Thinking off getting a budgie

 Things you will need to consider when homing your feathered friend. 


Budgies are ideal birds for those who have not yet had a pet.

They are playful, intelligent and easy to maintain **if kept right** budgies have a feeding regimen based on vegetarian food, They need space to fly freely.

If you decide to buy a budgie, you need to know some extremely valuable things about them, this information will make your communication with your budgie easier and helps understand he or she better.

First buy necessary things like: 

• Cage **home**
• Food, water containers or bottle
• cuttlefish bone / mineral block
• perches, rope, natural wood
• Toys, play gym and swings

Your budgie is naturally acrobatic and playful, therefore they are going to need a lot of room to hop from perch to perch, swing, bonk there toys and fly a bit, for the perches, you'll need quite a few to keep your friend entertained, your cage needs to be big enough that there toys, perches and food dishes are spaced far enough apart that your feathered friend can still do everything without pooping all over there belongings.

There should be several diameters of perches available, but the diameter should be large enough so that the bird's toes are unable to overlap or completely wrap around the perch. Flight cages and aviaries should be equipped with perches at each end with open space in the middle for flight.

Figuring it all out:

your budgies cage needs to be big enough that your little guy can spread his wings out completely with out hitting the sides of the cage and toys, this is the absolute minimum width and length, if you have more than one budgie in the cage, you'll need to make sure each bird can do this without hitting the walls of the cage and toys or each other.

it is illegal to house a pet bird in a cage that does not permit it to spread its wings. Wingspans of common pet birds range from approximately 30 cm (12 in) for a budgie. 

The standard minimum cage size recommended by professionals is :

12 by 18 by 18 inches for a single budgie And for two budgies, 39 by 20 by 32 inches is a recommended size. 

The bars of the cage should be horizontal and spaced no more than 1/2 inch apart, wider than this and your little friend could get stuck trying to escape. 

Considerations 

In general, you should buy the biggest, safest cage you can afford. Budgies need both vertical height and width for hopping and moving around easily, don't go with the first cage you see at the pet store or online, even if it states its "everything" your bird needs. Unfortunately, many of these cages are much too small to house your bird and everything it needs to be happy and heathy.

Bella & Bert’s Home 

Rainforest San Luis Black Budgie Finch Canary Cage      

Size

Depth 37cm

Height 69cm

What to expect:

2 x Perches

2 x Feeder bowls

1 x Door to allow easy access to the cage

1 x Plastic tray making the cage easier to clean and maintain

1 x Wire grill

1 x Wire roof with handle

This cage **home** is the Perfect size for Bella & Bert there is plenty of space for them to move around in, to climb up and down and also spread their wings when having a good old stretch.

The feeders are good they come with little hoods to prevent poop going in their food bowl, I did use one feeder for water but it wasn't working for Bella & Bert as they would  literally poop in there 

water, so I changed it back to a feeder container so they had one each, I don't have anything negative 

to say about this cage it's just perfect, it's not too pricey and comes with the basic items.

Let's talk about round bird cages!!.

Question: Are Round Cages Really Bad for Birds?

Yes they are!! As pretty as they are, Round cages are not recommended for most bird species, for a variety of reasons, First and foremost, round cages are dangerous for its inhabitant. If you look at the top of a round cage you will see the bars come to gather to the centre point of the top of the cage with the bar space gradually getting smaller and smaller until it meets the centre point, Any animal in a round cage could very easily get a toe, beak, tail or an entire foot or ankle caught in that smaller space and be helpless to free itself. This is a very real danger in and of itself and you really don’t need any  another reason to reject this type of cage. But there are more reasons than just this danger of the V-shaped construction at the top.

Most of the round cages on the market have poor welding and are shoddy in their construction. It is also very uncommon to find a stainless steel cage that is round. Stainless steel is the way to go when purchasing a cage, They are usually sturdy and of good quality. They last forever, they don’t rust and they are safe for your birds. They are easy to clean and maintain and if you shop carefully, you can find one that is a design that  pleases both you and your bird. Stainless steel is an extremely neutral material that pretty much goes with any colour schemes or décor you might have in your home.

