Budgerigar

Budgerigar key facts

Care level

Beginner-friendly

Lifespan

7-15 years

Size

18-20cm

Temperature

20〜30℃（適温25℃前後）

Diet

Seeds + pellets + vegetables/fruits

Cage

35cm+ wide. Provide perches and bath dish

Diet

Seed mix + pellets. Add greens like komatsuna

Taming

Hand-raised chicks tame easily. Daily out-of-cage time is essential

Notes

Teflon fumes are lethal. Always ensure ventilation

About Budgerigar

The budgerigar, native to the arid interior of Australia, was introduced to Europe in the nineteenth century and has since become one of the most widely kept pet birds in the world. Wild budgerigars display the classic yellow-and-green coloring, but centuries of selective breeding have produced hundreds of color mutations including blue, white, and pastel varieties. Compact at around 18 to 20 centimetres in length, males and females can be distinguished by the color of the cere — the fleshy area above the beak. Naturally curious and sociable, budgerigars bond readily with their owners and can be trained to perch on the hand. Males in particular are known for their ability to mimic words and simple phrases. Their modest space requirements and relatively low food costs make them a practical choice for first-time bird keepers and those living alone. With daily interaction and gentle handling, the bond deepens over time, and these little birds can share your life for ten years or more.

7 things to know before welcoming a Budgerigar

1. 1Cage Size Matters

   Budgies are active birds that need room to move, so a cage at least 60 cm wide and 50 cm tall is recommended. Provide multiple perches at different heights to encourage movement. A cage that is too small can lead to stress and lack of exercise.

2. 2Keep Temperatures Stable

   Budgies are sensitive to sudden temperature changes, with an ideal room temperature of 20–25°C. Avoid placing the cage near windows with direct sunlight or in the direct airflow of air conditioners and heaters, especially during summer and winter.

3. 3Social and Companion-Oriented

   Budgies are flock birds by nature and crave companionship. When kept alone, they need plenty of interaction with their owner each day. Prolonged isolation can lead to excessive calling or feather-plucking. Keeping a pair is worth considering if daily interaction time is limited.

4. 4Talking Ability Varies

   Budgies are among the more talkative parrot species, but vocal ability varies considerably between individuals. Males are generally more prone to mimicking words. Consistent daily practice—repeating the same phrases calmly—helps, but not every bird will learn to talk, so set realistic expectations.

5. 5Diet: Pellets or Mixed Seeds

   The main diet should consist of budgie-formulated pellets or a mixed seed blend. Seed-only diets can be high in fat, so supplementing with leafy greens such as komatsuna or bok choy several times a week helps maintain balance. Never feed avocado, onions, or chocolate, as these are toxic to birds.

Frequently asked questions about Budgerigar

Q.Is it better to keep one budgerigar or a pair?

A.Keeping a single bird tends to encourage stronger bonding with the owner and makes hand-taming and speech training easier. A pair or group will keep each other entertained and may experience less loneliness, though they may show less interest in human interaction. Consider your lifestyle and goals when deciding.

Useful tools for Budgerigar care

Learn more about Budgerigar in the encyclopedia

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