| Common Name | Budgie, Budgerigar, Australian Parakeet |
| Latin Name | Melopsittacus undulatus |
| Average Lifespan (American) | 8 - 13 Years |
| Average Length | 18 cm (7 Inches) |
| Average Weight | 35 to 50 grams |
| Song Type | Chattering, Chirping |
Noise Level & Talking Ability
Budgies are great talkers, and both male and female will learn to speak words if trained. A big factor in the birds talking is hand-raising. Hand raised birds are more likely to speak. Both male and female budgies have the ability to speak with proper training. In 1995, Guinness World Records credited a budgie as the bird with the largest vocabulary. The budgie, named Puck, was able to speak over 1700 words. Budgies are extremely capable talkers, but, as with all parrots, the owner must put time and energy into training their bird. Budgies are typically quiet birds but can produce some noise at times. They are suitable for apartments.
Physical Features
General plumage yellowish-green; back of head, sides of neck, upper back and wing coverts pale brownish, each feather barred with black and yellow; throat and facial area yellow; variable violet-blue patch to lower cheeks; three black spots across each side of throat; feathers to sides of breast with narrow black edging; primary-coverts pale blue; flight feathers grey-greenish with pale cross stripes; underside grey with whitish wing-stripe; upper side of middle tail-feathers greenish-blue with dark tips, underside blackish; outer tail-feathers green with broad yellow stripes, underside grey with yellow stripes; bill olive-horn color; cere blue (male) (brown female) ; narrow periophthalmic ring grey; iris whitish; feet grey.
Green Series: These birds have a pigment called Psittacin causing them to appear in shades of green or yellow depending on other mutations that may be present.
Blue Series: These birds lack a pigment called Psittacin causing them to appear in shades of blue or white depending on other mutations that may be present. In some cases there is only a partial lack of Psittacin, these birds appear blue-green or cream.
Rainbow Budgie: These birds are a combination of mutations that fall into the blue series. They are birds that are visually yellowface or goldenface, opaline, clearwing, and blue (including violet and dark factors). True rainbow budgies are quite rare. Exotic Wings has dedicated time and effort to ensure we produce healthy, true rainbow budgies.
Pet Profile
These budgies are hand raised and socialized by the staff and volunteers at Exotic Wings & Pet Things, this makes them ideal for companion pet birds to socialize with outside of the cage on a daily basis. Handfed Budgies make fantastic family pet birds and are great for first time bird owners. Do not let their small size fool you, budgies are very intelligent and will love to be socialized and to play. They are busy little birds who are always moving from one thing to the next.
Diet
IMPORTANT NOTE: Budgies must have access to an iodine block which should be placed near their main food dish. When shopping for iodine blocks make sure the product explicitly states it is an iodine block and not just a pink coloured "mineral block".
Budgies do NOT require grit or gravel to be provided in the cage. Budgies are a parrot, and thus hull their seeds. Feeding grit can lead to many complications including crop impaction, digestive tract blockages, and even death.
Bird pellets such as ZuPreem Natural pellets should make up the majority of the diet. Their diet can be kept varied with fresh fruits and veggies along with whole wheat or veggie pasta plus cooked rice which has been cooled down to room temperate. Cooked sweet potato cooled to room temperature is also great for providing extra Vitamin A content!
Housing
A single budgie needs a minimum of approximately 3 square feet of cage area with maximum wire spacing of 5/8" inches. Proper toys and perches must be present in the cage. A variety of textures and diameters ensures the feet are well exercised and prevents bumblefoot and severe arthritis as the bird grows older. Toys should include shreddables and preening options. DO NOT put a mirror or fake bird in your budgie's cage. These have been shown time and time again to do more harm than good.
Generally we recommend housing handfed birds as one per cage. People have housed more than one handfed budgie together and had the birds remain fairly friendly. This does require the owner to spend a lot more time with their birds (basically every spare second you have) and often still the birds are not as tame as if they were housed separately and did not have a "mate". This also raises the chances the birds may breed, which is a new set of responsibilities and dietary requirements to ensure the parents' and offspring's health.
Breeding Information
| Age of Maturity | 6 - 8 Months |
| Breeding Aviculture | Very Common |
| Average Clutch Size | 4 - 6 |
| Nest Box | 10 x 6 x 7 Inches |
| Breeding Life | 8 Years |
Budgerigars will most easily breed in captivity when provided with a reasonable-sized nest box. The eggs are typically one to two centimeters long and are pearl white without any colouration if fertile. Female budgerigars can lay eggs without a male partner, but these unfertilized eggs will not hatch. When the female is laying eggs, her cere turns a crusty brown colour. A female budgerigar will lay her eggs on alternate days. After the first one, there is usually a two-day gap until the next. She will usually lay between four and eight eggs, which she will incubate (usually starting after laying her second or third) for about 21 days each.
