What You Should Know Before Getting a Budgerigar
Thinking about bringing home a budgie? These tiny parrots are full of personality and can be amazing companions — but they do need more care than people often expect. If you're new to birds or just curious about what it's really like to live with one, here’s what I’ve learned over the years working closely with pet owners and birds alike.
Budgies Are Affordable — But Not “Low Maintenance”
Yes, the bird itself might only cost $10 to $35, but the real investment is in the setup and ongoing care. Expect to spend around $300 in your first year when you add in the cage, toys, perches, food, and vet visits. After that, monthly costs are pretty manageable — but only if you’re committed to their wellbeing.
And don’t let their size fool you — these little guys need your time, attention, and a clean, enriched environment. If you're looking for a "set-it-and-forget-it" pet, a budgie isn’t it.
Cage Size Matters (More Than You Think)
A budgie needs room to stretch those wings and fly a bit — even inside the cage. Go for the biggest cage you can reasonably fit in your home. Minimum size? About 18.5 inches in all directions. But honestly, bigger is better.
Choose a cage with horizontal bars (so they can climb), plenty of perches, and a few safe toys. Rotate the toys weekly to keep things interesting. Mirrors can be comforting, but don’t overdo it — they can become obsessed with their reflection and isolate themselves.
And yes, their cage gets messy. Daily spot cleaning (like changing the liner and refreshing food and water) is a must. I’ve seen budgies become sick just because their water wasn’t kept clean.
These Birds Need Social Time — Every Day
Budgies are super social. In the wild, they live in flocks, so they crave companionship. That could be you, another budgie, or both.
A single budgie will often bond closely with its human and may even learn to talk. But if you’re gone most of the day and can't give them daily attention, consider getting a pair. Just know that bonded budgies might not bond with you in the same way — and they probably won’t mimic speech as much.
Either way, put their cage in a room where you spend time, talk to them often, and be patient. Earning their trust can take time, but it’s so rewarding when they finally hop onto your finger or chirp back at you.
Yes, Budgies Can Talk — But Not All Do
Male budgies especially can pick up words and whistles, and some can develop surprisingly large vocabularies. But not every bird will talk, and paired birds usually chirp at each other instead of mimicking you.
If talking is important to you, start with a young male and keep him solo (with lots of human interaction). Talk to him, play music, and be consistent. The more they hear something, the more likely they are to repeat it.
Daily Flight Time Is Non-Negotiable
These birds need to fly. Letting your budgie out of the cage for at least 1–2 hours a day helps them burn energy, stay mentally sharp, and avoid obesity.
But safety first: close windows and doors, turn off ceiling fans, put away anything sharp or toxic, and keep other pets out of the room. I always recommend supervising them closely — even a quick dip in a sink can be dangerous.
Diet Is Way More Than Just Seeds
This is probably the most common mistake I see: feeding budgies a seed-only diet. They love seeds, but too many can lead to obesity, liver problems, and nutrient deficiencies.
Aim for:
- 75% high-quality pellets
- 20–25% fresh veggies and some fruit (think carrots, broccoli, apples, leafy greens)
- <5% seeds or treats
Also, avoid giving them avocado, chocolate, caffeine, or anything salty or sugary — those can be toxic in even tiny amounts. A cuttlebone is a great way to provide calcium.
If your bird is already hooked on seeds, try gradually introducing healthier options over a week or so. I’ve had some success using sprouted seeds as a stepping stone.
Health Issues Happen — Be Proactive
Budgies can hide illness really well (they’re prey animals — it’s a survival tactic), so you’ve got to pay attention. Look out for fluffed feathers, changes in appetite, lethargy, sneezing, or odd droppings.
Common issues include:
- Obesity and fatty liver disease (from too many seeds)
- Vitamin deficiencies
- Tumors
- Overgrown beaks or nails
- Respiratory infections like psittacosis
A yearly checkup with an avian vet is ideal. And if something feels “off,” don’t wait — early treatment can make a big difference.
Budgies can be chatty, cheerful, and full of life — but they thrive only when their physical, social, and emotional needs are met. If you're ready to give them that, they’ll reward you with years of joy, chirps, and maybe even a word or two.