How to Look After Baby Budgies

Budgies (parakeets) are colorful and attractive birds and can make good pets as long as they receive proper care and attention. They live in flocks of up to 60 birds in the wild and are social by nature. They require a lot of social interaction and do not like to be left alone. Therefore, it may be better to get two baby budgies at the same time. In some ways, it is easier to care for two than one. It is relatively easy to look after baby budgies.

Instructions

    • 1

      Allow the parents to care for the chicks for the first four to six weeks, if possible. Hand-fed budgies are often the tamest birds. However, they miss out on the lessons they can only learn from their parents, such as feeding and flying. If you choose to hand-feed the baby budgies, it is best to separate them from the adults, as the hen will often reject them and may even kill them. To hand-feed chicks, purchase a commercial chick rearing mix and follow the instructions. Feed chicks with a syringe five times a day.

      Separate chicks from their parents when they are six weeks old. Keep them in a separate cage, give them away or sell them.

    • 2

      Begin finger-training the budgie as soon as it is separated from its parents. Finger training is getting the bird used to your finger so that it will step on your finger when you offer it. This allows the budgie to get used to interaction with humans.

    • 3

      Put budgie in a cage that is large enough for wooden perches, toys and room for it to roam. There should also be a place to add food and water bowls. Place the cage out of direct sunlight and in a draft-free area. Clean the cage daily, including the food and water bowls. Wash the perches, toys and floor weekly. Cover the cage at night.

    • 4

      Feed your budgie a ready-made staple seed mix containing oats, groats, niger seeds, linseed, canary grass and white, yellow and red millets. A higher-quality mix also contains thistle, anise, sesame and safflower seeds. In addition, feed the bird fresh fruits and vegetables. Before introducing new foods, check with a vet or do a search on the Internet. Foods that are bad for budgies include cabbage, raw potatoes, green beans, rhubarb, lemons, grapefruit, plums and avocado. In addition, place a mineral block in its cage. Change water at least once a day.

    • 5

      Train the budgie to talk and do tricks. Talk to him often, and repeat words or sayings you want it to say. They can also be trained other tricks such as running through obstacle courses and jumping through rings.