BREEDING NOTE: A budgie nest box should have a shallow circular divot for the female to lay her eggs in. Budgies do not need nor want nesting material.
Wild Status
Increasing - Least Concern
Last Assessed in August 2018 for the IUCN Red List
- Our website has an abundance of information about species, behaviour, talking ability, and ownership essentials you may need to begin. This is a great place to start narrowing down your search for the bird best suited for your family. Once you have researched various bird species and narrowed down your choices, please contact us via phone or email to create an appointment to meet the birds and ask any questions you may have in regards to care, nutrition, and the best fit for your home.
- We will set up a date and time for you to meet the bird(s). We will notify you of our current protocols and procedures. If you have decided on a specific bird, we recommend that you put a deposit on it. Birds will not be held without a minimum 50% deposit. If you put down a deposit before meeting the bird and after meeting the bird decide it is not a good fit, we can refund your the deposit in full. If you are placing a deposit prior to meeting a bird, your appointment to meet the bird must be within the following week.
- If you are meeting a bird(s) that is not weaned, you will not be able to take the bird home that same day. If you are meeting a bird that is weaned, and you are properly prepared to have the new bird in your home, we will go over a care sheet and answer any questions you have during your appointment. If that is too soon, and your home is not ready, you can book a pick-up appointment within the following week. Again, to reserve a bird you must put down at least a 50% deposit or payment in full.
- When your bird is weaned and ready to go home you will receive an email with the following information
• A link to our care sheet in printable PDF form.
• A link to book a timeslot for your care sheet / bird pick-up.
• A link to the food your bird is eating as well as toys, treats, and other essential items to start your new adventure!
- Read the care sheet, write down any questions you have, ensure you’ve got the correct food and a proper variety of toys and perches, as well as a suitable cage. Then book your pick-up appointment! Please show up within 5 minutes of the appointment start time. If you have a carrier for your new bird, feel free to bring it. We can provide a travel box if needed.
If you have additional questions about how to purchase one of our birds please take a look at our FAQ's for purchasing a new bird:
Before You Buy
We offer a seven-day health guarantee on our handfed birds. A mandatory educational care sheet will be gone over at time of purchase. You must provide your bird with suitable shelter, food, water, vitamins and minerals from time of purchase.
We suggest that within three days (72 hours) of purchase, you bring your bird to an avian vet for a complete examination. This is at the cost of the pet owner. Should any health problem occur or be discovered, inform us IMMEDIATELY, with a written report otherwise the health guarantee is void. Any veterinary fees at this point need to be cleared by Exotic Wings & Pet Things Inc.
The health guarantee does not apply if there is another bird in your home that was not purchased from Exotic Wings & Pet Things Inc. or if the bird leaves the store unclipped.
We cannot guarantee the gender or temperament of your bird. Our handfed birds are tame but may take some time to adjust to their new surroundings. The more time is spent socializing with your pet bird after they have settled into your household, the better your relationship with your pet will be. After the seven day period any warranty will be at the discretion of Exotic Wings & Pet Things Inc.
Shower your feathered friend (or furry companion!) with love and rewards at Exotic Wings! Our customer rewards program makes it easy to earn points and save on everything you need to keep your pet happy and healthy. Simply create a free account and you're automatically enrolled. Every dollar spent (excluding taxes and shipping) earns you a point, and those points add up quickly to valuable discounts! Redeem your points at checkout for savings on a variety of bird food, treats, toys, cages, and other pet essentials. We also offer bonus points for referring friends, so spread the love and watch your rewards grow even faster! Sign up today and start earning rewards on all your pet purchases at Exotic Wings!
Our program currently consists of both points & referrals!
Access your rewards by clicking the blue rewards widget on the bottom left of your screen.
Points:
- For every dollar you spend (excluding taxes and shipping) you are rewarded a point!
- Spend your points on discount codes which can be redeemed at checkout.
- 500 Points = $10.00 off an order over $50.00.
- 1000 Points = $25.00 off an order over $100.00.
Referrals:
- Sign into your account and share your referral link!
- Located in the rewards widget on the bottom right of your screen.
- They get a $5 off discount (For orders over $50.00)
- You get a bonus 25 Point for each successful referral.