They Aren't Recommended By The Industry

It is thought by some people that round cages are detrimental to a parrot's psychological health. The thinking is that birds are very intelligent creatures and some birds have driven themselves crazy climbing around and around cylindrical cages, and feeling like they're never getting anywhere. They believe that giving a bird an angular cage provides them with reference points to different locations in their territories -- thus helping them feel confident, safe, and secure. They also feel that the best set up for a cage is where there is a wall behind the cage so that the bird knows nothing is coming toward him from behind. This provides the security of safety and privacy at least from that one side of her cage. 

They Are Awkward For Companion Birds

Another reason to avoid round cages is because they are often awkward living spaces for a bird to inhabit. They very way that they are shaped causes a bird's feathers to be in constant contact with the cage bars, wearing them down and giving the bird a ragged appearance. Most around cages available are simply not built very big and with pet birds, the bigger the better. There are octagonal outdoor aviaries in places, but you rarely see round outdoor enclosures.  

 Accessories Aren't Designed To Fit Them

While round cages can often be difficult to maintain and keep clean there is another reason to avoid them. Because most bird cages are now square or rectangular in shape, it can be hard to find certain accessories that will fit round cages. Cuttlebones on metal clips, millet spray clips, removable food bowl holders and some toys with double clips or those that are screwed into place between the bars are made to fit in square or rectangular cages where the bars are equidistant to each other for the entire length of the bars. A square cage gives you more options to accessorise your cage with perches, toys, platforms, bowls and all of the other accessories you can get to keep your parrot busy and occupied. These toys and accessories are an important part of your bird’s life and they are necessary. And if you can’t fit them onto the cage sides, you’ve got a big problem. 

For these reasons, it may be easier on both you and your pet to opt for a square or rectangular cage. By doing so, you can provide your companion bird with a comfortable home and provide yourself with an enclosure that is easy to keep clean and well stocked with fun accessories your bird loves and needs to keep her happy. 

The best thing to keep in a round cage is a plant & not a bird 

What do they drink from?

 As I just mentioned above, I had used one of the feeder bowls for water over time I started to realise that this maybe wasn't the most  hygienic way for them to be drinking, I was constantly changing there water every few hours, due to poop getting into their bowl YUCK & food, so I did some  research on water bottles, hamster water bottle, there are many benefits of using water bottles instead of cups/bowls, it is a great way to provide your bird with clean, fresh water all day long, even tho it's absolutely normal for your bird to want to dunk its food in its water bowl, but those bits and pieces of food that remain in water create the ideal breeding ground for bacteria, a water bottle can be the solution to this "drinking problem." 

Plastic bottles are fine for smaller birds. 

It’s a popular misconception that bottles can be left without attention or refilling for days at a time. In truth, water bottles should be cleaned every day, just like any other cup or dish, because bacteria can 

begin to grow after 24 hours. At least once a day, you will want to reach in the cage and give the ball in the tube a tap to make sure everything is working properly. This is because some birds will stuff

bits of food or seeds into the tube opening, which will either clog the tube or cause all the water will run out.

A bird that is using a water bottle for the first time should be watched closely the first few days to make sure it is actually using it. For instance, you wouldn’t want to go away for the weekend without being absolutely sure your bird knows how to drink from the bottle, or without knowing if your bird is one of the ones that clogs the tip. Some learn to use the bottle 

immediately, and some may take a little training. In the meantime, continue to offer a water dish a 

few times a day to be sure your bird is getting the hydration it needs.

Okay so this is the type of bottle Bella & Bert now use, I was worried at first that they wouldn't drink from it, but they did pretty much straight away, Bert was the first to test drive the new bottle and he got it straight away now that's intelligence right there, Bella followed shortly after and she also got the hang of it straight away so it was a massive  success with my two, not every bird will get it straight away and will need a little training as I  previously mentioned. 

Selecting the Right Perch for your Pet Bird

Selecting the right Perch for your Pet Bird is important

because Birds spend a lot of time sitting on their Perches.

When not flying, basically anything a pet bird stands on

can be considered a perch. Perches also give birds something

to chew on, something to rub and groom their beaks on, and

a safe haven to view their world from.

How to Select a Perch for Your Bird

Consider: safety, variety and how well the perch will hold  up under use.

