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 The budgerigar (Melopsittacus undulates), also referred to as a parakeet or more commonly a budgie, is the most popular pet bird worldwide. This beautiful, small bird originates from the drier regions of Australia. Their natural habitat is dry open plains, wood lots bordering waterways and sparsely wooded grasslands.
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Do budgies make good pets?
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Budgies are generally very social, gentle and affectionate in nature. These loving companions interact well with most members of the family. Budgies are inquisitive, active, free spirits who enjoy flying, playing and chewing. Non-toxic pet-safe toys should be provided for your budgie’s entertainment. Although their voice is not as clear as some of the larger parrots, budgies have the capacity to develop extensive vocabularies. Talking or mimicking requires some effort and training. Males seem to talk better than females although both are capable. One endearing trait of a budgie is its cheerful whistling and chatter. Budgies can be finger trained and some even enjoy head scratches and petting.
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Selecting a budgie
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When selecting a Budgie, try to choose a young bird as it may be easier to tame and train. Older, wild, colony or parent raised birds may prove difficult to tame. Hand raised babies often make better pets since they have been completely socialized with humans. Young birds are easier to tame and adapt readily to new environments and situations. Your new bird should be exposed early to different events (young and old people, males and females, other pets, car trips, visits to the veterinarian, etc.) to help promote a calm, well adjusted pet. The lively, alert bird that is not easily frightened is more likely a healthy bird. After purchasing your new bird, have it examined by your veterinarian.
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How do I tell a budgie's sex?
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In mature birds feathering between sexes is similar. The male’s cere (featherless area around the nostrils) is rich blue in colour while the female’s cere is pale blue, pinky blue or brown and sometimes crusty in the breeding female. The cere colour may not identify the sexes 100% and may vary with domestic colour variations. Immature birds are difficult to sex.
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How long will my pet budgie live?
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Budgerigars live to about 8 years of age. The most common problem in older birds is cancer, usually seen as lumps developing around the abdomen, but sometimes other signs are due to internal tumours. They are also susceptible to scaly face mite, bumblefoot, overgrown beaks, psittacosis, and other diseases.
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What do I feed my budgie?
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There are commercially available complete diets for budgerigars available. Seed diets should be supplemented with fresh fruit and vegetables. Dark leafy green or yellow vegetables such as spinach and carrot are best. Do not give high fat seeds like sunflower seed as this promotes obesity. A cuttlefish bone should be available to provide calcium.
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What kind of cage should I have?
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- Most available cages are too small
- The cage should be large enough to allow the birds to fly between perches. It is better for the cage to be longer than it is higher to allow flying
- Minimum cage size for 1 bird is 30 cm x 30 cm x 60 cm
- Place the perches as far apart as possible to allow flying between them, and use the branches of native trees so that the bird’s feet are exercised as it grips perches of differing thickness
- Do not put sandpaper on the perches as they are ineffective at keeping claws short, and can cause infections
- Toys are important to keep the bird amused, although do not provide anything containing metal as chewing at this can cause poisoning (stainless steel is ok)
- Use newspaper or paper towelling on the floor of the cage to allow easy cleaning, and monitoring of the faeces
- Keep the cage in natural light but away from direct sunlight. Keep your bird out of draughts and away from cooking fumes
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Editor: Dr Julia Adams BVSc
Contributor: Dr Rebecca Bragg BVSc
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