Climates for Parakeets

The type of bird Americans think of as a pet parakeet is an Australian variety of small parrot called a budgerigar, or budgie for short. They have a slender profile and a long tail. Wild budgies are bright green and yellow with black markings, while pet budgies are available with other color variations.

  1. Geography &Climate

    • Budgies are native to Australia and occupy the Outback, a vast, hot and dry region spanning most of the continent's interior. Budgies live in grasslands where they can find food. The region's droughts can be very hard on the birds, and although they don't need a lot of water, they will eventually succumb to a drought if they cannot eventually find a water source. During rainy times, the grass seeds they feed on are plentiful.

    Diet

    • Wild budgies have adapted to their natural habitat's hot, dry habitat. They can go for long periods without drinking water if they have to and survive on moisture from food, such as grass seeds. Budgies gather in flocks and roam from place to place looking for food. Once they have picked over an area, they move on. When food and water is scarce, flocks of thousands of birds may travel hundreds of miles.

    Nesting

    • When conditions are ideal after lots of rain, budgies nest to take advantage of food availability. Pairs nest in hollow trees or logs, and the female lays four to six eggs. While she sits on the eggs for three weeks, the male brings food back to the nest. The babies are ready to leave the nest a few weeks after hatching. The budgie pair may start another nest right away if there is still an abundance of food.

    Pets

    • If you have pet parakeets, they do well in normal household temperatures from about 65 to 80 degrees F. Keep your bird cage out of direct sunlight so they don't get too hot, and don't leave the cage hanging outside in cold weather. Make sure they always have food and water, and clean the bottom of the cage daily.