Bringing home a new budgie
You have just bought the most adorable budgie from the pet store or breeder. Now you’re going to bring him home and get him settled in. But how do you keep him safe and happy on the journey?
Firstly the pet store should provide you with a cardboard bird carrier.If from a breeder you should bring your own box. This is fine for your budgie. He probably feels snug and safe in the little box, and as long as the air holes aren’t blocked he’s as happy as a bird in a box.
On the way home you should hold the box in your hands if possible. That way you can give your budgie a smooth ride, and protect him from getting jostled and bumped by the crowds.
If the weather outside is cold then it is a good idea to loosely wrap a thin jumper or coat around the box to keep your budgie warm. Sharp temperature changes are bad for his health.
It is not a good idea to put the box in a plastic bag or similar container, as your budgie can suffocate if the air holes get covered. Also, it can make for a bumpy ride.
Got all that? Then it’s time to go home and...
Settle Him In Hopefully you already have the budgie’s cage at home, all set up in a good spot. But if you just bought it at the pet store, then that’s what you need to do now.
Okay, all done? The transferring your budgie to his cage is the next part. To do that, just open the cage door, place the open box up against the door with no gaps where your budgie can escape, and wait.
Often budgies will hop out of the box and into the cage without any encouragement. If your budgie is a little too attached to his box, then tilt the box up gently until he starts sliding down.
Once your budgie is in his cage, don’t be surprised if he mopes around on the floor for a while. He has just been put into a strange home without his usual surroundings, so it will take him a little while to adjust.
After a while he should start exploring his new home. He’ll have a look around the cage, maybe have a bite to eat and generally get his bearings.
As much as you want to play with your new pet and get up close and watch him, you need to give your budgie some space. Talking to him softly is fine, it’s comforting. But lots of movement and noise around the cage, or a giant face up against the bars can scare him. And you don’t want your budgie’s first experience in his new home to be one of fright.
So there you have it. A new member of the family settled in and hopefully happy. Welcome to the wonderful world of budgies.
Firstly the pet store should provide you with a cardboard bird carrier.If from a breeder you should bring your own box. This is fine for your budgie. He probably feels snug and safe in the little box, and as long as the air holes aren’t blocked he’s as happy as a bird in a box.
On the way home you should hold the box in your hands if possible. That way you can give your budgie a smooth ride, and protect him from getting jostled and bumped by the crowds.
If the weather outside is cold then it is a good idea to loosely wrap a thin jumper or coat around the box to keep your budgie warm. Sharp temperature changes are bad for his health.
It is not a good idea to put the box in a plastic bag or similar container, as your budgie can suffocate if the air holes get covered. Also, it can make for a bumpy ride.
Got all that? Then it’s time to go home and...
Settle Him In Hopefully you already have the budgie’s cage at home, all set up in a good spot. But if you just bought it at the pet store, then that’s what you need to do now.
Okay, all done? The transferring your budgie to his cage is the next part. To do that, just open the cage door, place the open box up against the door with no gaps where your budgie can escape, and wait.
Often budgies will hop out of the box and into the cage without any encouragement. If your budgie is a little too attached to his box, then tilt the box up gently until he starts sliding down.
Once your budgie is in his cage, don’t be surprised if he mopes around on the floor for a while. He has just been put into a strange home without his usual surroundings, so it will take him a little while to adjust.
After a while he should start exploring his new home. He’ll have a look around the cage, maybe have a bite to eat and generally get his bearings.
As much as you want to play with your new pet and get up close and watch him, you need to give your budgie some space. Talking to him softly is fine, it’s comforting. But lots of movement and noise around the cage, or a giant face up against the bars can scare him. And you don’t want your budgie’s first experience in his new home to be one of fright.
So there you have it. A new member of the family settled in and hopefully happy. Welcome to the wonderful world of budgies.
A cage.
First of all , what little birdie doesn't have a cage , home whatever you wanna call it. You and your bird will interact from there,she will , sleep , eat and play there. I recommend you buy the biggest cage you can afford( Especially if you're planning on getting more budgies in the future or the budgie may not have much out-of-cage time.) with spacing between bars no more than a 1/2 inch since the can easily stick their body through their and fly away or worst yet get it stuck. Stainless steel is best. Just be sure there is no zinc your budgie could chew and ingest- zinc is toxic for budgies. Here is some useful things you should know:Minimum cage size for 1 budgie is 18x18x18.
