parrot care Archives - The Budgie Academy

Keeping Seed Bug-Free

Isabel Frabotta — Tue, 28 Feb 2023 16:00:00 +0000

Imagine this: it’s time to feed your birds, so you go to open your bag of seed mix. But as soon as you open the bag, a handful of moths fly out! Or maybe you look inside and see little black insects crawling around. Even if this has never happened to you, it’s a not-uncommon occurrence that has startled many bird owners.

Why Should I Freeze My Budgie's Seed?

Freezing is one of the most effective ways to combat bug infestations.

But why do seed mixes sometimes become infested with bugs? It’s not necessarily because the seed is unclean or low quality, but instead has to do with the farming and harvesting process. The most likely suspect is the Indian Meal Moth (Plodia Interpunctella). When cereals and grains are grown in the field, the moths lay their eggs on them. When the seeds are harvested from plants, bug eggs and larvae can get caught up in the mix. While the seeds sit in your pantry, these eggs and larvae can develop in the bag into full-grown insects.

Luckily, there’s an easy fix. Simply store your seed in the freezer for a few days (72 hours) as soon as you bring it home. This will kill any bug eggs or larvae so they can’t develop and give you a nasty surprise down the road. Don’t worry–although the idea of eating a few dead bug eggs might seem unappetizing, the seed mix should still be perfectly safe for your birds.

Wrapping Up...

For more budgie feeding tips, check out our articles on introducing pellets and why budgies sometimes won’t eat anything but seed. And don’t forget to connect with us on social media–we’re on TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube!

Written by Isabel Frabotta

Isabel holds a B.S. in Animal Science from Cornell University, where she studied physiology, nutrition, endocrinology and genetics. She is a writer and graphic designer who uses both to improve education around animal welfare and care.

Edited by Dr. Amy Zhao, PhD.

The post Keeping Seed Bug-Free appeared first on The Budgie Academy.

Why You Should Weigh Your Budgie

Isabel Frabotta — Tue, 10 Jan 2023 16:00:00 +0000

This post may contain affiliate links, which means The Budgie Academy may receive a commission if you purchase through my link, at no extra cost to you. Read the full disclosure here.

Weighing your budgie regularly is a quick, easy, stress-free, and non-invasive way to monitor your budgie’s health status at home. When performed properly, there are a couple key health insights you can glean from a simple weigh-in routine.

Why should I weigh my budgie?

Changes in a budgie’s weight can indicate health conditions that may not be visible to the naked eye.

Birds are experts at hiding illnesses. Although this may help wild budgies avoid looking weak to predators, hidden ailments can prove dangerous in our home aviaries. Even with careful obseration, it’s not always possible to tell when a budgie is sick from looks alone.

This is where weighing comes in handy. A bird that is feeling under the weather may experience decreased appetite and subsequent weight loss. If you are weighing your budgie regularly, this weight loss should be a red flag alerting you to contact your avian vet.

A budgie’s weight can also give you insight into their reproductive status. A budgie coming into breeding mode will gain weight in their reproductive tract, along with exhibiting other courting, nesting, and mating behaviors.

Let’s use flock member FitC as an example. She usually weighs 34-35g in the fall and winter, but in the spring and summer breeding season, she weighs 37g. If she’s actively forming an egg, her weight will rapidly increase up to 39-40g. And if she hits 40-41g, we can reliably predict that she will lay an egg within 12-24 hours.

How do I weigh my budgie?

A combination of consistency and positive reinforcement is crucial for developing a weigh-in routine.

Ideally, you should weigh your budgie at a similar time every day (e.g., in the morning before breakfast). This will help reduce minor fluctuations due to food and water weight.

Additionally, with consistent, positive reinforcement, you can teach your budgie to step onto the scale as a trick. This will ensure the weighing process is as quick and stress-free as possible. If you’re new to weighing your budgie, these scales are a great starting point.

Wrapping up...

Weighing your budgie is a simple way to keep an eye on their health. To learn more about the importance of routine veterinary care, check out our article on wellness exams. And don’t forget to follow us on TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook so you never miss out on new posts!

Written by Isabel Frabotta

Edited by Dr. Amy Zhao, PhD.

The post Why You Should Weigh Your Budgie appeared first on The Budgie Academy.

How to Keep a Budgie Warm in Winter

Isabel Frabotta — Tue, 13 Dec 2022 16:00:00 +0000

When it comes to safety and comfort, it’s not enough to simply know what temperature range is optimal for your budgie’s environment. There are many other factors to take into consideration, including whether your chosen heat sources are safe for use around birds. Follow along as we answer common questions you might have about keeping your budgie warm!

What temperature range is safe for budgies?

65-75°F is a pretty comfortable temperature for most budgies.

They can, however, still do well in lower temperatures of 55°F+. If the temperature in your home dips below that, it’s definitely time to think about some bird-safe heating. Not all human heating solutions are bird-safe, so read labels carefully and contact companies if necessary to get more information.

