The Budgie Bird - One of the Most Owned Parrots Around the World

Do you know what a budgie is? If you live in the United States you probably know it as being a parakeet. Budgies and parakeets are actually one in the same. The term parakeet is a generic label used to describe any small, parrot-like bird that has a long tail.

The Budgie/Parakeet is one of the most owned little parrots around the world. They are a favorite with many pet bird owners because they are small, capable of singing, talking and they are relatively easy to care for.

The Budgie short for Budgerigar are a native to Australia, and belong to the parrot family. They are colorful and graceful. They come in a variety of sizes from small to medium. They have long tapered tail feathers, and are full of energy. The average life-span of a budgie is generally 2-7 years, although there are some that have lived to 13 and ever older. Some budgies die before their first birthday. There are many factors that can affect the lifespan on a budgie. Many budgies die from natural causes like tumors, unfortunately they are very susceptible to them. Although budgies are often called parakeets, they are actually birds of the species Melopsittacus Undulatus.



How to tell the sex of your pet budgie:

The color of the cere, the fleshy area above its beak where its nostrils are is the best indicator of a pet budgie's sex. A male budgie will typically have a blue cere or it may be pink or pinkish purple in color. A female budgie will usually have a brown, white, light beige, or a reddish cere. Female budgies also have whitish rings around their nostrils.

Colors:
While green is the most common color, budgies are bred to produce many color mutations. These colors are categorized primarily by shades of blue or green. Most budgies have striped bars on their wings.

Diet:
Foods you should never give your budgie:
Never give your budgie alcohol, avocado or chocolate - these can kill your parrot! Also avoid asparagus, eggplant, cabbage, caffeine products, junk food, milk and cream, raw potato, and rhubarb (including the leaves).

Foods you can feed your budgie:
Radishes; turnips; carrots (root and tops); cooked sweet potatoes; radicchio;endive; mustard & dandelion greens; swiss chard; kale; parsley; cooked red potatoes; green beans; bok choy; tomato; sweet red & green, and other types of peppers; cauliflower;broccoli (head and leaves); beet & turnip greens; kohlrabi; sugar snap or snow peas; squash (peeled & steamed); red beets (peeled); romaine or green/red leaf lettuce; collard greens; corn; cucumber.

Fruits:
Apples;berries; kiwi; mango; cantaloupe; honeydew; pineapple; cherries; cranberries;
banana; pears; peaches; oranges; pomegranate; tangerines; grapefruit; papaya; grapes;
Apricots.

Make sure that you wash all vegetables and fruits thoroughly before feeding. Remove the pits, and all seeds from the fruit. Any vegetables and fruits left uneaten should be discarded daily so that it does not spoil. Since vegetables and fruits are high in water content, the urine portion of the droppings will increase.

Cage:
Your bird’s cage needs to be big enough for them to stretch and flap their wings without hitting the walls or any hanging toys. The bigger the better. No smaller than 12"x18"x18". Make sure that the spacing between the bars is no wider than 1/2-inch wide. Any wider than that and a budgie could squeeze through the bars and escape, or get stuck in the bars.

The decision to own a budgie should be considered carefully. Please consider the facts below before buying a budgie:

• Budgies needs daily exercise or it will soon become overweight.
• Budgies are highly active and need a variety of toys to play with and chew on.
• You should allow your budgie out of the cage for at least an hour a day to fly around and explore.
• Males seem to be more "talkative" than females.
• They have the ability to speak 100’s of words.
• They often have a favorite person, and that will be the person they will cuddle with.
• They do bite, and their bites feel like a hard pinch.
• Make sure that you socialize your bird when you bring it home so that it will be comfortable with many people handling them.
• A budgie might get somewhat loud is if it hears a bird outside and will call to it.
• Avoid mirrors in the cage until after you have tamed your budgie. They will think it's another bird and may bond to it instead of you.

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What Are The Best Birds For Apartment Living?

If there is one thing that birds are known for besides flight, it's the sounds of their calls and songs. While a bird's call may be music to the ears of its owner, not everyone will find it to be so pleasant -- and this can mean trouble for bird owners that live in apartments or condominiums. If you live in close proximity to your neighbors, a quieter bird species that do well in small spaces is for you. You are sure to find a species that will complement your home and lifestyle. Bear in mind that just because the bird is smaller doesn't mean that the care can be diminished. These birds deserve the same respect, the same care outlines and the same regard as their larger cousins. These are wonderful birds that need your time, attention and housekeeping just like the big guys do.

