Caring for budgies involves providing a balanced diet, seasonal care, and enrichment activities. Whether you're keeping them as pets or breeding for competition, following these guidelines will help ensure they remain healthy, happy, and thriving throughout the year.
Budgerigars thrive on fresh and clean greens, with chickweed being an excellent choice. Other suitable greens include the following:
Dandelion leaves
Groundsel
Parsley
For variety, root vegetables such as carrots and beetroot can be added, along with occasional pieces of apple, which are often relished. To prevent contamination, hang greens in bunches or place cut fruit and vegetables in a dish rather than on the cage floor.
How to serve fresh greens
Ensure all greens are free from pollutants and frost.
Wash thoroughly in clean, cold water.
Serve a small handful at a time while crisp and fresh.
Remove leftovers after a few hours to avoid spoilage.
Grit for digestion
Budgerigars require grit to aid digestion, as it helps grind food in their gizzard. They will naturally spend time at the grit container, breaking it down into fine dust. Ensure grit is clean and always available for your birds.
Millet sprays are an excellent enrichment food, particularly for young budgies, encouraging natural foraging behaviour. Hang millet sprays from the cage or aviary roof as a treat. Budgies will also spend hours picking at the stalks, helping to reduce boredom.
Budgie Breeding Insights: Seasonal Care Guide
November – December: Cold Weather & Breeding Preparations
Budgerigars can tolerate cold UK winters, but special care is needed.
Ensure drinking water doesn't freeze.
Protect breeding birds and their young from cold winds. Consider insulating shed roof & walls.
Soaked for 24 hours for hens feeding young chicks to convert starch into sugars
Served at 1 teaspoon per bird per day to avoid obesity
Late July – September: Moulting & Stock Assessment
Annual moult begins due to decreasing daylight and temperature drops.
Moult occurs between September and October, taking 6-8 weeks.
New birds should settle before this period to reduce stress.
Nutrition During Moulting
✔ Increase protein intake with more canary seed
✔ Supplement with cod liver oil (½ teaspoon per 4L of seed) for vitamins A and D
✔ Offer Haith's seed mixtures for essential minerals
July - November: Show Season Preparation
Birds should be in peak condition for the show season.
Return to a staple seed diet with occasional Budgie Tonic Seed to boost vitamin intake.
Keeping budgies as pets or for breeding is a deeply rewarding hobby. Their playful nature, bright colours, and ability to form strong bonds bring endless joy. Whether you enjoy their cheerful chatter or the excitement of raising young, budgies make wonderful companions. We're here to help you every step of the way.