Have questions about our rewards program? View rewards FAQ's.
| Common Name | Budgie, Budgerigar, Australian Parakeet |
| Latin Name | Melopsittacus undulatus |
| Average Lifespan (American) | 8 - 13 Years |
| Average Length | 18 cm (7 Inches) |
| Average Weight | 35 to 50 grams |
| Song Type | Chattering, Chirping |
Noise Level & Talking Ability
Budgies are great talkers, and both male and female will learn to speak words if trained. A big factor in the birds talking is hand-raising. Hand raised birds are more likely to speak. Both male and female budgies have the ability to speak with proper training. In 1995, Guinness World Records credited a budgie as the bird with the largest vocabulary. The budgie, named Puck, was able to speak over 1700 words. Budgies are extremely capable talkers, but, as with all parrots, the owner must put time and energy into training their bird. Budgies are typically quiet birds but can produce some noise at times. They are suitable for apartments.
Physical Features
General plumage yellowish-green; back of head, sides of neck, upper back and wing coverts pale brownish, each feather barred with black and yellow; throat and facial area yellow; variable violet-blue patch to lower cheeks; three black spots across each side of throat; feathers to sides of breast with narrow black edging; primary-coverts pale blue; flight feathers grey-greenish with pale cross stripes; underside grey with whitish wing-stripe; upper side of middle tail-feathers greenish-blue with dark tips, underside blackish; outer tail-feathers green with broad yellow stripes, underside grey with yellow stripes; bill olive-horn color; cere blue (male) (brown female) ; narrow periophthalmic ring grey; iris whitish; feet grey.
Green Series: These birds have a pigment called Psittacin causing them to appear in shades of green or yellow depending on other mutations that may be present.
Blue Series: These birds lack a pigment called Psittacin causing them to appear in shades of blue or white depending on other mutations that may be present. In some cases there is only a partial lack of Psittacin, these birds appear blue-green or cream.
Rainbow Budgie: These birds are a combination of mutations that fall into the blue series. They are birds that are visually yellowface or goldenface, opaline, clearwing, and blue (including violet and dark factors). True rainbow budgies are quite rare. Exotic Wings has dedicated time and effort to ensure we produce healthy, true rainbow budgies.
Pet Profile
These budgies are hand raised and socialized by the staff and volunteers at Exotic Wings & Pet Things, this makes them ideal for companion pet birds to socialize with outside of the cage on a daily basis. Handfed Budgies make fantastic family pet birds and are great for first time bird owners. Do not let their small size fool you, budgies are very intelligent and will love to be socialized and to play. They are busy little birds who are always moving from one thing to the next.
Diet
IMPORTANT NOTE: Budgies must have access to an iodine block which should be placed near their main food dish. When shopping for iodine blocks make sure the product explicitly states it is an iodine block and not just a pink coloured "mineral block".
Budgies do NOT require grit or gravel to be provided in the cage. Budgies are a parrot, and thus hull their seeds. Feeding grit can lead to many complications including crop impaction, digestive tract blockages, and even death.
Bird pellets such as ZuPreem Natural pellets should make up the majority of the diet. Their diet can be kept varied with fresh fruits and veggies along with whole wheat or veggie pasta plus cooked rice which has been cooled down to room temperate. Cooked sweet potato cooled to room temperature is also great for providing extra Vitamin A content!
Housing
A single budgie needs a minimum of approximately 3 square feet of cage area with maximum wire spacing of 5/8" inches. Proper toys and perches must be present in the cage. A variety of textures and diameters ensures the feet are well exercised and prevents bumblefoot and severe arthritis as the bird grows older. Toys should include shreddables and preening options. DO NOT put a mirror or fake bird in your budgie's cage. These have been shown time and time again to do more harm than good.
Generally we recommend housing handfed birds as one per cage. People have housed more than one handfed budgie together and had the birds remain fairly friendly. This does require the owner to spend a lot more time with their birds (basically every spare second you have) and often still the birds are not as tame as if they were housed separately and did not have a "mate". This also raises the chances the birds may breed, which is a new set of responsibilities and dietary requirements to ensure the parents' and offspring's health.
Breeding Information
| Age of Maturity | 6 - 8 Months |
| Breeding Aviculture | Very Common |
| Average Clutch Size | 4 - 6 |
| Nest Box | 10 x 6 x 7 Inches |
| Breeding Life | 8 Years |
Budgerigars will most easily breed in captivity when provided with a reasonable-sized nest box. The eggs are typically one to two centimeters long and are pearl white without any colouration if fertile. Female budgerigars can lay eggs without a male partner, but these unfertilized eggs will not hatch. When the female is laying eggs, her cere turns a crusty brown colour. A female budgerigar will lay her eggs on alternate days. After the first one, there is usually a two-day gap until the next. She will usually lay between four and eight eggs, which she will incubate (usually starting after laying her second or third) for about 21 days each.
