What Do Budgies Like in Their Cage? - Keep Your Bird Thrilled and Engaged!

Budgies are one of the most popular pet birds in the world. They are small, colorful, and have a friendly personality, making them great companions for bird lovers.

Taking care of budgies requires a good understanding of their needs, including what they like in their cage. Budgies spend most of their time in their cage, so it’s essential to provide them with an environment that’s comfortable, safe, and stimulating.

When it comes to what budgies like in their cage, there are several items that are considered must-haves.

These include perches, toys, swings, and cuttlebone. Perches are essential for budgies to rest and exercise their feet. Toys, on the other hand, provide mental and physical stimulation, which is crucial for their overall well-being. Swings are also a favorite among budgies, as they love to swing back and forth. Cuttlebone is a great source of calcium and helps keep their beaks trimmed.

It’s important to note that budgies have individual preferences, and what one budgie likes may not be the same for another.

You have to observe your budgie’s behavior and provide them with items that they enjoy.

In this article, we’ll explore in-depth what budgies like in their cage and provide you with a comprehensive guide to creating a comfortable and stimulating environment for your feathered friend.

Size and Shape of the Cage

Minimum Cage Size

Budgies are active birds that need enough space to fly and move around comfortably. The minimum cage size for one budgie is 18″ x 18″ x 18″, while two budgies need a cage that is at least 30″ x 18″ x 18″. However, bigger is always better, and providing more space will make your budgies happier and healthier.

The minimum cage size is only suitable if your budgies are tame and out of their cage frequently. If your budgies spend most of their time in their cage, you should consider getting a larger cage to ensure they have enough room to move around and exercise.

What Do Budgies Like in Their Cage? - A Comprehensive Guide — ***Make sure you get the right size and shape cage for your bird.***

Shape of the Cage

The shape of the cage is also important for budgies. Budgies require horizontal space to fly, so it’s best to choose a cage that is elongated sideways, rather than one that substitutes length with height. Tall cages that are narrow are not suitable for budgies.

Vertical cages are ideal, as budgies like climbing bars and flying between perch levels. However, make sure the cage is wide enough to allow your budgies to fly horizontally as well.

When choosing a cage, it’s important to consider not only the size but also the quality of the materials used. The cage should be made of sturdy, non-toxic materials, and the bars should be spaced no more than 1/2 inch apart to prevent your budgies from escaping or getting stuck.

Overall, providing your budgies with a spacious and appropriately shaped cage will help keep them happy and healthy.

Perches and Toys

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Types of Perches

Perches are a crucial addition to any budgie cage. They provide a place for budgies to rest, sleep, and play. Here are some types of perches that budgies like:

Wooden perches: Budgies love wooden perches as they are comfortable to grip and chew on. Avoid metal, plastic, and stone perches as they can damage budgie’s feet.
Rope perches: Rope perches are the safest and most user-friendly perch for budgies. They allow budgies to climb up, down, and around their cage easily.
Cement perches: Cement perches help to keep budgies nails trimmed. However, they should be used in moderation as they can cause foot problems if used excessively.

Toys for Entertainment

Budgies are very playful birds and need a variety of toys to keep them stimulated entertained.

Here are some suggestions of toys that budgies like:

Swings: Swings are a fantastic addition to the playful environment for budgies. They provide a place for budgies to relax and have fun.
Bells: Bells are a popular toy for budgies. They enjoy ringing them and playing with them.
Chewable toys: Chewable toys are great for budgies as they love to chew. Toys made of organic wood or bamboo are ideal.
Mirror toys: Mirror toys are a great way to keep budgies entertained. They love looking at themselves in the mirror and talking to their reflection.

Toys for Exercise

Budgies need exercise to stay healthy and happy. Here are some toys that encourage budgies to exercise:

Perches with ladders: Perches with ladders are great for budgies as they encourage them to climb and move around their cage.
Shredding toys: Shredding toys encourage them to use their beak and claws and can give them great stimulation. Toys made of paper, cardboard or very soft wood like balsa wood are ideal.
Bird playground: Bird playgrounds are a great way to give budgies exercise. They provide a place for budgies to climb, swing, and play and usually include all of the aforementioned toys if you look for a bundle.

What Should I Put in My Budgie Cage? – My Personal Experience

I’ve been a budgie mother for several years now, I’ve had my fair share of trial and error when it comes to finding the best toys and accessories to keep them entertained.

After a lot of experimentation, I’ve discovered some absolute must-haves for my budgie’s cage, making sure that they have as happy and stimulated environment as possible.

One of their all-time favorite toys is the humble swing. I bought this small wooden swing with a natural branch perch that they love to sit on and gently sway back and forth.

The problem is, I had originally just bought just one, but after a day I noticed that they were fighting over it! So I had to order a second one for them.

