Are you considering adopting a pet bird? Budgies can be a great choice! These are one of the most popular birds for beginners. They’re not only very cute, they’re quite sociable, and are fairly easy keepers. An Ellicott City, MD vet offers some advice on budgie care below.

Socializing

One thing that is important for budgie owners to understand is the fact that Polly is very sociable. These adorable little birds are much happier with roommates. How many birds you should get really depends on your available space, time, attention, and resources. Many people find that four is a good number: they won’t get too loud, and won’t need a huge cage.

Cage

Budgie cages should offer more horizontal space, rather than vertical, as Polly tends to fly crosswise, rather than up and down. Choose a cage with plenty of room for your little buddies to play and stretch their wings.

Perches

You’ll need to add lots of toys and perches. These should be rotated out frequently, to keep things fresh and fun for your feathered friends. As far as perches go, you’ll want to add a few different ones. You may want to get a few eucalyptus ones. Avoid concrete and plastic perches, as they can cause foot problems. Choosing the right size is also important. For budgies, a half inch diameter is a good size. However, you’ll want some that are different sizes.

Toys

For playthings, Polly definitely prefers brightly-colored toys. You can find great ones in stores, but you can also make fun ones yourself. Some things you can use would include poker chips, cupcake liners, shower rings, playing cards, and popsicle sticks. Swings and bells are also popular with these colorful birds. Avoid anything with small parts or sharp edges, as well as anything that isn’t safe for your pets to ingest.

Food

Polly’s diet should consist of a mix of pellets, supplemented with seeds, fruits, and veggies. For produce, you can offer parsley, squash, lettuce, carrots, bell peppers, and broccoli. Either grate or chop the fruits and veggies into small bits before feeding. Budgies can also have a bit of meat, such as boiled chicken. Your vet may also recommend offering cuttlebones. Always research foods before handing them over, to make sure they are safe.

Do you have questions about bird care? Contact us, your Ellicott City, MD pet hospital, today!