The budgie, also known as a parakeet, ranks among the smallest parrot species people commonly keep as pets. Their popularity as pet birds worldwide stems partly from their affordability. These small parrots are extremely friendly and easy to tame.
Origin and History
Native to Australia, the budgie and other parakeet species populate the grasslands in large flocks. These wild species are slightly smaller than the birds commonly found in pet stores today, which have been bred in captivity for decades.
English naturalist John Gould introduced the budgie to Europe around 1840, quickly making them popular pets. By 1894, Australia had banned the export of budgies, spurring a thriving European breeding industry. The bird took longer to reach America, arriving around 1920, but by the 1950s, it had gained massive popularity.
In the pet trade, there are two main types of budgies—the American budgie or parakeet and the English budgie. Pet stores most often carry the American variety, while the larger English budgie is more commonly seen in exhibitions and shows. Despite their different appearances, both types are of the same species.
Temperament
Budgies are gentle, docile, and tame easily, especially when young. While pairs of budgies keep each other company, they may not bond as closely with their owners or mimic speech as effectively if they focus on each other. Budgies are also playful, active, and relatively quiet compared to other parrot species.
Speech and Vocalizations
Parakeets can mimic human speech, although they may not be the easiest birds to understand. With some training, they can learn a few simple words. Besides human speech, parakeets are adept at mimicking other sounds, such as a creaking door, a squeaking chair, or the tone of an incoming text message, often replicating these sounds after hearing them repeatedly.
Colors and Markings
In the wild, the typical colouration of a budgie is light green with black bars on its wings, back, and head. Usually, mature females have a tan or beige cere (the fleshy part around the nostrils), and males have a bluish cere. Young budgies display bar markings on their foreheads, which fade as they age, and their eyes have dark irises that turn grey over time. Selective breeding in the pet trade has produced a vast array of colours and patterns, including violet, blue, yellow, pied, albino, and the iconic neon green.
Caring for Parakeets
Budgies are active and playful and require a spacious cage to accommodate toys, sleeping areas, eating spaces, and flight. The minimum cage dimensions should be 20 inches long by 12 inches deep by 18 inches high; however, larger cages are preferable. The cage bars should be spaced no more than half an inch apart to prevent escapes and ensure the bird doesn’t get stuck. Horizontal bars are ideal for climbing and exercise. Install several perches at varied heights to allow easy movement, and include perches of different sizes, shapes, and textures to maintain healthy feet. The cage should also house a nest for sleeping, dishes for food and water, and a variety of toys and chewable items.
Even with a large cage, budgies need playtime and socialization outside of their enclosure. Flight is crucial for birds, but it should only occur in a secure and safe area. If controlling the flight area is a concern, consider trimming the wings slightly to reduce their flying capability.
Like most parrots, budgies are social creatures. Many owners keep them in pairs to ensure they entertain each other and stay content. A single budgie can also thrive if the owner interacts with it extensively each day.
Common Health Issues
Budgies face several health challenges common to parrots and some specific to their species. They are at risk of developing goitres from iodine deficiency and may develop tumours if their diet is too seed-heavy and lacks sufficient fruits and vegetables. Additionally, budgies can contract psittacosis (also known as parrot fever), which is caused by bacteria, and they are vulnerable to scaly mites that can affect the skin on their legs and around their eyes.
Diet and Nutrition of Budgie
A diverse diet is crucial for parakeets, as they are natural foragers. While seeds are nutritious and can be part of a budgie’s diet, their high-fat content .They should only constitute a part of the overall diet due to their high-fat content. Pelleted diets, which are nutritionally balanced, are often recommended for birds. Seeds and pellets can be combined, but it’s important to also include a variety of fresh vegetables (such as carrots, broccoli, corn, spinach, and beans) and fruits in their diet.
Introducing new foods to your budgie requires patience, as new items can be intimidating to them. Sprouted seeds are a great addition to a bird’s diet, enhancing variety. However, foods like avocados, chocolate, sugar, and salt should be avoided due to their harmful effects.
Providing a cuttlebone in the cage will help supply your budgie with the necessary calcium.
Exercise
Providing ample free flying time is essential for a budgie’s health; aim to allow several hours each day in a secure room. A large houseplant can serve as an excellent playground. To ensure both physical exercise and mental stimulation, your budgie should have access to a variety of toys. Rotating the toys monthly prevents boredom.
Where to Adopt or Buy a Parakeet Budgies are readily available at most pet stores, but choosing a bird requires careful consideration. Purchasing directly from a breeder is often preferable. If easy taming is your goal, opt for a young budgie that has been handled regularly. While hand-reared or very young birds may cost more, the investment can be worthwhile for easier and quicker hand-taming. Pet stores typically offer older birds, which might present more challenges in hand-taming.
When selecting a bird, look for one that is bright, alert, and active. Its feathers should be smooth, shiny, and flat against the body. Ensure the vent is clean, dry, and free of faecal matter. The bird’s feet scales should be smooth; its nails and beak should not be overgrown; and its nostrils should be clear and clean, without any feather clumping around them.
Conclusion
Budgies are delightful and vibrant pets that thrive with proper care and attention. Their health can be maintained through a balanced diet, avoiding high-fat seed-only diets, and ensuring they get enough iodine to prevent goitres. Regular interaction and mental stimulation through a variety of toys and safe flying opportunities are crucial for their well-being. When considering adding a budgie to your home, it’s best to choose a young, frequently handled bird from a reputable breeder for easier taming and bonding. Always check the health indicators of any budgie before purchasing to ensure you select a vibrant and healthy bird. With the right care and environment, a budgie can be a joyful and engaging companion.
