The common parakeet, also called the budgerigar or budgie, is one of the most popular pet birds out there. Originally from Australia, these cute and lovable birds are very fun little companions, and are suitable for first-time bird owners. A Fayetteville, NC vet goes over some budgie care basics below.

Diet

In the wild, budgies would mostly eat seeds and plants, such as wild grasses. You’ll want to offer Polly a good commercial parakeet food, supplemented with fresh organic produce. Ask your vet for specific advice, including safe and unsafe foods and suitable treats.

Habitat

Your feathered buddy will need a clean, comfortable cage. Get the biggest one you have room for! You’ll want to add toys and perches. Put the cage in a spot where Polly can see and hear you, but doesn’t feel too exposed. A corner of a family room is a good bet. The cage should get some natural light, though it shouldn’t be in direct light. You’ll need to spot-clean the cage daily, and do more thorough scrubbings every week.

Entertainment

Budgies are very active! Polly will need several hours of playtime out of her cage every day. Do some petproofing before letting her out to play. You’ll also want to provide your cute pet with plenty of playthings. Polly is a forager by nature, since she would spend a good chunk of her time looking for food in the wild. Offering lots of treat-dispensing toys will keep her busy. Keep in mind that budgies are notorious chewers. Your winged buddy will destroy less sturdy toys. This is important to be aware of, because birds can also hurt themselves on things that break easily. Your best bet is to choose toys that were made specifically for budgies. Ask your vet for more information.

Veterinary Care

Like any other pet, budgies can get sick. Don’t wait until an emergency arises to find a good avian vet! Your feathered pal will need to come in once or twice a year, for exams and wellness checks. Polly may also need wing or nail trims. At home, you’ll want to watch for signs of illness. Budgies are prone to obesity, egg binding and egg laying issues, and parasites. Ask your vet for more information. Do you have questions or concerns about caring for your pet budgie? Contact us, your local Fayetteville, NC animal clinic, today!