A different variety of sizes are important in helping keep

a pet bird's feet exercised and healthy. It is not healthy for 

a bird's feet to be constantly clutched in the same position, 

which will happen if he is using perches of only one size or 

shape. 

A perch that can be totally encircled by a bird's foot so 

that his toes overlap is too small. A bird should be able

to get his foot at least three-quarters of the way around the

perch. 

Birds have a tendency to chew on their perches, so make sure

the perch isn't too soft to be easily destroyed. If a bird

is being chewed up and becoming worn, replace the perch 

before tweety swallows some of the perch material.

Types of perches

1. Plastic perches

Plastic Perches come in acrylic and PVC, both are

easy to clean and sturdy, Acrylic perches are hard to destroy,

PVC can be chewed and swallowed, definitely not a good

thing.

Plastic perches can be slippery and uncomfortable and plastic

is not a natural type of perch which may cause some foot problems.

Plastic perches are a big no no no!!! For me they don't seem safe nor wide enough for the birds feet, definitely don't look comfortable.

2. Wooden perches

Wood perches most closely follow what a bird would perch

on in the wild. Wood perches can be purchased already made,

in a variety of sizes and complete with hangers.

If you have access to willow, birch or fruit trees, branches

from these trees make ideal perches. They come in all sizes

and interesting shapes and won't cost a penny. It's a good

idea to have several natural perches for your birds and

change them from time to time in the cage. This helps the

bird exercise it's feet and relieves some boredom.

Remember: Do Not use branches from trees that have been

sprayed with any kind of insecticide or pesticide!

Do not use branches from trees or any other plant that may 

be poisonous to birds.

3. Mineral perches

Mineral perches are also called concrete or cement perches. For 

They helpful in wearing down the nails and beaks of birds, 

preventing them from becoming overgrown. These perches 

are also comfortable and relatively indestructible. They come 

in a variety of shapes, materials and combinations of materials.

Almost every bird should have one mineral perch.

4. Sandpaper perches

The use of sandpaper perches in not recommended. The sand on

them may cut a bird's feet or cause other feet problems. They

provide no real benefit.

This one is a big no no no!!!

5. Rope perches

Most birds like to sit on rope perches. It has a good feel

for their legs and feet and provides a solid footing for them,

Purchase a stiff rope coil. Do not use a rope that will 

fray or be chewed easily. If the rope perch ever does become

frayed, replace it immediately. Birds can swallow bits of

rope and even get their claws stuck in a fray.

Rope perches are a big hit for my two, you can get different sizes, bend them in all kinds of directions, all great for your birds little feet.

Helpful Hints on Perches

* It's a good idea to have several perches of different sizes

   and shapes.

* Place the perches on several levels, horizontal and vertical.

* Don't put perches over top of feed and water bowls.

* Don't put perches directly on top of another perch.

* The smaller the cage, the more you will want the perches

   closer to the ends of the cage to provide more flying room.

other accessories for your Bird

cuttlefish bone.

Importance To Diet

Cuttlebone is provided to birds as a source of calcium and other necessary minerals. It is especially important to breeding hens.

Do Birds Need Cuttlebone?
The question remains, does my bird need cuttlebone? The answer is yes. Your bird, especially an egg-laying hen, needs calcium. Cuttlebone provides a natural, inexpensive source of calcium carbonate as well as other trace minerals,  cuttlebone is a natural product, containing no toxins or contaminants.
All birds need calcium, and cuttlebone is as good a source as any. Most of the parrots will willingly chew up a cuttlebone.

mineral block.

A mineral block is usually put into the cage to provide calcium and other minerals, with mineral blocks you can get all different shapes and colours and also flavours.

don't be worried if they don't use either of these straight away, Bella & Bert took their time to get

use to the, and now they both love cuttlefish bone and also the mineral block, they have a raspberry flavour one, just insure you put them in a visible and reachable place in their cage.

Budgie Toys.

Play Gyms

Most budgies like climbing, hanging off things, chewing threads, ringing bells and scratching their heads on things. So to increase their fun there are many types of ‘play gyms’ or ‘climbing stands’ on the market to choose from. Firstly, make sure it is one suitable for budgies. 

You can choose between colourful gyms and plain wood, usually doweling, ones. This is a matter of personal preference. Just make sure that the coloured ones do not have any toxic materials. I wouldn’t give my budgie a toy that I wouldn’t let a baby chew on.

