Budgies: Birds for Beginners?

Often, when someone is interested in keeping birds, you hear or read that budgies are the ideal beginner birds. What does that mean? That one can first try keeping them, i.e., practice. Once you've practiced enough and hopefully harmed as few animals as possible, you can then take the plunge and finally keep the birds you've always wanted – maybe large parrots? Or does it mean that budgies are ideal for children to practice responsibility?

What could be the qualities that supposedly make this species an ideal beginner bird? Budgies are small and don't need much space. They are not particularly loud. They are lovable and usually peaceful creatures. They are cute to look at and can even learn to talk. They are easy to feed and don't live as long as, for example, large parrots. And above all: they don't cost much. These or similar arguments are often heard.

Let's examine these qualities:

Budgies are small and don't need much space?!

Yes, it's true, budgies are among the smallest parrots. But they are birds. They need the opportunity to fly. And that means daily. So, they need at least an entire room, and their cage must be large enough to allow a few wing beats inside. A minimum width of 1 meter for a cage with two budgies is considered appropriate. If you don't have a dedicated bird room, the ideal location for the cage is the living room. The lovable birds will then gladly participate in their humans' conversations. Although their voices are relatively moderate, they can sometimes take over the conversation. However, it is rather unlikely that budgies kept in a pair, as required by animal welfare, will mimic human speech. They simply have no reason to do so.

Budgies are easy to care for?!

Many assume that budgies are sufficiently cared for with just a few seeds. However, for their well-being, they also need fruits, vegetables, herbs, and fresh branches to chew on. With good care, the small parrots can live up to 15 years. For a trial run, that's a very long time.

Budgies don't cost much?!

One thing is true: budgies can unfortunately be bought for as little as 20 euros in pet stores. Cages are also offered at affordable prices. However, these cages are usually not suitable for proper and safe housing. If you ask for cages with the recommended minimum width and also inquire about cages free from heavy metals, you will have to reckon with prices in the triple digits. So, it's not that cheap. And whether the cage will then be suitable for the other bird species you might want is not guaranteed either.

If you want to take budgies into your home, you should do it solely for their sake. Only true enthusiasm for the animals will make you take care of the daily needs of the birds. Even after the novelty has worn off, the budgies still need to be cared for daily. Hygienic measures must be carried out meticulously. And most importantly, you need to engage with the little Australians and involve them in family life.

The real test comes when illnesses or problems arise:

Visiting the vet and administering medication

When you have to catch a bird to take it to an avian vet. When you have to try to leave work early because the nearest suitable vet might be several kilometers away via the highway. When you have to account for the waiting time at the vet’s office. When you then have to pay the bill. When the treatment must continue at home. Catching the bird twice a day, administering medicine with a syringe into its beak – this doesn’t just stress the bird out.

Getting a new partner in case of conflict or when a budgie's partner dies

The pair you bought may not always get along. Conflicts can arise. Perhaps the intended pair turns out to be two hens. Are you ready to add two males to create a harmonious balance? If a bird dies, the partner cannot remain alone. What will you do then? The best thing for the surviving bird is to find a new partner. You can easily find yourself in a cycle that extends well beyond the possible 15-year lifespan.

Does a bird fit into my life?

No matter what type of bird you're interested in, it's important to thoroughly research the species before making a decision. Your own living situation and future goals play a crucial role. The central question must be: Do the birds fit into my current life and future plans? Can I provide the species I want to keep with a proper and fulfilling life for many years? Am I well-informed about the needs and behavior of the birds I want to keep? Do I realize that some species are significantly more challenging to care for than budgies already are? If there are any doubts about meeting the requirements for keeping the desired species, you should decide against the purchase for the sake of the birds, no matter how hard it may be. There may be other birds, however, that you can provide with a loving and appropriate home.

Budgies are certainly among the birds that, with enough information and planning, pose fewer problems in keeping compared to, say, Amazons. But, as outlined above, their needs should not be underestimated. And they must not be used as stand-ins or test birds to see if bird-keeping is right for you before moving on to the expensive parrots.

Children and Budgies

It should not be the task of animals to teach children responsibility. The path should be exactly the opposite. Only when children have proven that they can take on responsibility should they be entrusted with the care of an animal.

Conclusion