One of the most popular breeds of domestic bird is the parakeet, or budgerigar. These small birds originate from the grasslands and woods of central and southern Australia. In the wild, budgies are striped green and yellow with dark green flight feathers; domestic parakeets have been bred to include just about every color of the rainbow.
Parakeets have been bred in captivity since the 1800s — and are still common as pets today. Their small size (under eight inches in length from tip of the tail to the tip of the beak) makes them easy to keep and care for. Budgies don’t need a whole lot of cage space, are relatively inexpensive to feed, and can live happily in a small apartment or condo.
Small size doesn’t mean small brain, either. Parakeets can be taught to whistle or talk, and may be just as intelligent as some larger (and more demanding) bird species. They love to play and explore, so your budgie will need some interesting toys in his cage to be happy. Your parakeet will also need some out-of-cage time every day to stretch his wings and explore. These active little birds need lots of exercise to stay happy and healthy.
The average budgie lives between five and nine years, though some have lived double that span. Budgies can do well on a diet of commercial bird seed or extruded pellets, supplemented with fresh fruits and vegetables like apples, grapes, and leafy greens.
If you don’t have the time to take care of a larger, more demanding bird, a budgie may be a good choice. These birds are good for beginners, children, and busy families because they’re easy to care for and don’t need a lot of human attention. While parakeets can bond with their human owners, they can also be independent.