Let's talk about budgies...

Who has/had, or knows someone who had, a budgie?

The budgerigar was introduced to the UK around 1838-1840 from their native home of Australia.

Unlike other parrot species, the budgerigar has a stable wild population and have no current restrictions on captive breeding practices as a result, making them a popular pet in the UK and across the world.

There are many mutations and varieties of budgies, which is another reason why they are so popular.

But there is an elephant in the room

Because they are so easily available and there is no restriction on breeding, there is a sad truth that they are sometimes treated like objects. Many are sold or rehomed. Some are kept in abysmal conditions. Some are even treated as purely decoration.

Now don't get me wrong, I adore my flock, budgies have a very special place in my heart and there are groups who promote their welfare, such as The Budgerigar Society; but the truth is, you can buy these guys for £5-£30 each. When in reality, their food, environment and healthcare cost so much more than that.

Budgies are also very prone to obesity, lipomas which sometimes leads to cell carcinoma (cancer), renal neoplasia and thyroidal enlargement which can be expensive to manage.

I bought one of my budgies from someone at £15, three years later he cost me and my partner thousands in vet care.

I have no regrets having him in my flock. We lost him in August 2022, but we gave him every opportunity we could to help him live the rest of his life as happy and enriched as he could have.

There needs to be an attitude shift

Yes you can get them as your first bird, yes you can buy them for your child.

But be aware of the responsibility and commitment required to look after them.

If they look ill, take them to a vet. You'd be surprised, but you can insure them.

Just because they have always eaten seeds and will choose that over fruit and veg, doesn't mean it's healthy.

I know that the pet shop gave you this cage, you still need to get them a bigger one.

Will your child get bored because their bird is too afraid to do tricks or go on their finger like they have seen on the internet?

At the end of the day, budgies are living creatures just like hamsters, rabbits, reptiles, cats and dogs are.

Just because you can buy them for cheap, doesn't mean their lives have any less value.