Budgerigar
Small, sociable parrot with a lively personality and the ability to mimic words.
SmallVery activeAustraliaGood with kids
Origin & history
Native to the Australian outback, where it lives in huge flocks; brought to Europe as an ornamental bird from the 19th century and popular worldwide since.
Care
Needs daily free-flight time in a bird-safe room. Clean the cage regularly; feathers regrow after molting.
Ideal environment
NEVER keep alone - budgerigars are extremely social flock animals. Needs the largest cage possible with perches of varying thickness.
Feeding
Seed mix as the base diet, supplemented with fresh fruit/vegetables; watch for toxic plants like avocado.
Health
Prone to respiratory illness from drafts and fatty liver disease from poor diet.