Parakeets (Budgies)
If you have your heart set on a hookbill, then a Parakeet or Budgie may be the way to go. Small and quiet, these little birds do well in cozier spaces and aren't loud enough to disturb most people. The trick to this is to find an enclosure or cage that is longer than it is high to give your budgie space to hop and fly. Round cages are out as well as cylindrical cages that are simply unsuitable.

Cockatiels
If you have room for a larger cage, a Cockatiel may be the bird for you. While they may take up a little more room than some smaller species, their calls and chirps rarely reach levels that may be deemed bothersome by neighbors. Cockatiels are wonderful little birds with quieter voices than many of the larger hookbills. They have a lot of personality and their ability to whistle and actually learn to whistle along with music is amazing. This is one of the most popular birds available as they easily adapt to most situations as far as living accommodations are concerned and they do well with other birds.

To read more on this story, click here: What Are The Best Birds For Apartment Living?

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Tips for Maintaining a Clean and Healthy Bird Cage

Cleaning your bird's cage can at first seem like a tedious chore. With so many bars, cracks, and crevices to scrub, it can be hard for new bird owners to figure out where to start.

Setting and adhering to a cleaning schedule for your bird's cage is essential to keeping this job as easy to handle as possible. Breaking the process down into simple tasks to be completed daily, weekly, and monthly not only saves you time and energy, but ensures that your bird always has a clean and comfortable cage to live in.

Daily Cleaning

Dirty cages can lead to a host of serious health problems in birds. Certain cleaning must be done every day to minimize your pet's risk of infection. Follow these simple steps daily to make sure that your bird's cage stays in top condition.

Change the cage liner. In addition to being uncomfortable, it is unhealthy for birds to walk around in discarded food and droppings. Unchanged cage papers can also emit a very unpleasant stench. Avoid these problems by making sure to replace the liner of your bird's cage every day.

Clean Food and Water Dishes. Remove your bird's food and water bowls daily and wash them with a mild dish detergent. This will prohibit the growth of bacteria that can potentially harm your pet. Make sure to rinse and dry them thoroughly before placing them back in your bird's cage.

Wipe Down Surfaces. Using a damp rag or paper towel, spot clean the surfaces of the cage, including the bars, perches, and any toys. To clean stubborn, stuck on messes, use a bird-safe cage cleaner.

Weekly Cleaning

Decide on a certain day each week to complete weekly cage cleaning duties. Keeping up with these tasks helps to reduce the chance of germs and bacteria taking up residence with your bird.

1.     Wash the Cage's Tray. Bird cages have a tray at the bottom that the cage liners are placed on. This tray should be removed at least once a week and scrubbed with a damp rag and cage cleaner. Remember to make sure that the tray is dry before putting the liners back in and replacing it.

2.     Remove and Scrub the Grate. Some bird cages have a grate at the bottom of the cage, that hangs suspended over the tray so that the droppings fall through to the bottom. This grate should be scrubbed weekly to remove any dried droppings that may have collected on it. The easiest way to clean a grate is to place it in a bathtub and use a scrub brush to remove the waste. As with all cage parts, make sure that it is completely dry before returning it to the cage.

3.     Clean and Change the Perches. Perches can also accumulate dirt and waste, and are a potential breeding ground for bacteria. They should, therefore, be soaked and scrubbed once a week to remove any germs that may be hiding on them. Some perches, especially the wooden ones, take quite a while to dry after they've been cleaned, so it's a good idea to keep a few "back-up" perches on hand. Put these in your bird's cage while the ones that you've cleaned are drying.

4.     Clean and Rotate Toys. Much like human babies, birds use their mouths to explore and play with their toys. Once a week, any toys that are in your pet's cage should be removed, soaked, and scrubbed. As with the perches, it may be helpful to have a variety of toys on hand for your bird. That way, you can rotate the toys every week when you do your cleaning, effectively making sure that your bird does not get bored with his playthings.

Monthly Cleaning

Once a month, you should do a thorough cleaning of the whole cage. If it is not too big, the easiest way to do this is to remove the perches, toys, dishes, grate, and tray and place the entire cage into the bathtub. Those with larger cages often take them outside to a deck or patio, using a water hose to spray the cage off. Do whatever works best for you, but make sure to follow these important tips:

• Use a Good Scrub Brush. Buy a sturdy scrub brush with durable bristles to scrub the bars and base of the cage with. Use a cage cleaner to help break down stuck on material that is hard to get off.

