Budgerigar

Budgerigars (Melopsittacus undulatus) are small, vibrant parrots native to Australia, known for their playful personalities and ability to mimic speech. These social birds thrive on interaction, requiring mental stimulation and companionship. Their diet includes seeds, fresh greens, and calcium supplements. A spacious cage with varied perches and toys ensures their well-being. With proper care, budgies can live 5-15 years, bringing lively energy to any home.

Budgerigar Care Guide

ESSENTIAL FACTS

Feature Details
Scientific Name Melopsittacus undulatus
Size/Weight 7-8 inches | 25-40g
Lifespan 5-10 years (up to 15 with optimal care)

IDENTIFICATION

Feature Details
Colors Green (wild), blue, yellow, white, pied
Cere (Nose) ♂: Blue | ♀: Tan/Brown (adults)
Markings Black wavy lines on head/wings

DIET

Component Details
Base Diet High-quality budgie seed mix (1-2 tsp/day)
Fresh Foods Leafy greens, grated carrot (1 tsp/day)
Supplements Cuttlebone, mineral block

HOUSING

Feature Details
Cage Size Minimum 18″L × 18″W × 24″H
Perches Varied diameters (0.5-1″), natural wood
Placement Draft-free, eye-level, away from kitchens

BEHAVIOR

Trait Details
Vocalization Chattering, mimicry (especially males)
Social Needs Highly social (keep in pairs or interact daily)
Playfulness Loves mirrors, bells, and climbing toys
Budgies care guide and products

Budgerigar Care Schedule

DAILY CARE

Task Details Time
Fresh Food Seed mix (1-2 tsp) + chopped veggies (1 tsp) Morning (refresh evening)
Water Change Clean water with apple cider vinegar rinse (1:10 ratio) AM & PM
Flight Time Supervised out-of-cage exercise 1-2 hours
Social Time Talking, training, or gentle handling 30-60 mins

WEEKLY CARE

Task Details Frequency
Cage Deep Clean Remove all perches/toys, scrub with bird-safe disinfectant Sunday
Toy Rotation Swap 2-3 toys to prevent boredom Wednesday
Mineral Block Replace cuttlebone/iodine block As needed

MONTHLY CARE

Task Details When
Nail Trim Check and trim if overgrown 1st of month
Perch Replacement Swap worn wooden perches As needed
Full Health Check Weight, feathers, eyes, vent inspection Monthly

Budgerigar Pro Tips

Diet: Offer sprouted seeds 2x/week for extra nutrition.

Training: Best trained in short 5-10 minute sessions daily.

Molting: Increase protein (hard-boiled egg) during feather regrowth.

Toys: Prefer small bells, mirrors, and shreddable materials.