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The budgerigar, or budgie, is a small parakeet commonly kept as a pet. They are adorable and affectionate birds who love to be around their people. If you are thinking of adding a budgie to your family, it’s important to know that they require a lot of care and attention.
Unlike some other members of the parrot family, the budgerigar does not have an extraordinarily long lifespan. On average, they live for somewhere between 6 to 12 years.
Keep reading to learn more about the factors that contribute to the lengthening or shortening of a budgie’s lifespan and how to help your pet live longer.
Why Do Some Budgies Live Longer Than Others?
The biggest factor in the length of the budgie’s life is whether proper care is provided. A well-cared-for bird is more likely to make it to the upper limit of the average, while one that is not given the care and attention they need will not. Some aspects of care that you can control include the environment, enrichment, diet, and healthcare of your budgie.
1. Environment
The budgerigar may be a small bird, but they still need plenty of space and exercise to be healthy. Their cage should be large enough for them to fly around and should have several perches for your bird to land on.
The cage also needs to be kept very clean to prevent bacterial and fungal infections. You should clean the food and water bowls daily. You should also change the cage liner every day and wipe down any dirty surfaces. Every week, you’ll need to fully clean the cage, perches, and any toys your bird has been playing with.
2. Enrichment
A bored budgie will quickly become depressed and destructive. One that doesn’t get enough exercise will become obese and ill. Therefore, you must give your budgie plenty of things to do and many opportunities for exercise.
They should be allowed out of their cage for at least an hour, if not more, every day. If you allow them to fly freely in your home, you’ll want to make sure that you’ve created a safe environment free of potential hazards. You also must give your budgie plenty of in-cage entertainment. They love toys and playing games. You should switch out their toys frequently so that they don’t get bored.
Along with exercise and toys to play with, your budgie also needs you! They are very social birds who need human interaction and affection. If you are someone who works long hours and is away from home frequently, a budgie is not the pet for you.
3. Diet
Budgies that don’t get enough exercise and don’t eat the right foods will quickly gain weight. If your bird is overweight, its organs will become too fatty and will eventually fail. This is why it is very important to feed your budgie the right foods in the right amounts.
Budgies do best on a diet that is made up of 70% bird pellets and 30% fruit and vegetables. The pellets are rich in nutrients while fruits and vegetables add variety and additional vitamins.
Veggies like leafy greens, cucumbers, carrots, green beans, peas, and cauliflower are good choices. Fruits are another great treat. Budgies usually enjoy berries, melons, apples, pears, mangos, and peaches.
- Related Read: Can Budgies Eat Oranges? What You Need To Know!
4. Healthcare
You should plan to take your budgie to the vet for a check-up every 6 months. This might seem like a lot, but the extensive inbreeding of these birds has made them prone to many diseases. Frequent veterinary trips can help catch problems early, making it more likely that treatment will be effective.
You should also pay close attention to your budgie’s behavior and appearance. If you notice changes in energy, appetite, or mood, it’s a good idea to get them to the vet right away.
How to Help Your Budgie Live Longer
While there are some things you can’t control, there are steps you can take to help your budgie live the fullest life possible.
- Don’t overfeed your budgie.
- Take them for regular vet visits.
- Pay attention to their behavior.
- Clean their cage daily.
- Always supply them with fresh, clean water.
- Give them plenty of love and attention.
- Be mindful of the breeder from which you buy them.
- Keep them away from other pets.
Conclusion
While you can’t guarantee that your budgie won’t develop a disease, you can do everything possible to keep them healthy. The proper diet and environment, along with plenty of exercise, care, and attention will go a long way to maximizing your budgerigar’s lifespan.
Featured Image Credit: Barni1, Pixabay
