advice you have, whether it's cages, toys, or about the little devils themselves. I just got an email from the breeder this morning informing me that my little Rascal can be shipped Thursday. Doesn't give me as much time to prepare for his homecoming, but we're anxious to see him. I think I may go ahead and pick up the cage mentioned by the previous poster. I know he'll have lots of room and I'll feel good knowing he's not squished in a tiny cage on occasions when I do have to leave him at home. The Avian Adventure cages are really stylish, but the price on the one mentioned is too hard to pass up.

I'm sure I'll be back for more advice once the little Rascal gets here.