Budgie cage size

[BudgieBud53]

I'm planning on getting a budgie. I already have a cage, but I don't know if it will be large enough. The cage is 18 in. in longth, 10 in. in depth, and 16 in. in hieght. I'm also planning on putting a nest in it also. So if anyone has any advice I hope to hear from you! THANKS!!!

[lovechick]

No, that is too small, I would say a minimum would be 18L" x 18W" x 23H". The bigger the better, but make sure the bar spacing is no more than 1/2.
Keep in mind its more important for the cager to be longer, than taller, since birds arent helicopters and dont really like flying up and down, I avoid round cages, they usually lack the necessary space and make the bird feel uncomfortable since there are no corners to hide from danger.
Instead of a nest you might want to get a happy( or snuggle) hut like this one:
Click here (http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?pcatid=5687&Ntt=snuggle%20hut&Ntk=All&Ntx=mode+matchallpartial&Np=1&N=0&Nty=1)
http://a1272.g.akamai.net/7/1272/1121/20050223203424/www.drsfostersmith.com/images/products/large/p_19472_27767P_04.jpg
But no guarantee you bird will like it, I know that its a favorite of lovebirds and conures, my budgies werent particularly fond of it.
No need for a nest box, unless you plan to breed the bird.

Couple more things to cover, toys and nutrition.

Personally I avoid buying those cheap "parakeet" toys, I found out that my budgies are much more fond of cockatiel size ones, you just have to try and see different toys and see which ones the bird prefers. Mine like dangling pieces of rope and leather, as well as beads, bells and sturdy mirrors. 2-3 toys for a cage is good, dont overcrowd, but get new toys and rotate them every few weeks or so, I usually put away the toys they get bored with, and then hang it again, like a month later, and they will play with it.
You also want to get couple more perches besides the regular wooden ones, get a rope perch and a mineral or cement perch. shoudl be 3-4 perches alltogether.

Word about diet, consider feeding your bird pellets instead of seeds if you dont want health issues, I would say pellets should make up most of the diet, 60-80%, the rest should be fruits/veggies, cooked foods(rice, beans, corns, pasta)- I buy beak appetite. whole wheat grains, sprouting seeds, healthy treats, etc.
Heres a good website that explains it and you can find other great articles there as well:
Click here (http://www.squawkandhowl.com/info.html#nutrition)

[BudgieBud53]

Thanks lovechick! Your info helped. I think I might get a snuggle hut.