Pet bird cages, food and gear for budgies, cockatiels, parrots and more
Cages, food, perches and cleaning gear for pet birds, with the safety points that matter most for birds, like nonstick fumes and metal poisoning. Picks come from published ratings and veterinary care sources.
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Pets this page covers
Birds
Cage size, diet and toxin avoidance matter for every pet bird. The picks below are grouped by the species they suit, and the care facts apply to all of them.
Budgies and parakeets
Small birds that are very sensitive to nonstick (PTFE) fumes. We found a flight cage, a pellet food and a cage bath with solid ratings that suit them.
Cockatiels
Merck's minimum cage for a cockatiel is 20 x 20 x 30 in with 0.5 in bar spacing. The medium stainless cage below has an interior of 23.25 x 19.75 x 34.75 in, so it is right at that minimum, and it has only 14 ratings.
Parrots
Larger parrots need much bigger cages than we could verify. The large-bird picks here are a hardwood perch and a foraging toy, and we did not find a cage that meets the African grey or macaw minimums.
Lovebirds
Merck lists the same minimum cage as for budgies and cockatiels. The pellets, bath and perches below are listed for small and medium birds.
Canaries and finches
The Prevue flight cage is listed for canaries, finches and other small birds, including small groups. We found no finch-specific food or gear with a usable review base.
What to look for
- Match the cage to the species. Merck Veterinary Manual minimums are 20 x 20 x 30 in with 0.5 in bars for budgies, cockatiels, lovebirds and parrotlets, and 36 x 24 x 48 in with 0.75 in bars for conures. African greys and Amazons need 40 x 30 x 60 in, and macaws 48 x 36 x 66 in with 1.5 in bars. Source: Merck Veterinary Manual
- The cage should let the bird fully spread and flap its wings. UF advises rectangular stainless cages where possible, side or downward-opening doors (guillotine doors can injure), and a grate with a pull-out tray. Source: UF Small Animal Hospital
- Never keep a bird near PTFE or Teflon. Overheated nonstick cookware, irons, some self-cleaning ovens and some heat lamps release fumes that can kill birds, sometimes with no warning signs. The only reliable prevention is avoiding PTFE items. Pet Poison Helpline for exposure: 1-800-213-6680. Source: VCA Animal Hospitals
- Small birds such as budgies are the most sensitive to PTFE fumes, which can reach them from another room. None of the products below claims a PTFE coating, but keep any bird away from rooms with nonstick cooking. Source: MSD Veterinary Manual
- Galvanized mesh, toys, chains, bells, hardware cloth and mirror backings are listed sources of zinc and lead poisoning. Check toys and cage hardware before use. Source: MSD Veterinary Manual
- UF recommends about 75 to 80 percent formulated pellets, 15 to 20 percent produce, and limited seeds and nuts. Seed-heavy diets are linked to obesity, high cholesterol and fatty liver. Switch gradually and monitor weight. Source: UF Small Animal Hospital
- Toxic foods include avocado (highly toxic), chocolate, fruit pits and seeds, onion and garlic, and xylitol. High-fat salty foods and too many sunflower seeds are also a problem. Source: PetMD (Lauren Jones, VMD)
- Line the tray with paper-based liners. UF advises avoiding wood chips and corn cob because they can grow mold, which carries an aspergillosis risk. Source: UF Small Animal Hospital
- Keep the air free of tobacco smoke, aerosols, scented candles and burnt plastics, which Merck lists among airborne hazards for pet birds. Source: MSD Veterinary Manual
Research picks
These are research picks drawn from published ratings and expert care sources, not our own lab tests. Prices and ratings were seen on 2026-10-23 and can change.
Flight cage Small birds Research pick
Prevue Wrought Iron Small & Medium Birds Flight Cage, Black Hammertone
Budgies, canaries, finches, parakeets and other small birds, including a pair or small group.
Large wrought-iron cage with two big front doors, six small side doors, a pull-out grille and tray, and a rolling base with a storage shelf. Includes four cups and three wood perches. A reviewer states 0.5 in bar spacing. Reviewers praise the size and door count and complain about poor instructions and some flimsy parts.
Skip it if: You have a cockatiel or larger parrot that needs wider bar spacing and more height, you want stainless (this is powder-coated steel), or you dislike hard assembly.
Price seen: $189.99 on Chewy (list $285.99), seen 2026-10-23 | Chewy: 4.4 of 5 from 445 ratings (seen 2026-10-23)
See it at Chewy Affiliate link
Stainless steel cage Cockatiels Research pick Limited reviews
Prevue Medium Select Bird Cage, Pewter
Cockatiels and similar birds whose Merck minimum is no larger than this cage, if you want rust-resistant stainless.
Powder-coated stainless steel cage with four attachable seed cups, removable trays and grilles, and rounded seed guards. Bar spacing is not listed on the Chewy page.
Skip it if: You are on a budget, or need a very large cage. Its interior (23.25 x 19.75 x 34.75 in) is right at the Merck cockatiel minimum, below the conure minimum, and modest for an African grey.
Price seen: $349.99 on Chewy (list $529.99), seen 2026-10-23 | Chewy: 4.6 of 5 from 14 ratings (seen 2026-10-23)
See it at Chewy Affiliate link
Organic pellet diet Small and medium birds Research pick
Harrison's High Potency Fine Organic Pellets, 5 lb
Cockatiels, budgies, lovebirds and conures, and owners moving birds off seed-heavy diets.
