Budgies Petcare Advice Sheet

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General

Budgies are cheerful hardy companions which respond well to training and there are a variety of breeds available.

However an aviary is expensive to buy or build and needs regular cleaning, which is a big commitment.

A lone budgie will bond to you, budgies kept together will usually bond with each other and not learn to talk.

A budgie needs

• To be housed with enough space to fly.
• An aviary, (or a very large budgie cage with free flight outside of it every day) safe from predators, with sleeping areas and giving protection from cold, draughts and heat.
• Perches for sleeping on, which must be different widths to prevent foot cramp.
• Branches or other items like toys and safe untreated plants (Asparagus ferns, Lilacs, Marigolds, Rubber plant, Wandering Jew, apple trees and Willow) put in the aviary to create an interesting place to live in, if kept in the house when out for free flight be aware of house plants that might be toxic to birds. Please see The Budgie Place for a list of toxic and non-toxic plants.
• Companionship (to be with other budgies) or if you have a number of hours a day to spend with your budgie
• Budgie seed and regular treats such as grated carrots, apples and broccoli and the odd boiled egg cooled and chopped, budgies cannot live on seed alone.
• Sand or sanded sheets on the floor: Grit to help with digestion.
• A cuttlefish bone, iodine block and millet sprays.
• Fresh drinking water always available.
• Water for bathing or a spray of water twice a week (keep bird warm and free from draughts when wet) (your local pet shop will usually sell plume spray that can be diluted in water, for an extra healthy plumage).
• To be away from draughts and direct sunlight.
• Toys to play with and human contact.
• Daily exercise.
• Regular cleaning of living areas.
• To be looked after at holiday times.
• Your time and interest for the rest of its life!

Fact Sheet

Lifespan

Up to 10 years

Breeding

Budgies should not be allowed to breed under the age of 10 months, as they are too immature for the strain of rearing young. T.S.P.R.C. will not re-home budgies where there is an intention to breed them.

Handling

Budgies can be trained to land on the index finger. When being held, one hand is placed over the birds back. The tail should be along the inside of the wrist and head should never rest between first and second fingers. The thumb and other fingers restrain the wings.

Companionship

In the wild, budgies live in large groups called flocks. When kept in captivity (in cages), they should always have the companionship of other budgies.

Ailments

Scaly Face

A gray crust, which spreads around the beak and other parts of the face. Can be treated with a medicine - a germicide supplied by a veterinary surgeon

Overgrown beak

Normally kept in trim by pecking at a cuttlefish bone. An over grown beak should be trimmed by a vet

Overgrown claws

Should be clipped by a vet. Perches with a natural rough surface lessen the problem

Cold, bronchitis, pneumonia

Advanced signs include bird huddled on its perch, wheezing, gasping for breath. Keep warm and seek advice from a vet

Feather plucking

This often indicates boredom. Introducing toys and another budgie makes life more interesting