Chewing Toys.

Chewing is a natural and necessary part of your budgies make up. They need to keep their beaks nicely trimmed, strong and agile, it also provides mental stimulation and activity while they are in their cage.

When coming into breeding condition it becomes a strong instinct for the hen to chew and she will find something to destroy regardless of whether you want her to or not, so it is best to provide something you are happy for her to chew up before she gets to your wallpaper! Even aviary birds need to chew so don't forget to provide for them too. The Hanging Vine Swing is a great toy for aviaries or your living room.
I would recommend natural products for budgie toys; wood, paper, plant materials, that will be like the things they would find in the wild. And make sure there are no dangerous chemical dyes in them! Birdie Bagels can be slipped onto a perch, or hung up for chewing. They also come in sizes big enough for you budgie to use as a swing whilst munching. A Mardi Gras toy is good for shredding and preening.

Rosewood Small Animal Activity Toy Bunny Fun Tree Boredom Breaker, I cant recommend this product enough, Bella got into a habit of picking paint of my walls and windowsill, another budgie owner suggested this product for her to destroy, its the best thing I have ever brought, it keeps her busy for ages, this tree is almost destroyed now, from all her chewing at it.
you can find this product on Amazon.



Swings.
Most budgie like to swing, and hang about, and there are many options to keep your bird entertained. Ropes to climb and swing on were always popular in my aviary and were some of my favourite budgie toys.
Some nice ones are made of sisal and can have a bell on the bottom. They will love climbing up and down and ringing the bell. There are also Triangle Swings, made of a safe rubber like material so will be an interesting contrast to what your birds feet are used to, and is feels fun to bite. And it has a disk on the bottom for biting and twisting.

And the most important point to make is; look critically at everything and try to anticipate how your bird may get injured with it, because they are masters of finding trouble to get into!

hear are a few other toys for your budgie.

Bird Mirrors.

Budgies love mirrors, plain and simple.  It gives them someone to talk to, someone that looks and sounds just like them.

 In my honest opinion, I think it is unhealthy for alone budgie to have mirrors in their home. 

Once you put that mirror in, your budgie will become addicted to it and will never want to do anything else. Yes, it seems like a nice thing to do- giving your budgie a “friend” but YOU are supposed to be your budgie’s friend.

If you ever want to have any connection with your budgie, I recommend you do not put a mirror in his/her home.  First, it is kind of wrong to do it because it’s just a reflection and you are teasing your bird into thinking it is a real, living bird who will chirp back. Second, you want your budgie to bond with you. He should want to play with you, talk with you, get on your finger, and be excited to see you.  Also, when budgie become so obsessed with their mirror, they can become aggressive and territorial, and start biting you.
If you feel your budgie is very lonely, consider getting a second bird – especially if you gone most of the time.  You can also use the mirror as a way to bond more with your bird.  Instead of leaving the mirror in there all day, take it and make your budgie come to you and then have him step up on your finger to reach it.  Let him play with it for a few minutes then put it away and continue to interact with your budgie.

Bella & Bert have a mirror, and I can honestly say that Bella doesn't even bother with it as she has her friend Bert.
Bert on the other hand likes to have a quick stop in the mirror to check him self out and have a quick chat with him self, again he doesn't do this very often, if I feel he is spending to much time in his mirror more than few minutes I will distract him away from it or Bella will do this.
there are many, many views about having mirrors' weather its okay or not okay,
personally I wouldn't recommend them for alone birds.

This is Bert having a quick chat in his Mirror.

*images, are either my own, found on google images, pets at home and amazon*

** RUSTY BIRD TOYS **

Rust is the result when oxygen comes in long-term contact and combines with certain metal elements. the result is an oxide which weakens the metals structure and strength.. water, and more specifically dampness, is even worse for most metals as the hydrogen contained reacts with certain elements to create acid which helps expose more atoms to the destructive power of oxygen. the colour of rust (weather it is orange, white or green) is actually the scorching of the metal as this reaction occurs.

The danger of rust all depends on what metal is actually rusting, and to be on the safe side all rusted metal or metal alloys (chemically combined metal element's) should be kept away from a birds nibbling.