• Make Sure to Scrub the Cracks. Bird cages, particularly at the base, often have many cracks and crevices that provide an ideal place for germs to grow. Use the bristles of the scrub brush to get down into any grooves in the bird cage, and don't forget to scrub the corners where the bars are welded together.

• Rinse and Dry Thoroughly. Always remember to rinse every inch of the cage completely, to remove any remnants of cleaners or detergents. Once the cage is clean, wipe it down with a towel before placing your bird inside. Wet birds get chilled easily, so it is important to make sure that the cage is completely dry.

Maintaining a clean environment for your pet takes only a few minutes a day, but can possibly add years to your bird's life. Cleaning your bird's cage may seem like a lot of work, but you will find that if you stick to this simple schedule, you can complete the job with minimal time and effort. Do your part to make sure that your pet stays happy and comfortable by keeping his cage fresh, tidy, and germ-free.

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Bringing a New Bird Home

So you are thinking about adopting a pet bird. Besides deciding which type of bird to get, there are many other considerations. How much of a commitment is this? Where will the bird live? Who will take care of a bird? What type of cost is involved? Should you get one bird or a pair?

Use this guide for tips on how to adopt a bird and what to expect once it is home.

Picking a Bird

Pet birds are typically sold individually or in pairs. If you buy a single bird, it is more likely to bond with you. When you buy two birds together, they will probably bond with each other, and you could be ignored. For this reason, my daughter adopted a single small parakeet, named Lemon for her solid yellow color. She bonded with the bird and was successful in some training. After a year, though, she purchased a second parakeet, white in color and so named Marshmallow. The two birds adore each other, and though Lemon has less interest in my daughter, she appears to be a happier bird over all.

Once you have decided which type of bird to adopt, visit a pet store and observe the appearance and behavior of the birds. Healthy birds will be active and alert. Examine the bird's feathers to make sure they are vibrant and clean. The eyes should be bright and free of discharge. The beak should be free of discharge as well. Typically, the pet store allows a two week return policy, so if the bird appears sickly or is just not a good fit, you can make the return.

Take some time to see how the birds act. Is the bird quiet and inactive, or noisy and climbing all over the cage? Smaller breeds will be more active in general, but observing the birds for a while may give you a better idea of their disposition.

Where Will You Keep the Bird?
When you purchase a bird, you will need to buy a cage and have somewhere safe to keep it. It will need to be out of direct sunlight and away from any type of draft. If you have other pets, the birdcage needs to be placed in a secure spot where it will not be disturbed by curious cats or dogs.

We like to keep our birds in a central area of the house - between the kitchen and breakfast room. When selecting a spot, remember that birds are noisy, messy and smelly! Though we clean the cage regularly, there always seems to be a bird smell, as well as little feathers and seed all over the place. Every morning, we change the newspaper-lined bottom of the cage and sweep away excess bird debris from the surrounding area with a small dustpan and brush.

Pet Bird Supplies
When you purchase a bird, the pet store staff will help you select the right cage and necessary bird supplies. The cost of a bird can range from $15 for a parakeet to hundreds of dollars for the larger parrots. Some basic supplies you will need are:

• cage
• food bowls
• toys
• mite/lice spray or container
• vitamins
• food
• Bird Care

When you adopt a bird, you need to be aware of the time commitment involved, and you need to decide who will care for the bird. Most birds love attention and will not do well if they are ignored. Finches and canaries are exceptions to that rule. They typically will not interact with you and do not like to be handled. These birds will be happy with other birds, so it is advisable to buy them in pairs or multiples.

To care for your pet bird, you will need to:

• change food and water daily
• keep cage clean
• keep cage free of mites (sprays or hanging containers can be used)
• give vitamins (can be sprinkled in food or water)
• train bird if desired
• cover at night
• take to an exotic vet if it gets sick
• give love and attention

Adding a Second Bird to the Cage

Introducing a New Bird

If you already have a bird and are thinking of adopting a new one, here are some things to consider.

• If you plan to keep the birds together, you will probably need a larger cage.
• Male + female = baby birds
• You may need a second set of food and water bowls, though some birds will share.
• You will go through more food.
• Another bird means more noise and mess!

When introducing a new bird, it is possible to have a bird that is territorial and will not be so accepting. You should place them in separate cages side by side for a week and then try to introduce the new bird into the big cage. If there seem to be any problems, you can separate them at night until they get used to each other.

