Budgie (Parakeet) Care Guide for Beginners

Budgerigars, better known in the U.S. as parakeets or budgies, are one of the most popular pet birds in the world. They are small, colorful, playful and surprisingly smart. Many budgies learn to step onto a finger, whistle tunes and even talk. Because they are affordable and small, they are sometimes treated as simple starter pets, but budgies have real needs for space, social contact and a varied diet. Meet those needs and you will have a cheerful companion for 5 to 10 years or more.

Choosing the right cage

Budgies fly horizontally, so width matters more than height. For one or two budgies, aim for a cage at least about 30 inches wide, 18 inches deep and 18 inches tall, and bigger is always better. Bar spacing should be no more than about half an inch so heads cannot get stuck.

• Perches: provide natural wood perches of different thicknesses to exercise feet. Avoid sandpaper perch covers.
• Toys: swings, ladders, bells, shreddable paper and foraging toys. Rotate them weekly.
• Bowls: separate dishes for water, pellets/seeds and fresh food, cleaned daily.
• Location: a busy but not chaotic room where the family spends time, away from the kitchen, drafts and direct sun.

What should a budgie eat?

Wild budgies eat a variety of grass seeds, but pet budgies on an all-seed diet often develop obesity and nutritional deficiencies. Avian vets generally recommend a balanced mix:

Switching a seed-eating budgie to pellets should be done slowly, mixing pellets into seed over several weeks while watching that your bird is actually eating. For a list of safe and toxic foods, see our guide to safe foods for pet birds.

Companionship: one budgie or two?

Budgies are flock animals. A single budgie can thrive with lots of daily human attention, and single birds are often easier to hand-tame. If you are away for long hours, a pair of budgies will keep each other company. Two males or a male and female usually get along well; two females can sometimes squabble.

Out-of-cage time and exercise

Budgies need daily exercise outside the cage, ideally at least an hour or two in a bird-safe room. Before letting your bird out:

• Close windows and doors and cover large mirrors or windows at first.
• Turn off ceiling fans.
• Remove other pets from the room.
• Cover open water like toilets and fish tanks.
• Remove toxic plants and loose wires.

Taming and training

With patience, most budgies can learn to step up onto your finger. Start by sitting near the cage and talking softly, then offer millet sprays through the bars, then inside the cage. Our bird taming guide walks through it step by step.

Males are usually the more talkative sex. Repeat short words and phrases in a cheerful voice during calm moments, and your budgie may start to copy you.

Grooming and hygiene

• Offer a shallow dish of lukewarm water for bathing a few times a week, or lightly mist your bird.
• Have nails trimmed if they become overgrown; an avian vet can show you how.
• Replace the cage liner every day or two and deep-clean the cage weekly with bird-safe cleaners.

Signs your budgie may be sick

Birds instinctively hide illness, so even small changes matter:

• Sitting fluffed up for long periods, especially at the bottom of the cage
• Tail bobbing with each breath or open-mouth breathing
• Changes in droppings lasting more than a day
• Discharge from the eyes or nostrils
• Reduced appetite or weight loss
• Crusty growths on the beak or legs

Contact an avian vet promptly if you notice these signs.

Frequently asked questions

How long do budgies live?

Typically 5 to 10 years, and some live into their teens with excellent care.

Are budgies noisy?

They chirp and chatter throughout the day, but they are much quieter than larger parrots.

Should I choose a budgie or a cockatiel?

Both make excellent first birds. Compare them in our guide to the best pet birds for beginners.