Budgerigar Care
Keep your budgie healthy and
happy
Advice on using the right accessories
for your budgerigar
Handling
The correct
way to hold a budgie is to close the palm of your
hand over the bird`s back and wings, while holding
the head firmly between your thumb, index and
middle fingers. If you hold your bird regularly
from a young age he should become used to it and
not protest too much. Beware that birds not used
to being handled or obese may become stressed
and could even die of heart failure.
Housing Cages
The minimum
size for a budgie cage should be 60cm long, 50cm
wide, and 40cm deep, alowing the bird to spread
its wings without touching the sides. If keeping
a pair the length should be at least 70cm. Many
types and shapes of cages are available from good
pet shops. The cage should have at least some
bars running horizontaly for climbing and the
bars should be close enough that the bird can
not push its head through and get stuck. It is
worth replacing the perches supplied with most
cages for natural branches of varying diameters,
these will help exercise your birds feet. Use
branches from fruit trees and make sure they are
clean. Budgies also often enjoy having something
to keep them occupied and there are many toys
available especially designed for budgies. Do
not over fill the cage though with toys etc.
Housing Aviaries
Budgerigars
can be kept in aviaries outside, they should be
draught-free and dry, preferably facing the sun
but with a shaded, insulated room for cover. Many
ready made aviaries are avialable from bird specialists.
Feeding
Budgerigars
need a mixed seed as a basic diet. Most pet shops
stock suitable seed mixtures containing millet,
canary seed, linseed, niger, rape and grain. You
may supplement this seed with a variety of fruit
in small quantities such as apple, carrot, chickweed,
dandelion, spinach and seeding grasses. During
the brooding and rearing period, breeders may
also offer soaked wheat bead, boiled eggs, greated
cheese etc. specialist egg food is also available
from pet shops. And don't forget to provide fresh
clean water at least daily. This should be chlorine
free, standing the water for several hours in
a large bowl will reduce the chlorine.
Cleaning
The cage/aviary
and furnishings should be kept clean. Use a mild
detergent in water or a disinfectant cleaner available
from pet shops specifically designed for the purpose.
Health
Sick budgerigars
will rapidly lose weight and should be treated
as soon as possible. One sign of a sick bird is
sudden inactivity. Sick birds should be kept quiet
and warm. Veterinary help should be sought as
soon as possible, you may offer the bird glucose
water. Injuries may be covered with gauze or tissue
paper but do not treat with iodine or other antiseptic
unless advised by a vet.
We also
have pet
care and advice sheets for other pets:
Dog
Care Advice Sheet
Cat Care
Advice Sheet
Reptile
Care Advice Sheet
View All
Our Pet Care Advice Sheets
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