Best Cage Size for Two Budgies

Budgerigars are small parrots with big energy. As an avian behavior specialist with years of experience in parrot husbandry, I can confidently say that cage size is one of the most important factors influencing a budgie’s physical health, mental stimulation, and long-term happiness—especially when keeping two budgies together.

This expert guide explains the ideal cage size, minimum space requirements, recommended bar spacing, and how to create a safe, enriching environment for a pair of budgies.

1. Why Cage Size Matters More for Two Budgies

Two budgies are not simply “one budgie times two.” They require:

• Room to fly horizontally
• Separate comfort zones during rest
• Space to avoid conflict
• Enough room for multiple perches, toys, and feeding stations

Inadequate space leads to stress, territorial disputes, obesity, and even respiratory issues.

2. Minimum Cage Size for Two Budgies

✔ Absolute Minimum Size (for short periods):

30 in (L) × 18 in (W) × 18 in (H)
(76 × 46 × 46 cm)

This size is the bare minimum for temporary housing or owners who provide many hours of free flight daily.

3. Recommended Cage Size for Two Budgies (Expert Standard)

⭐ Optimal Recommended Size:

32–36 in (L) × 20 in (W) × 18–24 in (H)
(81–91 × 50 × 46–61 cm)

Why this size works best:

• Allows short flights inside the cage
• Reduces conflict between birds
• Accommodates toys, swings, ladders, and perches
• Gives each budgie space to retreat and relax

For highly active pairs:

40+ inches (100+ cm) in length is significantly better.

4. Horizontal Space Is More Important Than Height

Budgies are horizontal flyers, not vertical climbers like some parrots.
Therefore:

Prioritize long, wide cages over tall, narrow ones.

A cage that is 36 inches long and 20 inches wide is far healthier than a tall tower-style cage of the same volume.

5. Bar Spacing Requirements (Critical for Safety)

Budgies are small and can escape through wide bars or get their heads trapped.

✔ Ideal bar spacing:

½ inch (12 mm)

✔ Acceptable range:

⅜ – ½ inch (10–12 mm)

Avoid cages with:

• Vertical bar spacing over 5/8 inch
• Thin metal bars that bend easily
• Gaps around doors big enough for heads or wings

6. Perches, Toys, and Setup Inside the Cage

A cage is not just a container—it is your budgies’ home.
To create a healthy environment for two budgies:

6.1 Perches

Provide:

• 4–6 natural wood perches
• A variety of diameters to prevent foot fatigue
• One high “sleeping perch” per budgie
• Avoid sandpaper-covered perches (cause foot injuries)

6.2 Food & Water Stations

For two budgies:

• 2 food bowls
• 2 water sources (or 1 large one)
• Separate feeding areas reduce food guarding and aggression

6.3 Toys and Enrichment

Include:

• 3–5 toys at a time
• Mirror toys only if needed (can reduce taming)
• Shredding toys
• Swings or ladders
• Rotate toys weekly to prevent boredom

7. Free-Flight Time: A Cage Can’t Replace Exercise

Even with a large cage, budgies should spend at least 2–3 hours of supervised free-flight time daily.

This improves:

• Cardiovascular health
• Muscle tone
• Mood and social bonding
• Cognitive stimulation

Free flight reduces stress and supports natural behaviors.

8. Signs Your Cage Is Too Small

If two budgies:

• Fight frequently
• Guard food bowls
• Avoid each other
• Sit fluffed up and inactive
• Fly rarely
• Show stress behaviors (screaming, pacing, biting)

…your cage may be undersized.

Upgrading cage size often improves behavior immediately.

9. Best Cage Shapes for Two Budgies

✔ Recommended:

• Long rectangular cages
• Double-door cages
• Flight cages

✘ Avoid:

• Round cages (cause disorientation and stress)
• Tall, narrow cages
• Decorative “furniture-style” cages with limited space

Budgies benefit from clear boundaries and predictable perches—something round cages cannot offer.

10. Final Expert Recommendation

For two budgies, the best cage size is at least:

32–36 in (L) × 20 in (W) × 18–24 in (H)
with ½-inch bar spacing and plenty of room for flight, toys, perches, and feeding stations.

A larger flight cage (40–50 inches long) provides the ideal environment for physical and mental health.

Budgies thrive when given:

• Space to move
• Opportunities to fly
• A safe, enriching environment

Providing the right cage size is one of the most important steps toward ensuring a long, healthy, happy life for your feathered pair.