Bringing a Pet Bird Home
Once you bring your bird home, don't be surprised if it is very quiet and inactive the first couple of days. It will need a little time to get used to its new surroundings. You may consider covering a portion of the cage to give it a place to hide and feel secure.

Life Span of Pet Birds
One thing to consider when picking a bird is its lifespan. Are you committed for ten years or 75? Smaller birds, like parakeets, may live to be about 10-15 years old, but some types of parrots may outlive you.


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Considering a Pet Bird?: Things You Should Know Before Buying a Bird

So, you really want a pet bird. So much in fact, that you've already picked out a name, chosen a location for your pet's cage , and scoured the internet for information on your favorite species . While you might think that you are quite well prepared to dive into the world of bird ownership, there are many aspects of keeping a bird that most owners don't find out about until after they've purchased one -- and most of the time, they wish they had known beforehand.

Read on for some insight into what it really takes to care for a bird on a daily basis. You may be shocked to find that inviting a feathered friend into your life may require a few lifestyle changes on your behalf!

You may need new cookware. Teflon or non-stick cookware can be fatal to parrots and other pet birds. The coating gives off an odorless fume when heated that can kill a bird within minutes. This means that any non-stick cookware you may own will have to go, and you will need to invest in pots and pans made of stainless steel or another safe substance.

Say goodbye to candles and air fresheners. As with the Teflon and other fumes, scented candles, scented oils, and air fresheners can all pose a health hazard when you use them around your pet. Birds have extremely sensitive respiratory systems and are easily overcome by chemicals and fumes.

No smoking in the house. Period. You guessed it -- cigarette smoke is just as bad for your bird as it is for you. (If not worse!) If you do choose to use tobacco products, use them outside away from your bird to keep him safe and healthy. And don't forget to wash your hands before handling your bird if you've recently smoked!

Plan on waking up early. Birds wake up with the Sun each morning, and they are ready to start their days bright and early. They will expect you to do the same. Be prepared to adjust your sleep schedule as needed to accomodate your feathered friend. Your bird will need his breakfast soon after waking, and you'll have to be there to serve it.

Invest in a really good vacuum. Birds are quite messy, to put it lightly. In many cases, you will need to sweep or vacuum daily to keep up with the constant flow of seed hulls and other debris that will accumulate around your pet's cage. Be sure that you are up to this task before bringing a bird into your home.

You may have to get rid of some of your houseplants. Many commonly kept houseplants are toxic to birds and could kill your bird if he injests them. You will need to find new homes for them before you adopt your feathered friend.

You will need to watch what you wear. Birds are naturally attracted to shiny objects, which makes things like jewelry and sequins great targets. You will need to take these off before handling your bird, to protect yourself, your pet, and your items. Also, you should be prepared to lose many buttons to your feathered friend. It's a good idea to have some spares and a small sewing kit on hand.

Owning a bird takes a lot of time. Birds are not domesticated like cats and dogs, so they have to be tamed on an individual basis. If you buy a tame, handfed bird, you can be assured that a lot of time and effort went into shaping his little personality. To maintain the fruits of all that labor, you have to be able to handle and interact with your bird every day. Aside from that, daily cage cleaning also takes up more time than many are willing to spare. You should be absolutely sure that you are able to devote enough time to maintaining a bird before buying one.

You'll have to put up with some noise. Sure, some birds can talk, but all of them can scream, chirp, cackle, screech, tweet, or coo, amongst other things. Your bird will probably make a variety of these noises, and it may not always be at a time when you want to hear them. If you want to own a bird, you'll have to figure out a way to cope.

Don't expect your bird to be a social butterfly. You may well end up with a bird that is completely tame when you deal with him, but refuses to tolerate other people. While there are certain species that are more prone to becoming "one person birds" than others, it can happen to any bird, particularly if only one person cares for and interacts with it. If you are buying a bird for your family, it's imperative that everyone learns as much as they can about the bird, and participates in its care and maintenence. Otherwise, your pet may decide to play favorites, which can lead to sore fingers and hurt feelings.
If you are prepared to deal with all of the issues on this list and more, then a bird may be an ideal pet for you. Remember, the more research that you do before you buy a bird, the better off you and your feathered friend will be. Although it takes effort to keep a bird as a pet, the relationship that you can form together makes it all worthwhile -- just ask anyone with birds of their own, and they'll be more than happy to tell you all about it.





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