The Budgerigar, commonly known as the budgie or parakeet, is the world's most popular pet bird and an ideal choice for first-time bird owners. Native to Australia, these small parrots are inexpensive, cheerful, and relatively easy to care for while still offering genuine interaction and occasional talking ability. They thrive in pairs and bring enormous joy with minimal space and cost requirements.
My budgie turned ten this year which his vet considers exceptional for the species. He has been with me through three house moves and two jobs. He still whistles his morning greeting, still demands millet treats by rattling his food cup, and still flies to my hand when called. Small pets can leave e…
Read full review →I started with a budgie ten years ago to see if bird ownership was for me. It was. I now have a cockatiel and am researching African Greys. But my original budgie is still here, still chattering, and still the bird I reach for when I need uncomplicated, cheerful company. He is the foundation of my e…
Read full review →I got my budgie expecting to be hand-taming him within weeks. It took four months of patient daily work before he would step onto my finger reliably. Some budgies tame easily, others are more cautious by nature. Once he was tame he became a lovely little companion. But set realistic expectations for…
Read full review →A budgie is the ideal companion for small-space living. My flat has one bedroom and a tiny living room and my pair of budgies are perfectly happy in it. They are quiet enough not to bother neighbours, eat very little, and fill my home with cheerful chatter all day. Coming home to their excited greet…
Read full review →My seventy-eight-year-old mother has been lonely since my father passed. A budgie seemed like a manageable solution. Two years on, she talks to him constantly, he talks back, and she says he gives her a reason to get up every morning. The bird is easy for her to care for, is not boisterous or loud, …
Read full review →We bought two budgies for our children aged eight and ten as first pets. Two years later the kids feed them before breakfast without being reminded, understand that animals have feelings and needs, and can identify their birds' different vocalisations. The budgies themselves are tame, cheerful, and …
Read full review →Male budgies in particular can be excellent talkers if you work with them daily from a young age. My bird learned around forty words and short phrases over two years of consistent training. He says his name, several greetings, and a few choice phrases he picked up from the television. Not every budg…
Read full review →