Budgerigar

In addition to seed mix and pellets, suitable fruits and vegetables are also provided including:

• Spinach
• Beans and Peas
• Broccoli
• Carrots
• Dandelions

Breeding

Budgies are considered to be opportunistic breeders and will breed at any time of year if conditions are favourable, in the wild this is typically during spring and early summer. While captive budgies are capable of producing a large number of clutches it is recommended they be limited to two per year to avoid parents developing nutrient deficiencies. Clutches typically contain 4-8 eggs with eggs taking 18-21 days to hatch. Eggs are often laid 2-3 days apart with the youngest egg of the clutch occasionally hatching before the last being laid. After hatching juveniles take a further thirty days to fledge.

Budgies like most Australian parrots nest in tree hollows or cavities on cliff faces. In captivity, each breeding pair has a nesting box available that mimics these hollows. The base of each box is covered in a layer on untreated saw dust or wood shavings.

Typical Behaviour

Budgies are highly social animals which naturally live in large flocks so should be given every opportunity to interact to avoid becoming bored or stressed. One simple method is to provide a range of natural wooden perches for them to spend time preening one another. They will often shred leaves and flowers so these perches are regularly changed. Plants native to the bird’s home range such as gums are also used.

Fun Facts

• Budgies are thought to be the third most popular pet in the world after the dog and the cat.
• Australian Aboriginals would follow budgie flocks to find water and food. The name budgerigar is derived from the indigenous Gamilaraay name “betcherrygah” which translates to good food.