How to care for your Budgerigar 

 

Origin: Australia

 

Lifespan: 15 years

 

Also known as "parakeets", budgies are very popular pets in the US. The most common color type found in nature is green with yellow wings/head, but in the pet trade there are a wide range of color varieties due to selective breeding. Male budgies can be taught to talk, and beyond that their engaging personalities, constant chatter, and active lifestyle make them endearing pets in the home. Although budgies tend to enjoy interaction with birds of other species, they should be kept in their own cage and allowed supervised playtime.

 

HOUSING

Your budgie should be kept in a large enough cage for them to move around and play with plenty of toys without being overcrowded. This means a cage of at least 14"x14"x24" with small enough bar spacing that the bird cannot get its head stuck between the bars (less than a half inch). The bottom of the cage can be lined with newspaper or corn cob bedding for easy clean up. You should have at least 3-4 toys in the cage at all times, preferably of a different type to prevent boredom. Changing the location of the toys and cycling in new ones can help with this as well.

 

DIET

A healthy budgie diet is based on a high quality seed as well as supplemental pellets. Often, seed mixes are supplemented with dehydrated pieces of fruits and vegetables, but it is also recommended to offer your parakeet pellets, fresh greens and veggies weekly. A well rounded diet includes a nice variety.

 

CLEANING

Newspaper or corn cob should be replaced every few days and the cage bottom, dishes, and perches should be washed regularly. Once a month disinfect the cage with diluted bleach, rinse, and dry thoroughly.

 

HEALTH

Pet budgerigars should have their wings clipped and nails trimmed. Be alert for signs of illness such as sneezing, droopy eyes, plucking feathers, fluffed feathers, excessive sleep, dark spots on nails, darkening chest, or changes in droppings.