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Budgie |
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Bird Breeds:
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DESCRIPTION
7 inches (18cm). Green with yellow forehead and cheeks. Horizontal black
and yellow bands on back. Cere blue in male, brown in female. Many mutations.
Immature Budgies may show barring on head down to cere. Beaks of newly
fledged may be dark, their eyes solid lacking white irises.
NATURAL DISTRIBUTION
The Budgie is found in Australia, except eastern coastal areas and Tasmania.
Nomadic by nature. Brought to Europe in 19th century, now one of most
popular of all cage birds.
HABITAT
Grassland with a few trees, close to water. In dry spells millions of
budgerigars gather in watery areas. Travels in nomadic flocks. Nests in
tree hollows, such as eucalyptus knotholes. Brooding period dependent
on food supply (rainy season). Collects
seeds from ground vegetation including grasses and weeds.
DIET Millet,
canary grass seeds, oats, greenstuff, carrots, sweet apples.
SPECIAL NEEDS
Indoor birds need iodine.
CAGE LIFE
Budgies are inexpensive, easy to care for. Most common bird species in
captivity. Sociable, quick to tame, and can prove a talented talker. Keep
in pairs, or dolls and other toys serve as substitute partners. Large
cage with gauge, daily free flight in the room. Nest box from poplar or
birch, which should be removed in August to prevent attempts to rear chicks
during colder months; replace the following spring. Lays 4 to 8 eggs,
up to 10 in as little as 10 days, incubation 18 days, fledging 20 days.
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