Thinking about getting a Budgie?

[Ellen]

I visited with a breeder who raises Bourkes and got to spend some time with her birds. I gave it some thought and decided that the Bourke wasn't exactly right for me.

I researched other birds and want to learn more about the budgie. The internet has been great, reading articles, etc. but I want to know more about them so could you tell me about your time with your budgie (s)? How old are yours and what ages do you think I should be looking at? I found some at PetSmart but am also waiting to hear back from a local who has baby budgies.

I'm thinking about getting 2 males (don't want any babies and from what I've read, having 2 females in the same cage might cause him aggressive behavior?)

 

[RavensGryf]

Hi Ellen, it's good to hear that you're taking your time with learning the different attributes of different species.

I NEED to tell you this about Budgies, because you might not hear it otherwise... People will usually tell you Budgies are "easy". I'd like to at least get it out there what makes them not so easy so you won't have any surprises down the road thinking oh they're so small, what could possibly be harder than a bigger bird?

Here's both some Pro's and Cons...

Budgies are very active, which translates into very MESSSY! My other parrots, being a bit more sedate, on a typical day, I will see some spots of poop on the grate, maybe a little food or debris here and there. Not too bad. The flightier or more active Budgies (any active species) mean they are moving around a lot and get their poop (every 10-15 mins) everywhere - not just straight down, and food all over outside the cage, and I've read (and it's true with mine) that they molt OFTEN. Up to 4 times a year. That's tons of feathers everywhere and what seems like all the time.
And NOISY! They are surprisingly both loud for their size, AND nearly constantly making noise. The twittering isn't so bad, but they will also do this screech/scream call a lot. I don't think it's like parrots where they can be trained out of screaming with positive reinforcement. IMO, they're a little more wildish in regard to that, and will just make tons of noise. When they screech I can hear them all the way on the other end of the house with a door closed AND earplugs in no kidding.

Another thing you 'might' be risking, is the fact that Budgies are so overbred without regard that unfortunately they often don't have the best of health because of their overbred/inbred genetics. Many succumb early to tumors or systemic diseases.

They're also ADORABLE. They are about the 'cutest' birds you can have. When tame, it's about the most adorable thing ever to hold a tiny little bird on your finger or give it cuddles, as they have super soft feathers. They are easy to tame especially when very young. They're even known as a good talking species believe it or not! Also very entertaining to watch. They're funny little things.

Just curious, any reason you're not considering a "slightly" larger bird? Maybe a Cockatiel? They're nice friendly birds, females make especially good pets.

Good luck on your decision

 

[Ellen]

I really do appreciate hearing the pros and cons of budgies...thank you!! The reason I am considering getting 2 males is because they could keep each other company when I'm not home. A single cockatiel may require more time one on one than I have. Not sure.

I just heard from a local breeder and there are several males to choose from in a variety of colors. They hatched in the Spring. I'm guessing a breeder is a better way to go versus PetSmart? And males are the way to go if I want 2? I'm not interested in breeding.

 

[RavensGryf]

I have 2 males. They are noisier than females I think (though females can be noisy too I've heard).

I used to have a single Cockatiel years ago. He was absolutely fine when he had to be by himself with toys Even my Red Bellied parrot had to spend some years as the only bird when I lived alone and worked full time. He was okay. IMHO, when is not okay, is when a bird is already USED TO something and then it's taken away.

 

[Ellen]

Interesting about the cockatiel. Actually the breeder who sells parakeets also raises and sells other birds. Right now she has baby and adult cockatiels, budgies, and lovebirds.

 

[RavensGryf]

Interesting about the cockatiel. Actually the breeder who sells parakeets also raises and sells other birds. Right now she has baby and adult cockatiels, budgies, and lovebirds.

Ooh I'd go see! Lovebirds are cute too, but a little more of a true "parrot" type of personality and propensity to bite and with a larger beak. So many beautiful colors they come in. Fun deciding!

How about Lineolated Parakeets?

 

[MrsKay]

Excellent information from RavensGryf, I completely agree. Many years ago I started with one budgie. It was very loud and VERY messy. They flap and send food and shells everywhere. They are very smart and learn quickly. Beautiful birds. Mine learned to step onto and off of my finger, and to fly from his cage to a swing and back to his cage in a matter of a few days. I ended up building a 10'x10' aviary outside for the bird. Got it a friend, which just happened to be of the opposite sex, and eventually had as many as 20 parakeets (but not for long, found homes) then thinned the flock out to 10 birds. The aviary was much easier to deal with because I could hose it out to clean, house it with a full sized bird bath, mister, and hang bird feeders & swings. Those parakeets were so hardy, they lived through winters with snow on the ground, hot summers, wind & rain (the aviary was fully protected on 3 sides, which could be opened partially in fairest weather, and it had a hinged door and front that I could swing open completely as well. A few of those parakeets lived for 14-15 years.
I took a 10 year break from birdkeeping before getting my green cheek conure Larry, just a few weeks ago. He lives indoors with me.
I regret that I don't have a single picture of my parakeets outside
I agree with RavensGryf about considering a cockatiel. My sister-in-law loves hers.
I wish you well with your decision and much happiness in the future with your choice of bird

 

[Phlox]

I have a budgie along with my other birds, and she is the loudest of all my birds and the one with the least interest in being tame. I've had her for 5 years and despite my best efforts, she only likes other birds, not people.

Budgies are great little birds, but if you want a tame bird, you need to start with one and I recommend an English handfed. Otherwise it is an uphill battle to tame them in my experience.

I'd recommend a cockatiel, if you want a tame pet bird. They are more gentle and easier going than budgies, but less true parrot behavior. All around great first birds, especially if you get a single handfed bird. Females tend to be more cuddly and males more likely to whistle or talk a little.

 

[Ellen]

Thank you for the replies. I will keep an open mind about the cockatiels since some of you have recommend them to me

 

[Ellen]

I still think budgies are cute, especially when paired up

 

[veimar]

Okay, I throw in my dime, too. I have had two male budgies and a lovebird (who NEVER EVER bites, btw!) for two months now, and the thing I noticed is that the budgies are much less interested in me than the lovie and my green cheek conure. They are sort of birds to watch at, and not so much to bond with. They are a bonded pair (a trio, actually, with the lovebird who however also loves me) and I tamed them all pretty well, but they still don't really need me as a person or friend.
So it really depends shat kind of birds you're looking for. And, oh man, are they LOUD!!! I have to take them outside to the patio to be able to practice piano (I'm a pianist).

 

[morpheus]

....in the defense of my two budgies, although I expect them to bond closely with each other and maybe not so much with me (we'll see), I have two cockatiels, the female is hand tame and a real sweety, but the male screams all the time. I have had to move them outside on the porch because I just could not listen to the screeching all day. I could cover the cage and he'd be quite, but I felt bad for doing it, so outside they went.

So I find at least some cockatiels very loud and noisy. My budgies on the other hand chirp, sing little songs, and yes there is an occasional and squawk or two, but I would not call the budgies loud or obnoxious, very pleasant actually.

And all birds are messy, get over it....Tom