budgies: colourful, attractive, sociable birds that are easy to keep and look after. they originate from australia and can live up to 15 years - so choosing one as a pet is a long-term commitment. they can be kept alone but prefer the company of their own species. if kept indoors they will need regular daily exercise outside their cage and are at their most active during the daytime, sleeping once it gets dark. with patience, budgies can become quite tame although it is essential they are trained from an early age, and by one person only. the first step is to get the bird used to being stroked inside its cage – use a stick or perch, not your hands. start by gently stroking its chest a couple of times a day, then encourage it to jump onto the stick. next, repeat the whole process through the door of the cage rather than the bars. finally, repeat again, using your hands this time instead of the stick.
this is a gradual process that may take several weeks but usually works in the end. budgies in the wild eat a wide range of seeds, grains, and vegetation. a good-quality budgerigar / parakeet mix makes a good basic diet although supplements may also be required such as cuttlefish which acts as a vitamin supplement, environmental enrichment, and also helps grind the beak down. small pieces of fresh fruit and vegetables may also be given as treats and fresh drinking water should always be available. certain foods can be harmful to your budgie - avoid giving your pet lettuce, avocado, lemon, potato, or any sweets or drinks designed for human consumption. budgies are intelligent and inquisitive birds that enjoy playing and climbing. toys are essential to stimulate them mentally and physically – especially important for birds kept on their own. budgies can also be taught to mimic sounds and talk. if they hear the same words repeatedly from the same person they may pick them up and begin mimicking the words or phrases.
a solitary bird will need more attention and affection than a pair or group and should be handled every day.