Budgies as Pets

If I ask you, "What do you know about budgies?", then in all probability, I will be able to read your answer from the question mark that has formed on your face. You would probably have the answer to the question: "Are they parakeets?" Yes! Bang on target. They are! The budgies are also known as parakeets. They are native parrots of Australia and belong to the species Melopsittacus undulatus.

Keeping Budgies for Pets

Budgies are famous for their ability to imitate the human speech. They are very proficient and hold the world record for talking birds. They are cool and are not as noisy as some of the other parakeets, but you can count on them to raise a storm, whenever they feel like it. Officially, they are known as budgerigar parakeets. These parakeets, in the wild, are green in color and have their back, head and wings marked in the black color. Through selective breeding, they are available in a variety of colors for pet owners.

"Can they talk?" Well, they are smart birds and their ability to imitate or do some "budgies talking", can easily win hearts of your family members. They can learn hundreds of words easily and can repeats them in its small voice.

There are two types: Australian or American and English budgies. It is found that the English budgies are a bit larger than their American counterparts. If you are interested in the American or English budgies, then the general advice is that choose your pets, when they are still young. It helps you in training them. While selecting one at a pet shop, choose those that are active and are showing interest in the surroundings. Knowing how to take baby bird care may prove to be of advantage. You may have to pay extra money for the hand-reared bird. On the other hand, you may choose to adopt one from a pet shelter.

Parakeet Bird Cages

It is important to provide parakeet bird cages that are large enough. The smallest cage you can provide is of 18x18x20 (length x width x height) size. The cages must be provided with different types of perches in it. Perches of different widths and textures will keep their feet in shape. Providing a swing with a bell tied at the free end, will definitely be enjoyed by the lodgers of the cage. If the cage has a mesh, bars spaced at half-an inch from each other, will give the budgies an opportunity to exercise by moving up and down. You should clean the cage daily. Their life span is 10-15 years. By providing proper diet, care and healthy environment, your budgies life span may extend up to 20 years.

Food for your Budgie

You, as a pet owner, are responsible for providing proper diet. The diet may include seeds which contain fats. This fat can be well-balanced by providing pellets, fresh greens, such as sunflower sprouts or baby lettuces. You can also add vegetables, such as peas and carrots to the diet. Alternatively, you can get suitable pet foods from the pet shop. A healthy diet can prove helpful in their breeding. Budgies may be bred from after they are more than nine months old.

Having them for pets in your house can be real fun. It is found that if you have a single budgie, then the chances of your pet learning to talk are high. Establishing a daily routine of talking to your budgie may help it in imitating you as well as the others.