2 budgies is 30x18x18
3 budgies- 32x18x20
4 budgies- 34x18x25
5 budgies- 35x18x30
6 budgies- 40x18x32
The style of cage you choose for your budgie will depend a lot on your personal taste and the area the cage will be kept. Once again, it is best to try and purchase the largest cage that is suitable to ensure the bird will have an adequate area to move around, even when toys are added. Some cages cater for tame birds by allowing the front to open up, which makes it easier to get the bird in and out when it is on your hand.
Most cages come with either plastic or wooden dowel perches, remove any plastic perches in cage replacing with wooden perches as plastic perches tend to damage the birds feet.
We recommend removing at least one of the perches and replacing it with a tree branch, this will allow the budgie to stretch its feet when it lands.
The cage should be positioned in an area free from draughts and at a reasonably constant temperature. Never place the budgie right next to a window, fireplace or heater or in the direct path of an air conditioner. The vast fluctuations in temperature may result in chills which can be severe. Your budgie may enjoy being hung outside during the day, ensure that the cage is secure and will have some shade all day. Remember to bring the bird in before it gets too cold in the afternoon.
At dusk it is a good idea to cover the budgie cage with a cover or towel, this allows the bird to roost at a natural hour and provides it with security.
Hygiene is important with all pets, we recommend cleaning your budgie cage at least once a week.You can give your birds a bath by spray misting or the budgie may do it by them selves.Try it and see which one your bird prefers.
2 budgies is 30x18x18
3 budgies- 32x18x20
4 budgies- 34x18x25
5 budgies- 35x18x30
6 budgies- 40x18x32
The style of cage you choose for your budgie will depend a lot on your personal taste and the area the cage will be kept. Once again, it is best to try and purchase the largest cage that is suitable to ensure the bird will have an adequate area to move around, even when toys are added. Some cages cater for tame birds by allowing the front to open up, which makes it easier to get the bird in and out when it is on your hand.
Most cages come with either plastic or wooden dowel perches, remove any plastic perches in cage replacing with wooden perches as plastic perches tend to damage the birds feet.
We recommend removing at least one of the perches and replacing it with a tree branch, this will allow the budgie to stretch its feet when it lands.
The cage should be positioned in an area free from draughts and at a reasonably constant temperature. Never place the budgie right next to a window, fireplace or heater or in the direct path of an air conditioner. The vast fluctuations in temperature may result in chills which can be severe. Your budgie may enjoy being hung outside during the day, ensure that the cage is secure and will have some shade all day. Remember to bring the bird in before it gets too cold in the afternoon.
At dusk it is a good idea to cover the budgie cage with a cover or towel, this allows the bird to roost at a natural hour and provides it with security.
Hygiene is important with all pets, we recommend cleaning your budgie cage at least once a week.You can give your birds a bath by spray misting or the budgie may do it by them selves.Try it and see which one your bird prefers.
Toys
I'm sure you wouldn't want to be locked up in a cage with nothing to do.That's why these guys need toys. Other than that budgies and other parrot species such as cockatiels need to stimulate their minds.
Avoid toys that may contain zinc, have lots of loose strings, and jingle bells. Normal bells are okay, but tiny toes can get caught in jingle bells! I would advise only giving your female shreddable toys if you're planning on breeding her or she gets bored easily. Also, mirrors are not advised if you plan on breeding or if you want your bird to bond to you. They tend to think the bird in the mirror is a real bird and will bond to them instead! Birds love colorful toys, so try to find bright colors for maximum enjoyment!
Diet
Always feed your budgie fresh quality seed and water that is replaced daily. Your budgie should be given a piece of Cuttlebone which will help file its beak and provide calcium in the diet. Budgies will also eat Millet Sprays and Seedbells as well as some vegetables and fruits. Some of their favourites are apple, spinach and lettuce, always feed vegetables and fruits in small amounts.Remember to feed them veggies every week or two.You can slso search the web for more things.