Bird Cage Size Calculator

About this calculator

Minimum cage sizing for pet birds is generally based on wingspan rather than body length, since the bird needs enough width and depth to fully extend and flap its wings without hitting the bars — a common rule of thumb calls for a cage at least twice the bird's wingspan in width and depth, with more room needed for species that fly actively rather than climb, and additional space added per extra bird when housing more than one.

Bird owners and avian veterinarians recommend sizing by wingspan because cages sold by species name alone can vary widely in suitability — a cage marketed for "small birds" might be adequate for a budgie's roughly 25–30 cm wingspan but badly undersized for a larger conure or cockatiel. Cramped housing is linked to feather damage, muscle atrophy and behavioral problems in birds that don't get enough flight and movement.

This calculator takes your bird's wingspan and the number of birds you keep, and returns the minimum cage width, depth and height they need.