Budgerigar

Scientific Name:

Melopsittacus matrix

Origin:

Australia

The budgerigar is native to Australia and is commonly found in the open areas of scrublands, grass lands and wood lands. The bird is nomadic in nature and moves to one place to another in search of food and water. In wild the birds feed on seeds like spinifex, grass weeds and sometimes even ripening wheat seeds. The birds are generally found in small flocks and even found in huge flocks under favorable conditions. The birds in wild are larger in size than those growing in captivity.

The budgerigar is one of the oldest established popular pet birds. It is very easy to manage, eager to breed, good natured and companionable. It is particularly well liked by children. It may be kept in an outdoor flight all year round, providing adequate shelter from cold winds.

Description:

Size: 20 cm (8 in)

COCK:

There are many different colored budgerigars, including blue, lilac, yellow, white and variegated. The original color of this bird is green. All colors are masked with black throat spots. The cock has a blue cere.'

HEN:

Hen can be distinguished by the brown cere. There is a set standard of deportment, body size and shape for those being exhibited.

Diet: (Seedeater)

Standard sized budgerigar have diets that are of mixed forms may be purchased very easily. Millet sprays and green food are enjoyed. While preparing birds for breeding, add cod liver oil to seed in order to prevent egg binding. Grit and cuttlefish bone should be given to the female birds who would take part in breeding of young ones.

Budgerigar Breeding:

For breeding it would be a good idea to keep only one or two colors of budgerigar to avoid indiscriminate pairing. Though peaceful with other birds, they are intolerant with breeds of their own kind, particularly if sufficient nest sites are not available. Never keep an extra cock bird in the quarters, though an extra hen is not a problem, for she becomes a second wife. Once breeding commences, do not add further birds to the aviary or they may be attacked.

A budgerigar should not be allowed to breed before it is eight months of age, and should not be allowed more than three broods per year.

Nest boxes should be hung in the shelter and flight, but must be protected from heavy rain. This bird tends to sit in the opening to the nest box thus preventing air from reaching its young, so make ventilation holes in the box.

During the breeding season, a pair should he given mixed millets, canary seed, sunflower seed, sweet corn (maize), chickweed and lettuce. Willow and apple twigs are enjoyed.

More eggs are usually laid in the second clutch than in the first. The maximum number of eggs in a clutch is eight. Incubation takes about 18 days, and the cock bird feeds his hen on the nest. The young fledge after about a month and sometimes new eggs are found amongst fledglings about to leave the nest.