American Parakeets (Budgerigars) Care Sheet
American Parakeets, also called Budgerigars, are small members of the parrot family. They can become really good mimics, and are wonderful family pets. American Parakeets come in a variety of colors and personalities.
An average adult size is around 7 inches long from head to tail, they can live 10 to 20 years with proper care.
Housing
The standard minimum cage size recommended by bird professionals is 12- by 18- by 18-inches for a single bird, budgies love room the more room you can give them the better. Your bar width should be a maximum of 5/8". You want to provide enough room for horizontal exercise and vertical climbing.
Placement of the cage is very important, you want to ensure your bird is in a secure location away from any harmful substances, fumes or drafts. At night it is recommended to cover their cage to provide security to sleep.
Make sure you fill your cage up with toys and things to forage and to help keep them from boredom.
You'll want to provide two metal bowls, that can attach to the cage and keep your bird from flipping them over constantly. One bowl for food and one bowl for water, the bowl you use for water can be larger then your food bowl to allow your bird to take baths in it, or you can provide a separate bowl designed specifically for baths.
Placement of the cage is very important, you want to ensure your bird is in a secure location away from any harmful substances, fumes or drafts. At night it is recommended to cover their cage to provide security to sleep.
Make sure you fill your cage up with toys and things to forage and to help keep them from boredom.
You'll want to provide two metal bowls, that can attach to the cage and keep your bird from flipping them over constantly. One bowl for food and one bowl for water, the bowl you use for water can be larger then your food bowl to allow your bird to take baths in it, or you can provide a separate bowl designed specifically for baths.
Habitat Maitenance
REMEMBER: ONLY USE BIRD SAFE CLEANERS
Birds have extremely sensitive respiratory systems and can get extremely ill and even die if any unsafe cleaners are used around them.
Daily Cleaning:
Weekly
A few acceptable cleaners to use around birds:
On another note bird owners should avoid non-stick cookware and appliances as they can release fumes hazardous to your birds health.
Birds have extremely sensitive respiratory systems and can get extremely ill and even die if any unsafe cleaners are used around them.
Daily Cleaning:
- Rinse out food and water bowl, always provide fresh food and water.
- Change out bottom substrate of droppings and seeds. (We recommend using plain newspaper or paper towels at the bottom of the cage to make it easier to clean)
Weekly
- Clean all toys and perches.
A few acceptable cleaners to use around birds:
- Nature's Miracle
- Vinegar and Water Mixture
- Poop-Off
- Healthy Habitat
On another note bird owners should avoid non-stick cookware and appliances as they can release fumes hazardous to your birds health.
Feeding
The most recommended diet is a 75%-80% specialized pellet diet. With small amounts of fortified seeds mixed in. It is not recommended to feed just seeds as they are usually high in carbohydrates and lack vital nutrients. Fresh fruit and vegetables should make up the other 20%-25% of your birds diet.
Cuttlebone should also be provided for your budgie at all times. Cuttlebone is the calcareous internal shell of a cuttlefish. It provides necessary minerals and calcium, which helps birds with bone formation and blood clotting. Cuttlebone has a rough texture, making it an ideal tool to help support beak strength. Birds can use cuttlebones to help keep their beaks trimmed and sharp.
You can also provide spray millet for your budgie, millet is an excellent treat and healthy. It allows your bird to forage as well, which many birds love to do.
For a list containing safe and unsafe foods for your conure please visit this website;
Cuttlebone should also be provided for your budgie at all times. Cuttlebone is the calcareous internal shell of a cuttlefish. It provides necessary minerals and calcium, which helps birds with bone formation and blood clotting. Cuttlebone has a rough texture, making it an ideal tool to help support beak strength. Birds can use cuttlebones to help keep their beaks trimmed and sharp.
You can also provide spray millet for your budgie, millet is an excellent treat and healthy. It allows your bird to forage as well, which many birds love to do.
For a list containing safe and unsafe foods for your conure please visit this website;
Activities
The photo here resembles what a budgie's cage should look like, you'll want to provide plenty of toys and foraging items to keep your bird happy and not bored. It is also recommended to let them out and play daily, as they love to spend time with their human flock mates.
Budgies are not able to truly talk but can make mimicking noises, both males and females have equal abilities in the budgie species. Around 3-4 months old is when they are able to begin mimicking.
Budgies are not able to truly talk but can make mimicking noises, both males and females have equal abilities in the budgie species. Around 3-4 months old is when they are able to begin mimicking.
American Parakeet Colors
Care sheet created by JMW
We do not claim any photos above, they are strictly for educational purposes.
We do not claim any photos above, they are strictly for educational purposes.
