EXPERIENCE ROXY'S PET SHOP CARE SHEETS

• Cage Size: Budgies are active, playful birds, so they need space to move around. The minimum cage size for one budgie should be 18 inches wide x 18 inches deep x 18 inches high, but larger cages are always better, especially if you have more than one bird. The bigger the space, the better for your budgie’s physical and mental health.
• Bar Spacing: The bar spacing should be ½ inch to 5/8 inch to prevent your budgie from squeezing through the bars.
• Location: Place the cage in a safe, quiet area where your budgie can observe family life without being exposed to drafts, direct sunlight, or extreme temperatures. Avoid placing their cage in the kitchen due to the risk of toxic fumes from cooking, or in rooms with open windows, which can be dangerous for small birds.
• Perches: Provide a variety of perches in different sizes and materials. Natural wood perches (e.g., apple, willow, or eucalyptus) are ideal as they are better for foot health. Avoid smooth plastic perches that can cause foot problems like bumblefoot. Budgies also love to climb, so make sure there are plenty of vertical and horizontal perches.
• Toys & Enrichment: Budgies are playful and intelligent, so they need mental stimulation. Provide a variety of toys such as chewable blocks, bells, swings, mirrors, ladders, and foraging toys. Change the toys regularly to keep them engaged and prevent boredom.

• Fresh Fruits & Vegetables: Supplement their diet with fresh, safe fruits and vegetables. Great options include apple slices, carrots, spinach, broccoli, peas, cucumber, berries, and sweet peppers. Avoid offering avocado, onions, or citrus fruits, as they can be toxic to budgies.
• Seeds: While many budgies love seeds, they should only make up a small portion of their diet (no more than 10-15%). A seed mix with millet, canary seed, and oats is common, but make sure it’s free of excess sunflower seeds, as they are high in fat and not nutritionally balanced.
• Fresh Water: Always provide fresh, clean water. Change the water daily to keep it free of bacteria and contaminants.
• Calcium: Budgies need calcium for healthy bones, especially females. Provide a cuttlebone or calcium block to ensure they get enough calcium, which is essential for their overall health.
• Sprouts: Freshly sprouted seeds are a great addition to their diet and provide extra nutrition. You can sprout seeds yourself or buy them from a reputable pet store.

• Companionship: Budgies are highly social birds and thrive on companionship, either with other budgies or their human family members. If you have only one budgie, make sure you give it plenty of attention daily. If you have two or more, they will often bond with each other, but you still need to interact with them regularly to maintain a strong bond with your birds.
• Bonding: Budgies are affectionate and enjoy human interaction, though they may take some time to warm up. Start with short, gentle interactions and use positive reinforcement (treats and praise) to build trust. Once they are comfortable, many budgies will happily sit on your shoulder or hand and enjoy social time with you.
• Training: Budgies are highly intelligent and can be trained to perform simple tricks, like step up, turn around, or fetch. Some budgies can even learn to mimic human speech or whistles. Training should be done with patience and positive reinforcement, using treats and praise to reward good behavior.
• Out-of-Cage Time: Budgies need regular out-of-cage time to fly, exercise, and explore. Make sure the room is bird-proofed (windows, toxic plants, electric cords) to prevent accidents. Supervise your bird during this time, as they are curious and can get into trouble if left unsupervised.

• Feather Care: Budgies are self-groomers and spend a lot of time preening to keep their feathers clean. They may also enjoy occasional light misting or bathing. Provide a shallow dish of water or spray your budgie with warm water for a bath. Make sure they dry off afterward to avoid getting chilled.
• Nail & Beak Care: Budgies generally keep their nails and beaks trimmed naturally through climbing and chewing. However, their nails may need occasional trimming if they grow too long. If your budgie’s beak becomes overgrown or deformed, it’s best to consult with an avian vet.
• Health Monitoring: Budgies are generally hardy birds, but it’s important to monitor them for signs of illness. Changes in droppings, lethargy, loss of appetite, or changes in behavior are signs that something may be wrong. Common health issues include respiratory infections, feather-plucking, and mites. Regular vet checkups are recommended, and if you suspect your budgie is ill, seek advice from an avian vet immediately.
• Molting: Budgies go through a natural molting process a couple of times a year, where they shed old feathers to make room for new ones. During this time, they may appear a bit scruffy and might be more sensitive. Provide extra nutrition during molting to support their feather regrowth.

• Nesting: Budgies can breed in captivity, but breeding should only be done if you're prepared for the responsibility of caring for eggs and chicks. To encourage breeding, provide a nesting box (about 8 inches x 8 inches x 12 inches) with soft bedding like shredded paper.
• Egg Laying: Female budgies may lay eggs even without a mate. If you don’t want your female budgie to lay eggs, remove any nesting materials and avoid stimulating breeding behaviors (like providing a mate or excessive daylight). Ensure they have calcium supplements like a cuttlebone to help prevent egg-binding.
• Chicks: Budgies are generally good parents and will care for their chicks until they are ready to leave the nest. If you are planning to hand-feed chicks, you need to be prepared for the intensive care and regular feedings required.

• Affectionate & Playful: Budgies are very social and affectionate birds. They enjoy interacting with their human caregivers and can develop strong bonds. Many budgies like to sit on your shoulder or play with your hands, while others may enjoy exploring and playing with toys.
• Vocalization: Budgies are quite vocal and love to chirp, whistle, and sing. They can make a variety of sounds, from sweet melodies to playful calls. Some budgies are talented mimics and can learn to say a few words or phrases. While they’re not as loud as larger parrots, they can still create a fair amount of noise throughout the day.
• Curious & Independent: Budgies are very curious and enjoy exploring their environment. They are intelligent and can learn new things quickly, which makes them excellent candidates for training and interactive toys. While they enjoy socializing, they can also be independent at times, preferring to fly or play on their own.

• Toxic Plants & Materials: Keep your budgie away from toxic plants such as pothos, lilies, azaleas, and oleander. Avoid using non-stick cookware (like Teflon), which can release toxic fumes when overheated.
• Other Pets: If you have other pets, particularly cats or dogs, supervise them around your budgie. Even though budgies are small, they can defend themselves, but it’s safer to ensure that other animals can’t harm your bird. Keep the budgie’s cage in a secure, safe location where it can’t be knocked over or disturbed by other pets.

Budgies are fun, friendly, and intelligent companions that can bring joy to your life with their playful antics and affectionate nature. By providing them with a balanced diet, a safe and enriching environment, plenty of social interaction, and regular vet care, your budgie can live a long, healthy, and happy life.

Whether you're a first-time bird owner or an experienced bird lover, budgies are an excellent choice thanks to their engaging personalities and easy-to-manage care requirements. Keep an eye on their health, socialize them regularly, and provide plenty of toys and enrichment to keep your budgie mentally and physically stimulated. If you ever have concerns about your budgie’s health or behavior, an avian vet will be able to help you provide the best care possible.