Organic, non-GMO pellets with vitamins, minerals and balanced omega-3 and omega-6, sold for small and medium birds. Chewy says it can be used year round, including molt and illness recovery. UF's advice on pellet-based diets supports the category, but no expert endorsement of this brand was verified.
Skip it if: Price matters (about $12.76 per lb on Chewy), or your bird is seed-only and will not switch without a vet-guided plan.
Price seen: $63.78 on Chewy (Autoship first order $43.78); $65.00 at Windy City Parrot, seen 2026-10-23 | Chewy: 4.7 of 5 from 105 ratings (seen 2026-10-23). Windy City Parrot showed no star rating.
See it at Chewy See it at Windy City Parrot Chewy link is an affiliate link
Fruit-flavored pellets Budgies Research pick
ZuPreem FruitBlend Flavor Daily Small Bird Food, 14 oz
Budgies, parrotlets and other small birds, and owners who want a low-cost entry pellet.
Complete pellet diet made in the USA with fruit flavors, sized for small beaks.
Skip it if: You want no artificial dyes (Chewy lists Yellow 5, Red 40, Yellow 6 and Blue 1), or your vet says to avoid them.
Price seen: $7.39 on Chewy (list $8.99), seen 2026-10-23 | Chewy: 4.6 of 5 from 433 ratings (seen 2026-10-23)
See it at Chewy Affiliate link
Natural wood perch Large parrots Research pick
Polly's Hardwood Bird Perch, X-Large
Macaws and large parrots (the X-Large is 15 in long and 1.75 in across). Smaller sizes exist.
Dense Florida "dragon wood" with a grippy surface, made in the USA, that can be rinsed and scrubbed. The brand says vets recommend it, but no named vet or association was verified.
Skip it if: You have a budgie or cockatiel (pick a smaller size). Wood perches also need replacing once chewed.
Price seen: $25.10 on Chewy, seen 2026-10-23 | Chewy: 4.5 of 5 from 191 ratings (seen 2026-10-23)
See it at Chewy Affiliate link
Conditioning perch Small and medium birds Research pick
Penn-Plax Bird-Life 16-in Trimmer Plus Wood & Cement Perch
Small to medium birds that need a textured resting spot.
16 in perch with cement and crushed shell for nail and beak wear. Plastic endcaps fit most wire cages.
Skip it if: Your bird has foot sores or arthritis (abrasive surfaces can be rough on feet, a general caution with no source fetched), or you want an expert-endorsed perch (none verified).
Price seen: $10.99 on Chewy, seen 2026-10-23 | Chewy: 4.5 of 5 from 33 ratings (seen 2026-10-23)
See it at Chewy Affiliate link
Clip-on cage bath Small birds Research pick
Lixit Quick Lock Small & Medium Bird Bath
Lovebirds, canaries, finches, parakeets and cockatiels that like to bathe.
Clear plastic bath that twist-locks to a cage opening or sits outside the cage. The top detaches for cleaning. Measures 6.5 x 5.75 x 4 in.
Skip it if: Your bird will not use enclosed baths, or you need a dishwasher-safe bath (this one is not).
Price seen: $13.99 on Chewy, seen 2026-10-23 | Chewy: 4.5 of 5 from 261 ratings (seen 2026-10-23)
See it at Chewy Affiliate link
Disposable cage liners Most pet birds Research pick
Vitakraft Parrot, Conure, Parakeet & Cockatiel Cage Liners, 21 count
Owners of cages with a grate and a 20 x 18 in tray.
Quilted absorbent liners with a leak-proof bottom that fold up for disposal. UF recommends paper-type liners over wood chips or corn cob.
Skip it if: Your tray is a different size, or your bird shreds paper and swallows it.
Price seen: $25.59 on Chewy ($1.21 each), seen 2026-10-23 | Chewy: 4.7 of 5 from 209 ratings (seen 2026-10-23)
See it at Chewy Affiliate link
Enzyme cage cleaner Most pet birds Research pick
Poop-D-Solver Lime Coconut Bird Cage Cleaner, 32 fl oz
Routine cage and perch cleanup.
Enzyme spray for odors and stains on cages, floors, stainless steel, aluminum and glazed porcelain. Made in the USA.
Skip it if: You want a scent-free product, or your vet advises avoiding scented products near sensitive birds. The bird-safe claim is the maker's and no independent test was seen.
Price seen: $12.78 on Chewy, seen 2026-10-23 | Chewy: 4.5 of 5 from 77 ratings (seen 2026-10-23)
See it at Chewy Affiliate link
Foraging toy Medium and large birds Research pick Limited reviews
Super Bird Creations 4 Way Forager
Medium to large birds.
PVC and acrylic foraging toy. Listed for medium to large birds. Check any toy for metal parts before use.
Skip it if: You have a small bird, or want a toy with a large review base (only 18 ratings).
Price seen: $19.75 on Chewy, seen 2026-10-23 | Chewy: 4.6 of 5 from 18 ratings (seen 2026-10-23)
See it at Chewy Affiliate link
Check current price and availability before you buy. Links go to retailers and brands, and none are affiliate links yet. We have not checked recall databases for every item, so look up recalls before you buy.
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