They seemed to be really happy with it. The uneven surface of the branch also helps keep her little feet healthy.

Another accessory I’ve found to be a winner is a little Kabob chew toys.

Me and my partner were on holiday and we noticed some of the Parrots in the hotel grounds had these little pieces of wood hanging off the branches, so we asked one of the groundskeepers who looked after the birds about this and he told us that the parrot families really love chewing on these pieces of wood, it’s good for keeping them calm especially after some bad weather.

As soon as we got home I ordered some for my birds. They come in various shapes and sizes, I personally like to go for the coloured ones to give them more colour in their cage, but the key is to ensure they’re bird-safe and non-toxic.

They love to nibble on them, and I think the bright colors and different textures give them visual and tactile stimulation.

Another thing my birds like is foraging toys. These encourage natural foraging behaviors by making them work for their treats. One of my favorites is this small, refillable ball that I can fill with seeds or pellets. As my budgie spins the ball, the treats fall out, providing both mental and physical enrichment.

Finally, to keep things interesting, I like to switch up the layout of the cage every so often, moving perches and toys around to create a new environment for my budgie to explore.

I’ve found that adding a couple of natural branch perches at varying heights and angles not only adds visual appeal but also encourages climbing and hopping between perches, promoting exercise and agility.

This all depends greatly on the size of your bird cage.

Finally, I always ensure there’s a small, shallow dish or birdbath available for my budgie to splash around in. These can be picked up pretty cheaply just be sure to check the dimensions will fit your cage.

These not only provides a fun activity, but it also encourages good hygiene and helps them keep their feathers nice and clean.

Food and Water

Types of Food

Budgies are primarily seed-eating birds, and they require a balanced diet that includes a variety of seeds, grains, and vegetables.

A high-quality commercial seed mix can serve as the foundation of their diet, but it is important to supplement this with fresh fruits and vegetables.

Some good options include apples, carrots, broccoli, and spinach. It is important to avoid feeding them avocado, chocolate, and caffeine as these can be toxic to them.

As well as fruits and vegetables, budgies also require a source of protein. This can be provided through cooked eggs, boiled chicken, or commercial bird food that contains added protein.

Water Sources

Clean and fresh water is essential for budgies, and it is important to provide them with a consistent source of water.

A water bottle or dish can be used to provide water, but it is important to clean and refill it regularly to prevent the growth of bacteria.

It is also important to note that budgies enjoy bathing, and providing them with a shallow dish of water to splash around in can help keep them clean and healthy.

This should be done in addition to providing them with a consistent source of drinking water.

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Location of the Cage

Ideal Placement

When it comes to the location of the cage, it is important to keep in mind that budgies are social birds and enjoy being around people.

Be sure to place their cage in an area where they can observe human activity. A living room or a family room is an ideal location for a budgie’s cage.

This will allow them to feel like they are part of the family and also provide them with plenty of entertainment.

In addition to being near people, the cage should also be placed in a quiet area of the house. Loud noises and sudden movements can startle budgies and cause them to become stressed. So it’s best not to have their cage near a television or a stereo.

Avoiding Drafts

Budgies are also sensitive to temperature changes, and drafts can be harmful to their health. Therefore, it is important to avoid placing their cage near windows or doors where drafts are likely to occur.

If the cage must be placed near a window, it is best to cover the cage with a blanket or a towel during the colder months to keep the budgie warm.

Direct Sunlight

While budgies enjoy natural sunlight, it is important to avoid placing their cage in direct sunlight.

Direct sunlight can cause the cage to become too hot, which can lead to dehydration and heatstroke. It can also cause the budgie to become stressed and uncomfortable.

Place their cage in an area that receives indirect sunlight or provide them with a shaded area inside their cage. This can easily be done with a piece of cardboard and a pair of scissors.

FAQs

What Do Budgies Like to Watch on TV?

Budgies are attracted to bright colors, movement, and sounds that can hold their attention.

Some budgies enjoy watching nature documentaries, especially those featuring birds and other animals.

The movements, colors, and sounds of birds in these programs can stimulate their curiosity and keep them engaged.

Budgies also have exceptional vision and are sensitive to light, meaning they may be more drawn to shows with vivid colors and high contrast.

But it’s important to remember that television should not be a primary source of entertainment or companionship for your budgie.

Providing them with an enriching environment, including toys, perches, and social interaction with you or other birds, is essential for their well-being.

Some TV time might be a fun occasional activity, you have to ensure your budgie’s overall needs are met through proper care and attention.

Be cautious about the volume of the TV, as loud or sudden noises can be very stressful for your budgie.

Make sure to monitor their behavior while the TV is on, and if you notice any signs of stress or discomfort, turn it off and find other ways to engage and entertain your feathered friend.