Key takeaways
- They need a roomy cage, company, toys and time out of the cage every day.
- They sleep 10 to 12 hours in a dark, quiet place.
- Fumes from non-stick pans and aerosols can be deadly to birds.
A social, active bird
Budgies live in flocks and spend their days flying, foraging and communicating. At home, they need to feel that company: they can live as a pair or with a person who spends time with them every day. A lonely, bored, confined budgie becomes apathetic or plucks its feathers. With good care they live 5 to 10 years, and some reach 15.
The ideal cage
Choose the biggest cage you can: it should let your bird spread its wings and fly short distances. For a pair, about 24 inches (60 cm) long is a reasonable minimum. Bars should be no more than half an inch (1.2 cm) apart so it can't get its head stuck. Add several perches of different widths and materials, avoiding only smooth plastic ones, at different heights. Place the cage at eye level, away from the kitchen, drafts and direct sun.
Feeding
Seeds alone aren't enough. The diet should combine budgie pellets, fresh vegetables every day, a little fruit and seeds as a complement. Change food and water daily. Read the full guide in What do budgies eat? And remember avocado, chocolate, caffeine and salt are dangerous.
Sleep and temperature
A budgie needs 10 to 12 hours of darkness and quiet to sleep. Cover the cage at night or move it to a calm room. Keep the temperature between 65 and 77 °F (18 to 25 °C), and avoid drafts and sudden changes.
Time out of the cage
Budgies need to fly. Let it out for one or two hours a day, always in a safe room: windows and doors closed, ceiling fan off, other pets out and no toxic plants. Always supervise it while it's loose.
Toys and entertainment
Offer small mirrors, swings, ropes, bells and chew toys, and rotate them weekly so it doesn't get bored. Hiding food in foraging toys keeps it active. Talking to it often and teaching it words is also a way to keep it company: try our Teach it to talk tool.
Hazards to know about
- Fumes from non-stick pans (Teflon) and from scented candles, aerosols and harsh cleaning products can be deadly.
- Open windows, fans and the kitchen are common causes of accidents.
- Other pets: to a dog or cat, a bird is prey. Never leave them together unsupervised.
- Toxic plants and foods. Check what you have with our Is it toxic? tool.
If it escapes, act fast by following what to do if your pet is lost.
Cage hygiene
Change the paper liner every day or two, wash food and water dishes daily and deep-clean the cage and perches once a week with hot water and a bird-safe cleaner. A dirty cage encourages mold and bacteria. Also offer a shallow bath or a gentle mist a couple of times a week: they love it and it keeps their feathers healthy.
Signs it's sick
Birds hide symptoms very well. See an avian vet if you notice fluffed feathers for long periods, excessive sleep during the day, breathing with the tail bobbing up and down, changes in droppings, loss of appetite or sitting on the cage floor. A yearly checkup is a good idea.
Frequently asked questions
Does a budgie need a companion? Many are happier in pairs. If it lives alone, you need to spend several hours a day with it.
How long do budgies live? 5 to 10 years, and some up to 15 with good care.
Do I need to trim their nails or beak? Perches of different widths and a cuttlebone usually do the job. If they grow too long, ask your vet.
This article is for information only and does not replace a visit to your vet.
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