The Budgerigar

Budgerigars are small Australian parakeets that have stolen the heart of hundreds of people since the mid 1800s. Known the world over by many different names such as Parakeets, Shell parakeets, Budgies, as well as the variations Australian, Bush, English, and American budgies* 

Originally Budgerigars were only found in the "wild type" mutation** Green body with a yellow masked face and black "scalloped" markings. Now they can be found in a variety of colours such as Blue, Grey, even 'Rainbow' and all kinds of patterns and combinations. 

The Wild Budgie can live 4-6 years, but the lifespan for captive budgies is often debated. Genetics, diet, general care, and vet care play huge factors in captive bird, resulting in anywhere from <2 years to 15+!

Budgies are often viewed as "Starter Birds" Something simple and easy to practice bird husbandry on before "upgrading" to a parrot. 

That view really needs to be stopped. Budgies are very complexed, in their own way. The main goal of this blog is expand and explain that. We'll delve into diet, care, bonding, and dabble in training+.

Till next time!

AB & Co

*Australian and American Budgies are the same, different names are used depending on people's preference and location. English Budgies are bigger and are often seen at bird/budgie shows.

**Mutation when used in regards to budgies refers to things such as colour, colour pattern or type, and other things such as crested.

+I am not a qualified bird trainer or behaviourist!