Can budgies tolerate sudden temperature changes?

Sudden, large changes in temperature can be dangerous for budgies and should be avoided.

Budgies are nomadic parrots originally hailing from the semi-arid regions of Australia where temperatures fluctuate widely from near-freezing to extremely hot. However, these changes are usually gradual throughout the day and not acute, sharp changes.

Should I add extra insulation to my home to keep my budgies warm?

If they aren’t already, make sure your windows in particular are well insulated.

A poorly insulated window can allow warm air to leak out and cold air to leak in. Most home improvement stores sell pieces of foam specifically for this purpose. Tape the foam to the bottom of the window and shut the window on it, creating a seal. The foam should be hidden by the window so your bird cannot access it. This will help prevent drastic temperature changes and help you save on your utility bills which is good for your wallet and the environment.

Is it dangerous to expose a budgie to drafts?

It’s best to avoid having a draft blowing on or around your budgie.

Cold air in motion carries heat away from the body, so a space that would normally be warm when the air is still can actually become quite cold once the air starts moving. Try not to have your birds right in front of a window, and as mentioned earlier, insulate your windows and doors to prevent drafts of cold air from entering your home.

What heating solutions are not bird safe?

Any heaters that require the burning of gas or fuel are not bird-safe.

Many electric space heaters also cannot be used because a Teflon coating is applied to their internal parts to prevent dust accumulation. These coatings are sometimes burned off gradually over time, but it’s hard to know how long this takes and/or how old your heater is, so it’s wise to avoid these types of heaters altogether.

Are oil radiators safe to use around budgies?

Oil-based heaters are generally considered bird-safe because the heating elements are not exposed and they usually don’t contain Teflon.

However, it is critical that you check with the manufacturer to be sure! Some of these heaters also have a burn-in period, so make sure to read the manual carefully to see if that is the case. It may need to have that burn-in period elsewhere before it can be used safely in your home. They can still become quite hot to the touch depending on the setting so weigh that factor carefully. If it is too hot too touch the back of your hand to for a few seconds, it’s too hot for your bird to land on.

This is the one we have been using in my office where the budgies are for the last two years. I called the company Pelonis and they said there is no Teflon in the heater. When I first got it, I ran it on max settings on the porch for 12 hours before bringing it inside so burn off any other potential coating on it.

1,500-Watt Oil-Filled Radiant Electric Space Heater with Thermostat

Are ceramic heaters safe to use around budgies?

Ceramic heaters can be safe but need to be kept out of reach to prevent burns.

Ceramic heating elements get very hot to the touch, so they must be used in a way where birds cannot physically touch them because landing on them or touching them can result in burns. Some ceramic heaters can also contain Teflon so we would recommend calling the manufacturer to be sure.

Can I use heated panels or perches with my budgies?

Heated panels that can be mounted on the side of a cage are a viable option for providing additional heat.

Before using a panel in your bird’s cage, plug it in for several hours and feel it with your hand–it should be warm but not extremely hot to the touch. Devices should be built with a temperature regulator so that they only heat up to a certain temperature but they can potentially malfunction in rare occurrences. These are safest mounted next to a medium length perch so birds can scoot away if it malfunctions and overheats. On the other hand, heated perches pose more of a risk to your bird and so is less ideal. If the perch overheats when you aren’t around (e.g., the middle of the night), your bird may not be able to get away easily and could sustain burns.

Do budgies need a certain amount of humidity?

Most homes range 40-60% humidity and is ideal but budgies do well even outside of this humidity range.

Budgies are a species from the semi-arid regions of Australia and so their biology prepares them for a much drier environment and higher water loss to their environment than the rainforest species like conures and macaws. As a result, they do well in the typical 40-60% humidity range but continue to do well even outside of this range.

Now that you know how to keep your budgie warm during these chilly months, check out our other articles at The Budgie Academy to learn more about your bird and their care requirements. And don’t forget to follow us on TikTok, Facebook, and Instagram so you never miss out on new content!

Written by Isabel Frabotta

Edited by Dr. Amy Zhao, PhD.

The post How to Keep a Budgie Warm in Winter appeared first on The Budgie Academy.

Should I Add a Nest Box for my Budgies?

Dr. Amy Zhao — Tue, 15 Nov 2022 15:00:00 +0000

This post may contain affiliate links, which means The Budgie Academy may receive a commission if you purchase through my link, at no extra cost to you. Read the full disclosure here.

What is a nest box?

Budgies are cavity nesters so rather than building nests from sticks and other debris, they find existing tree hollows which they scrape out to nest in. In captivity, nest boxes are wood or plastic boxes with a small hole that resembles a nesting cavity and is used for breeding budgies. Remember, budgies are highly nomadic seasonal breeders, meaning that they are constantly on the move in search of food and only settle down to breed during the short period when rain is abundant and food is plentiful. This is typically a short window of a few weeks and once the food and water is gone, the budgies move on.

