8 Budgerigar Facts What to Know About the Budgerigar

What Are Budgies?

Budgerigars, also known as parakeets or “budgies,” are the most populartype of parakeet. They tend to be very friendly, talkative birds. There areabout 115 different types of budgies, all seed-eating parrots of small size andslender build.

Budgerigars are about 7.5 inches long andcome in hundreds of brilliant shades of greens and yellows. These birds tend tohave a shorter lifespan than some other parrot species, generally livingbetween 6–12 years.

8 Facts About the Budgerigar

1. Budgerigars Eat a Varied Diet

Budgerigars need a varied diet that includes:

·       Formulatedpellets

·       Fresh vegetables and fruits

·       Seeds provided as only an occasional treat

Most avian veterinarians recommend thatformulated pellets make up about 70% of the diet. The rest of the budgerigardiet may come from:

·       Fresh or frozen vegetables

·       Fresh or frozen fruits and grains

·       Small amounts of other protein sources, such as cooked egg ormeat (served as a treat only—consult with your veterinarian on best proteinsources for your unique pet)

While seed may be a favorite food amongbudgerigars, an exclusive, seed-only diet is notrecommended. Seeds are deficient in nearly all vital nutrients.

2. Budgerigars Need Regular Veterinary Care

Regular veterinary check-ups with abird-savvy veterinarian are vital. Budgerigars can experience a variety ofmedical problems, including:

·       Traumatic injuries to limbs or beaks from scuffles with otheranimals

·       Obesity

·       Liver disease

·       Gastrointestinal parasites

·       Other infections

Birds commonly mask signs of illness for aslong as possible, so an annual or bi-annual veterinary exam is important tohelp detect problems early and establish a normal baseline for the bird.Consider annual blood work and fecal analysis to screen for underlying healthissues.

3. Budgerigars Can Talk

Budgerigars can develop surprising vocabularies. Dependingon the individual bird and the amount of training they receive, budgerigars arecapable of learning dozens words in different languages.

4. Budgerigars Love to Fly

Whether or not you allow your budgerigar tofly freely in your home depends on your living situation. While it is niceto enable your pet bird to fly as they do in the wild, pet parents should makesure their home is safe for flying. Look out for dangers to a budgerigarincluding:

·       Other pets in the house

·       Windows

·       Mirrors

·       Ceiling fans

·       Open doors

Flying may not be practical for allbudgerigars, and wing clipping—or trimming the five outermost flight feather toprevent lift—may be the more prudent choice. Consult your veterinarian with anyquestions about free-flying or wing clipping.

5. Budgerigars Like to Be Warm

Generally, budgerigars are found in warmregions around the world. These birds prefer temperatures in the upper 70s tolow 80s F (particularly in areas of Australia, where they form large flocks inthe grasslands).

Budgerigars love warmer temperatures inyour home as well. The use of a ceramic heat lamp is recommended if your homeis particularly cool in the winter.

Budgerigars will also enjoy supervised timeout in natural sunlight (in a cage for their protection) whenever possible.Ultraviolet (UV) light is critical to enabling birds to make vitamin D in theirskin, which then enables them to absorb calcium from their food. SupplementalUV lights can also be used.

6. Budgerigars “Shower”

Budgerigars should be allowed to “shower”with water daily (or a minimum of twice per week) for optimal feather and skinhealth.

Pet parents can help their budgerigarsshower by providing a small water dish and gentry misting them with warm waterfrom a clean spray bottle.

7. Budgerigars Play with Toys

Budgerigars usually enjoy a wide varietyof bird toys, including:

·       Shredding toys (madefrom paper for your parrot to destroy)

·       Foot toys (topromote dexterity of the feet)

·       Swings

·       Noise makers

·       Foraging toys

8. Budgerigars Make Excellent Companions

Budgerigars are smart, silly, and tend tobond closely to their pet parents if they are handled consistently. It isimportant to move slowly at first to establish a trust-basedrelationship. Once a budgerigar accepts you, they love to spend time withyou.

Budgerigar FAQs

Are budgies parrots?

Yes, budgerigars are small hookbill parrots.

What's the difference between parakeets vs.budgies?

Budgerigars are also known as parakeets; the two are the same.

Are budgies loud?

Budgerigars are not as loud as many other parrot species butstill like to talk and chirp.

What are the different types of budgies?

Budgerigars come in many different colors and patterns,including:

·       Albino

·       Blue

·       Cinnamon-ino (lacewing)

·       Clearwing

·       Crested

·       Dark

·       Dilute (suffused)

·       Greywing

·       Opaline

·       Pied

·       Spangled

·       Violet