Budgerigars
Welcome to the delightful world of budgerigar ownership! These small, vibrant parrots, often affectionately called "budgies," are known for their cheerful personalities and striking plumage. Perfect for both novice and experienced bird enthusiasts, budgerigars are intelligent social creatures that thrive on interaction and mental stimulation.
Although budgies are one of the easier bird species to keep, it’s important to consider all the challenges of owning a pet bird. Can you provide the space they need to fly? The correct food? The daily care and interaction they need? With proper care and attention, a budgerigar can become a cherished member of your family, so have a look at the Budgie information and learn how to provide the best environment for these charming feathered friends.
What next?
View the information below to learn the essentials for owning a pet budgerigar.
Take the test, and when you have passed, you will receive a certificate to show to your pet shop and prove your knowledge.
Information for owning a pet budgerigar
The Pet Know How tests are designed to test your basic knowledge of keeping a pet of your choice. They will help you understand the needs of the animal and some of the important things you need to consider if you were to have one as a pet. Once you complete a test you won’t be an expert keeper but you will be in a better position to make an informed decision and decide if you are able, and willing, to take on the responsibility.
In this section, you will find a wealth of knowledge compiled by pet experts to provide you with the valuable information you need regarding owning a pet budgerigar.
Work your way through all the sections, and when you feel ready, register yourself to take the test and earn a certificate that proves your budgerigar knowledge.
Introduction
Budgerigars are friendly, cheerful companions ideal for all age groups. They are available in attractive and sometimes unusual colours, and live for around 7-8 years.
The budgerigar is a member of the parrot family and originates from Australia. It is a relativity simple and inexpensive pet to keep.
DID YOU KNOW? A well cared for budgerigar can live for 7-8 years.
Choosing your Budgerigars
A healthy budgerigar should…
Be bright-eyed and alert
Have no signs of discharge from the eyes or nostrils
Have a clean vent area
Have feathers that are smooth, flush to the body and not be fluffed up
Have no signs of breathing problem
Move around the cage easily with no stiffness or staggering
Have fluent movements with no signs of lethargy
It is not possible to correctly sex very young budgies until they are at least three months, however you can buy one at around 6-7 weeks old. A younger budgie is easier to train than an older one
Housing
Budgerigars can be kept in flocks in aviaries or in cages as pairs. A roomy cage is advisable and should be large enough for your budgies to stretch their wings and fly from perch to perch.
Budgies are climbing birds so it is preferable to choose a cage with horizontal bars. Avoid putting the cage in draughts, direct sunlight or in damp/humid conditions. Only cover the cage at night if the room temperature is likely to fall.
Outside aviaries must have a sheltered section to provide protection from wind, rain and strong sunlight. This is where you should position the roosting site (the highest perch or nest box) and the food containers.
Aviaries should also have a paved floor with a sunken wire mesh to prevent vermin and a double-door entry system for added safety.
Furnishing their home
The cage should be furnished with perches of different thickness so the budgies can exercise their feet. Do not place perches directly above food and water pots. Put a few toys inside the cage but do not overcrowd it. Try buying a selection of toys and rotating them to avoid boredom.
A source of grit should also be available. They eat it and it helps to grind up food in their gizzards, aiding digestion.
Introducing your budgies to their new home
Always take your birds home in a carry box, not in a cage. Before introducing your budgies to their new home, fill the food and water pots and sprinkle a little extra onto the floor, to ensure they have enough to eat until they find the seed pots.
Make sure all windows and doors are closed and fires are guarded. Gently open one end of the carry box and let your budgies walk into their new home. If they appear anxious or do not settle, drape a cloth over three sides of the cage until they settle. Leave them to adjust to their new setting quietly for a few hours.
Hygiene
Sand sheets or cage bird sand should be placed in the bottom of the cage and replaced regularly. The cage and furnishings should be thoroughly cleaned and disinfected with a pet safe disinfectant weekly, although droppings should be removed daily. A removable tray will make cleaning easier.
Health
Budgies are generally healthy pets but you should always pay close attention to the behaviour of your pet to spot early signs of any health problems. If you think you Budgie may be ill then you should consult a vet immediately.
Feathers: Feathers should not be allowed to become too dry. You can use a suitable fine mist spray together with a special solution to spray on, your pet shop can advise you on suitable products. Some budgies do enjoy a bath, but not all of them.
Colds: The bird will be listless, with feathers fluffed up and wheezing if it catches a cold. Discharge may be seen coming from the nostrils. Keep him warm, do not bath and consult with your vet immediately.
Health continued
Diarrhoea: This is commonly caused by an excess of green, mouldy or contaminated food, a change in diet or lack of fresh water. Keep him warm, make sure he has plenty of fresh water and consult your vet.
Mites: This is a parasite that feeds on birds’ blood causing itching, weight loss and feather loss. Mites are easy to destroy with a suitable spray and your pet shop or vet will advise.
Beaks and nails: An iodine block can help keep your bird’s beak trim. If you suspect your budgie’s nails and beak are too long seek expert advice.
Feather plucking: This can be due to many reasons such as a poor diet, internal diseases, lack of exercise or stimulation. Spend time with your budgie and provide it with toys for exercise and entertainment. If the condition persists consult your vet.
Food and water
In the wild, budgies feed on a variety of seeds, including seedling grasses and leaves of plants. Your pet budgies will require a good mixture of seeds to ensure they are getting all the nutrients they need - a good quality budgie mixture should be available from your pet shop. Check the seed dishes daily, removing any empty husks, and refill as necessary. Both the food and water pots will need washing regularly.
Millet seed can be given as a treat as can honey bells and seed bars. Fresh thoroughly washed green-food may be given, such as chick-weed and dandelion, but be very careful not to over feed.
Your birds will also require a good supply of mineralised or oyster shell grit, which helps to digest their food. Cuttlefish bones should be supplied too as it is a source of calcium and helps to keep the beak worn down and maintain strong bones.
Bird specific vitamin supplements are available and may be added to the drinking water or mixed with fruit or vegetables.
Fresh water should always be available.
Shopping list
Owning a pet is a financial as well as a moral responsibility. In order to properly care for a cockatiel the following items are essential and you should ensure that you are ready to commit to both the one-off and ongoing costs involved with having a pet.
Cage
Cage stand
Cage cover
Water pot
Seed pot
Seed guard
Budgerigar food
Perches
Bath
Toys
Sand/sand sheets and grit
Cuttlefish
Mineral block
Pet safe disinfectant
Book on budgie care
Pet code of practice
Owning a pet is a responsibility and owners must always ensure that they act in a way that ensures the best welfare for their pet and does not endanger the local ecosystem. Pet’s (companion animals) must never be released into the wild. It is illegal and for most species this will lead to an untimely and possibly lingering death, as they are not native to this country. Any animals or plants that do survive might become harmful to the environment. If you can no longer keep your pet then seek advice at a local pet store, rescue centre or specialist pet club.
Soiled substrate, cage décor and waste water, particularly from fish tanks or amphibian housing, should also be carefully disposed of or treated so that potentially harmful diseases or live food can’t escape into the wild.
Are you ready?
Now that you have made your way through the presentation, it’s time to take the test and move one step closer to proving your knowledge and receiving your certificate.
But first…
In order to access a Pet Know How test, you first need to register some details.
Why do you need to register?
We collect limited personal data in order to personalise Pet Know How certificates, confirm participation of a Pet Know How test, record your certificate number and personalise your website experience. We do not share data with any third parties or use it for marketing. Please see our privacy policy for full details.