Do Budgies Need a Nestbox?

Generally, no.

Do you need to add a nest box for your budgies? In general, the answer is no. This rule also applies to all enclosed spaces like snuggle huts, fuzzy tents, coconut huts, and any toys that can be hollowed out to form a nest-like cavity. Budgies only use nest boxes during the breeding season and sleep out on perches at all other times. In fact, improperly adding nest boxes can actually lead health dangers for your female budgies.

Nest Boxes Can Hurt Your Budgies!

Several different factors determine whether or not a female budgie decides to be receptive to mating with a male partner or to lay eggs. Length of daylight, presence of a mate, stable availability of food and water, vocalization by neighboring mating pairs, presence of “rain” and availability of a nesting site all play major roles.

Because of this, a typical pet budgie should not have a nest box or any other enclosed space (snuggle huts, fuzzy tents, coconut huts) installed in their cage year round because it can trigger the unwanted activation of their reproduction pathways and hormonal behaviors. In female budgies, this means it could trigger their bodies to start producing and laying eggs which have many health implications. Females can also fight over these nesting sites vigorously if there is only one and multiple individuals are interested in the box.

When should I add a nest box?

There are only two reasons to add a nest box for budgies–(1) Breeding by professionals or (2) intentional reproductive management (allowing females to sit on infertile eggs/dummy eggs to stop her further laying). In both cases, boxes are added strategically for only a few weeks at specific times of the year and withdrawn outside of breeding season.

The post Should I Add a Nest Box for my Budgies? appeared first on The Budgie Academy.

Choosing the Perfect Travel Carrier for Your Budgie

Dr. Amy Zhao — Tue, 08 Nov 2022 15:00:00 +0000

This post may contain affiliate links, which means The Budgie Academy may receive a commission if you purchase through my link, at no extra cost to you. Read the full disclosure here.

Aside from their main cage, budgies also need a separate travel cage that is reliable, sturdy, and safe so that we can transport them outside for sunlight, take them to the vet, transport them in the car if necessary. Travel cages and carriers are very different from normal cages. They have specific mechanisms built in so that the cage cannot come apart under its own weight and cannot accidentally slide open. Here is how to choose a great travel cage for your budgies with all of the necessary safety features.

What To Look For First

For budgies, it is CRUCIAL to find a carrier of the right bar spacing of 3/8″-0.5″ and no larger. Incorrect bar spacings could result in a bird squeezing out and flying away.
Travel cages and carriers will have zippers or special locks that hold the door securely in place and cannot be reached from the inside of the cage.
Avoid any cage that has sliding doors with no locking mechanism.
Travel cages should be made of a safe material such as powder-coated wrought iron or plastic/sturdy fabric.

Two Kinds of Travel Cages/Carriers

Once you’ve found some carriers that fit all of the above safety criteria, then think about how you plan to use your travel carrier. Is it for a short trip to the vet or for taking your budgie out for some sun?

There are different ways to classify carriers but one of the easiest way to classify them is by function into filtered and unfiltered travel cages.

Filtered carriers block ultraviolet B (UVB) light from reaching your budgie, meaning they will not be able to receive any of the vitamin D3 benefits from being taken outside in that carrier. These are ideal for colder temperatures because they restrict the air flow more so they will likely make more sense for a short trip to the vet. This also means that they can heat up quickly in warmer temperatures so use with caution!

Unfiltered carriers allow for the light to pass directly through the cage bars and reach the bird, giving them access to UVB for vitamin D3 synthesis. These are ideal for taking your budgie outside to get some wind and sunlight and better to use in warmer temperatures to allow for better airflow.

My Favorite Travel Carriers

Looking for a new carrier for your budgie? Here are a few of my favorites to help you choose!

This is my go-to carrier for taking my budgies on short car trips to the vet. It’s light-weight, easy to carry, and easy to clean. The perch it comes with is a little large for budgies to hang onto while being carried so I recommend wrapping it to give it a bit more grip.

Link: Prevue Pet Products Soft Sided Bird Travel Carrier with Perch Small, Multicolor

This soft-sided parrot carrier is super spacious when used with our smaller parrots like budgies but provides good airflow from the two mesh sides. It might be worth it to change out the perch to a smaller one that is easier to grip. It also has flaps to darken the space to help reduce the stress of transport.

Link: Bird Carrier with Shade Cover

This is my favorite budgie carrier for taking the birds out for some sun. It is pretty heavy duty and therefore it’s not very light but it does have all of the security features I’m looking for in a travel carrier including solid door locks, stainless steel bowls, and a sturdy build that won’t accidentally come apart when you pick it up. It also is one of the few with 1/2″ bar spacing that is safe for budgies.

Link: Prevue Pet Products Travel Carrier for Birds, Black

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