The Basic Care Of Budgies

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If in the first few days of your Budgie coming home you are concerned about its health or well being, please do not hesitate to contact us. We are open seven days a week and often a quick call to us may alleviate any minor problems and put your mind at ease.

Housing

There is a wide range of cages available at Paws for Thought. Whichever cage you choose, line the bottom with wood based cat litter which is excellent for this purpose or you can use sanded sheets and scatter a little sand to absorb the waste. Place the cage out of draughts and direct sunlight, and provide a cover at night.

Provide your Budgie with toys to keep him occupied, or buy two birds for company. All our Budgies are given a bath or sprayed lightly several times a week, using a plume conditioner which deters insects and benefits the plumage. A birdbath with tepid water mounted at the doorway of the cage may also be used. Clean your Budgies cage and perches regularly to keep him healthy. Cuttlefish and iodine blocks should also be provided for your Budgie to help supply calcium and vitamins.

Diet

Feed on top quality seed and provide grit to help him digest it. Supply fresh fruit and lettuce sparingly to give him a natural source of vitamins. Remove uneaten fresh food every day. Keep your bird’s troughs clean to prevent illness. Remove empty husks from the seed pot during the day. Millet spray may be given twice a week.

Handling

Your new Budgie may be nervous at first. Talk to him, do not handle him for a week or so to let him get used to his new surroundings. Gradually over the next few weeks, introduce your hand into his cage whilst talking to him then you will slowly gain his confidence. When handling your Budgie you need to be very gentle. Handling your Budgie can cause shock and distress which can be fatal. Budgies should not be allowed to fly outside their cages until finger tame.

General Health

All our birds are given a health check before being put on sale. If properly fed and cleaned your Budgie should remain healthy for many years and give you lots of pleasure. Remember birds are easily frightened and can collapse. Rough handling can cause internal injuries. Draughts can lead to pneumonia. If your Budgie sits with his feathers ruffled and breathing rapidly, this is a sign of him being unwell you may need to seek further advice or take him to your vet. Diarrhoea can also be fatal. His claws may overgrow and may require trimming. This is not unusual and you can arrange to see our trained staff to have them trimmed, or take him to your vet.