Cage height for clipped budgies

[grace]

I am cleaning and rearranging Ringo's cage this weekend and wanted some opinions.  I have a cage which when assembled properly would be 32" tall. The body of the cage is in two sections which rest on top of each other.  I am presently using only the top half attached to the cage base which makes it about 20" high.  Ringo has such a severe clip that he can't fly at all - he drops like a stone when he tries.  I know that is horrible but please do not criticize because it was done before I got him.  I was afraid the full cage height would be dangerous if he fell.  I intended to wait until his flight feathers grow back in before extending the cage. He is quite dexterous climbing about the cage and could have more toys and things if I went ahead and extended the cage.  Am I right to wait until he can fly or am I being overly cautious?  Also, in a few weeks when quarantine is over, Lola will be joining Ringo in this cage and she is clipped just as severely and also cannot fly at all, do there will be her safety to consider as well.

[milliej]

I wonder if what was suggested to me when Mischief could no longer fly, would help? Putting perches low down and something on the cage floor for a 'soft' landing just in case they fall? An old piece of towelling that can be washed perhaps? Or soft 'tissue' paper?

[Hezz]

No. They are both young and full of life. Give them challenges. Give Ringo his double height and see how he goes. I doubt he will have a problem and will probably enjoy having the space to explore. Same thing with Lola when her turn comes - just watch and see how she copes. Obviously if she or Ringo don't, then put the cage back to how you have it now.

[Learner]

I agree with Hezz. You need to watch out to see how your budgie is coping.

I have a green hen, "Gwen the Green", who has been unable to fly for months and months. She is no spring chicken but lives outside in an aviary with a 90cm high inner flight and an outside flight which is way taller than me. Gwen copes brilliantly.

I worried about her at first but was amazed to see her all over the aviary often sitting high up on a perch above a paved floor. Minutes later I would spot her a couple of metres away with her beak stuck in a food bowl in the inside flight. Gwen is a confident bird and the others mostly give way to her so she doesn't find herself stuck on a perch unable to reach a beak hold because the others won't let her pass.

When Gwen wasn't well and after a visit to the vet she was moved into a flight-cage for peace and quiet as well as safety but, other than that, she has coped well.

If your two birds get on well with each other and look as if they are sure-beaked I'd certainly give them the extra space.

Good luck.