BREEDING NOTE: A budgie nest box should have a shallow circular divot for the female to lay her eggs in. Budgies do not need nor want nesting material.
Wild Status
Increasing - Least Concern
Last Assessed in August 2018 for the IUCN Red List
- Our website has an abundance of information about species, behaviour, talking ability, and ownership essentials you may need to begin. This is a great place to start narrowing down your search for the bird best suited for your family. Once you have researched various bird species and narrowed down your choices, please contact us via phone or email to create an appointment to meet the birds and ask any questions you may have in regards to care, nutrition, and the best fit for your home.
- We will set up a date and time for you to meet the bird(s). We will notify you of our current protocols and procedures. If you have decided on a specific bird, we recommend that you put a deposit on it. Birds will not be held without a minimum 50% deposit. If you put down a deposit before meeting the bird and after meeting the bird decide it is not a good fit, we can refund your the deposit in full. If you are placing a deposit prior to meeting a bird, your appointment to meet the bird must be within the following week.
- If you are meeting a bird(s) that is not weaned, you will not be able to take the bird home that same day. If you are meeting a bird that is weaned, and you are properly prepared to have the new bird in your home, we will go over a care sheet and answer any questions you have during your appointment. If that is too soon, and your home is not ready, you can book a pick-up appointment within the following week. Again, to reserve a bird you must put down at least a 50% deposit or payment in full.
- When your bird is weaned and ready to go home you will receive an email with the following information
• A link to our care sheet in printable PDF form.
• A link to book a timeslot for your care sheet / bird pick-up.
• A link to the food your bird is eating as well as toys, treats, and other essential items to start your new adventure!
- Read the care sheet, write down any questions you have, ensure you’ve got the correct food and a proper variety of toys and perches, as well as a suitable cage. Then book your pick-up appointment! Please show up within 5 minutes of the appointment start time. If you have a carrier for your new bird, feel free to bring it. We can provide a travel box if needed.
If you have additional questions about how to purchase one of our birds please take a look at our FAQ's for purchasing a new bird:
Before You Buy
We offer a seven-day health guarantee on our handfed birds. A mandatory educational care sheet will be gone over at time of purchase. You must provide your bird with suitable shelter, food, water, vitamins and minerals from time of purchase.
We suggest that within three days (72 hours) of purchase, you bring your bird to an avian vet for a complete examination. This is at the cost of the pet owner. Should any health problem occur or be discovered, inform us IMMEDIATELY, with a written report otherwise the health guarantee is void. Any veterinary fees at this point need to be cleared by Exotic Wings & Pet Things Inc.
The health guarantee does not apply if there is another bird in your home that was not purchased from Exotic Wings & Pet Things Inc. or if the bird leaves the store unclipped.
We cannot guarantee the gender or temperament of your bird. Our handfed birds are tame but may take some time to adjust to their new surroundings. The more time is spent socializing with your pet bird after they have settled into your household, the better your relationship with your pet will be. After the seven day period any warranty will be at the discretion of Exotic Wings & Pet Things Inc.
Shower your feathered friend (or furry companion!) with love and rewards at Exotic Wings! Our customer rewards program makes it easy to earn points and save on everything you need to keep your pet happy and healthy. Simply create a free account and you're automatically enrolled. Every dollar spent (excluding taxes and shipping) earns you a point, and those points add up quickly to valuable discounts! Redeem your points at checkout for savings on a variety of bird food, treats, toys, cages, and other pet essentials. We also offer bonus points for referring friends, so spread the love and watch your rewards grow even faster! Sign up today and start earning rewards on all your pet purchases at Exotic Wings!
Our program currently consists of both points & referrals!
Access your rewards by clicking the blue rewards widget on the bottom left of your screen.
Points:
- For every dollar you spend (excluding taxes and shipping) you are rewarded a point!
- Spend your points on discount codes which can be redeemed at checkout.
- 500 Points = $10.00 off an order over $50.00.
- 1000 Points = $25.00 off an order over $100.00.
Referrals:
- Sign into your account and share your referral link!
- Located in the rewards widget on the bottom right of your screen.
- They get a $5 off discount (For orders over $50.00)
- You get a bonus 25 Point for each successful referral.
Have questions about our rewards program? View rewards FAQ's.
Ownership Essentials
Monthly Specials
