Are Budgerigars Easy to Care For?

Budgerigars—commonly called budgies—are among the most popular pet birds worldwide. Their small size, friendly personality, and charming vocalizations often make people believe they are “easy pets.” As an avian behavior specialist with years of experience caring for budgerigars in homes, clinics, and aviaries, I can confirm:

Budgerigars are easier to care for than many larger parrots, but they still require proper attention, enrichment, and daily care to stay healthy and happy.

This guide explains everything you need to know about their care difficulty level, common misconceptions, and expert tips for beginners.

1. Are Budgerigars Easy to Care For? The Short Answer

Yes—budgerigars are relatively easy to care for, especially compared to large parrot species like macaws, cockatoos, or African Greys.

However, they are not low-maintenance pets and should never be treated as “starter animals.”

Budgies need:

• A balanced diet
• Daily mental stimulation
• A clean, spacious environment
• Social interaction
• Regular health monitoring

When these needs are met, budgies thrive and are very manageable for beginners.

2. Why Budgerigars Are Considered Easier Pets

2.1 Small Size and Manageable Space Requirements

Unlike larger parrots, budgies can live comfortably in a well-sized indoor cage.

A good cage should be:

• At least 18 × 18 × 24 inches (larger is always better)
• Made of safe metal bars
• Equipped with toys, perches, and enrichment

Their small size makes them easier for apartment living and smaller homes.

2.2 Lower Noise Levels

Budgies chatter frequently, but:

• Their volume is far lower than cockatoos or macaws
• Their vocalizations are pleasant and non-disruptive for most people

This makes them suitable for families, shared homes, and quiet environments.

2.3 Simple and Affordable Diet

Budgies require:

• Quality pellets as the main diet
• Fresh vegetables daily
• Limited seeds
• Occasional fruit
• Clean water

Their food is inexpensive and widely available.

2.4 Social and Friendly Nature

Budgies are naturally:

• Curious
• Playful
• Comfortable around humans
• Easy to train with positive reinforcement

This makes bonding easier for first-time bird owners.

2.5 Lower Lifespan Compared to Larger Parrots

Budgies live around:

• 5–10 years on average (longer with excellent care)

This is far more manageable than parrots that may live 40–80 years.

3. Challenges New Owners Should Not Overlook

While budgies are relatively easy pets, they are not maintenance-free.

3.1 They Require Daily Social Interaction

Budgies are flock animals.
A lonely budgie may:

• Become stressed
• Develop behavioral problems
• Refuse to eat
• Lose interest in life

If you cannot spend time daily, consider keeping two budgies.

3.2 They Need a Clean Environment

You must:

• Change food and water daily
• Clean the cage base 2–3 times weekly
• Disinfect perches and toys regularly

Hygiene is critical to preventing infections.

3.3 They Are Prone to Several Health Problems

Common issues include:

• Respiratory infections
• Mites
• Nutritional deficiency
• Fatty liver disease
• Overgrown beaks or nails

Budgies hide illness well, so regular veterinary checks are important.

3.4 They Need Mental Enrichment

A bored budgie may:

• Scream excessively
• Feather pluck
• Become aggressive

Provide:

• Toys
• Foraging materials
• Climbing opportunities
• Time outside the cage

3.5 They Are Fragile Birds

Budgies are tiny and easily injured by:

• Ceiling fans
• Open windows
• Toxic plants
• Other pets
• Non-stick cookware fumes (Teflon)

Safe housing is essential.

4. Who Are Budgerigars Suitable For?

Budgies are ideal for:

• First-time bird owners
• Families with older children
• Apartment dwellers
• People seeking a social, fun companion
• Individuals with moderate daily time to interact

They may not be suitable for:

• Very young children
• People who travel often
• Owners wanting a silent pet
• Those unwilling to clean regularly

5. Expert Tips for Making Budgie Care Easy

✔ Provide a cage larger than the minimum size

More space = fewer behavioral issues.

✔ Offer a varied, high-quality diet

Pellets + fresh greens keep budgies healthy.

✔ Socialize daily

Even 30 minutes of interaction makes a huge difference.

✔ Get two budgies if you’re busy

They will keep each other company.

✔ Keep the environment safe and toxin-free

Avoid candles, aerosols, non-stick cookware, and strong cleaners.

✔ Schedule yearly vet checkups

Prevention is cheaper and easier than treatment.

6. Final Verdict: Are Budgerigars Easy to Care For?

Yes—budgerigars are one of the easiest pet parrots to care for,

as long as their social, dietary, and environmental needs are met.

They are:

• Friendly
• Affordable
• Adaptable
• Relatively simple to house and feed
• Enjoyable for beginners and experienced owners alike

While they require daily attention and proper enrichment, budgies reward owners with affection, playfulness, and charm that far outweigh the effort.