If you wondering “how to make your budgie happy” then you already know the importance of having a happy budgie and perhaps you are doing your best to fulfill every needs that your little bird may have. On this article we have highlighted a few ways on how to keep your budgie happy.
A happy budgie is a healthy budgie.
Before considering getting a budgie you should be prepared to take good care of it, as they are very special birds. You need to know how to accommodate it, feed it, and keep it healthy.
Many pet owners do not consider the responsibilities involved in owning a budgie and so they find their pets getting weaker, slimmer and sickly very often and sometimes they even lose their pets in the process.
If you’ve recently had this experience or you are trying to avoid having such an experience then you’ve come to the right place. Here are our tips on how to make your budgie happy.
1. Build them a comfortable home
Cage for a single bird should be at least 14” H, 11” W, and 16” L or even larger, but not smaller than the dimensions recommended above. Birds that are not free to express their natural behavior due to small cages often get depressed and this leads to aggression.
The space between two wires of the cage should not be more than half of an inch, as wider spaces may entangle its neck. More than one perches must be present in the cage so that the bird can move freely. This will make the budgie feel like it’s in its natural environment.
2. Ensure a proper nutrition
All animals need a proper food nutrition in order to be happy and the same goes for budgies. The better their meal, the happier they are. You should provide a balanced diet to your budgie by giving it various kinds of grains like millets, oats, canary.
Along with these grains, you should also add some fresh components like vegetables and fruits.
At least 50% of grains should be sprouted in the provided mixture, as dry grains contain lots of fat contents and they can increase the fat deposition in the body. Provide the mixture of these grains in forage form, so that they may eat up all the components.
You can also provide fresh vegetables and fruits daily as a breakfast meal for your budgie. Adding some supplements and minerals in the food can be helpful for the normal growth of your budgie. Check budgies diet and everything you need to know to learn more about diet.
3. Hand-feed baby budgies
Sometimes we don’t get fully grown budgies from the pet store; instead we get those little cute baby ones.
You can’t feed the adult feeds to the baby budgies as they may not be able to digest those.
A lot of feed mixtures are available in the market for young ones, but you should choose a better one for your budgie. You can consult your veterinarian or a breeder for the best food for your budgie according to the breed and environmental conditions. 
Fresh preparation and maintaining the normal temperature of the feed mixture is also very important for proper digestion. A prepared feed should not be warmer than 40 °C to 45 °C, because a warmer food can burn the fragile crop of your budgie.
You can use different types of equipment to feed your baby budgie. You can use a spoon or nozzle for your budgie. A crop needle can also be used but only by an expert because it is directly linked with the crop of the bird.
As avian ‘s digestive system is very rapid, a baby budgie can digest its food within two to four hours depending on the contents of the food and also the environmental conditions. So, you should feed them at least 6 times a day.
4. Take in consideration their sleeping hours
On average, an adult healthy budgie needs at least 10 to 12 hours of consistent sleep in a day. They may also have naps at different times in a day when they feel tired. In a natural environment, they sleep as the sunsets and awake with sunrise, in this way, they maintain a natural sleep cycle.
This circadian rhythm of budgies remains maintained in large aviaries where there is no artificial light present to hinder in the natural body cycle.
However, in the case of your home, you should maintain this balance too, so that budgie may remain happy. You can use a blanket at night time to cover the cage of the budgie.
Also, maintain quietness around the cage so that they may sleep smoothly inside the cage. Perches in the cage are also necessary for sound sleep.
5. Keep them healthy
An organism can only enjoy its life when it is fully healthy and health can only be maintained with the right conditions. The ideal temperature for a budgie is between 65 °F to 85 °F, anything lower or higher is detrimental to their health.
You can use an AC in summer to maintain the temperature in this range; however, they feel best in the line of 60°F in summers.
Using an electric heater or incandescent bulb may help to maintain this temperature within the range. Maintaining this temperature is very important at night time. 
Along with the maintenance of the ideal temperature, the optimum humidity is also very important.
A humidity of about 60% to 70% is beneficial for cheering a good temper of your budgie. A light of 12 to 14 hours is essential in captivity. Along with these conditions, hygiene and the noise-free environment is also very important for budgies that affect positively on their body metabolism.
6. Give them something to play with
You should also get your budgie some toys to play with while you’re out or too busy to play with them. This way they’re rarely bored and always feel relaxed.
However, if you get busy a lot and have no time for your bird, you can then keep them in pairs, so that they play with each other and enjoy life moments.
With these tips on how to take care of your first budgie, we believe that you’re capable of taking good and absolute care of your budgie. So go ahead and have fun with your amazing pets.
7. Keep your budgie safe
Safety measure is one of the important components taking care of your budgie. You should maintain balance in the cage and avoid a hazardous environment. Maintain the water level and keep the food pollutant-free.
Also, keep the floor of your budgie’s cage clean, remove fresh poop to avoid fecal diseases. Keep the perches apart from the food containers so that dropping may not contaminate the food material.
How to Keep a Single Budgie Happy?
If you have a single budgie, it’s important to provide extra attention and companionship, as budgies are social birds.
Consider spending more time interacting with your budgie, talking to it, offering treats, and playing gentle games. You can also provide a mirror in the cage to simulate the presence of another budgie.
Best way to keep a single budgie happy is to have a second budgie.
Additionally, ensure that your single budgie’s cage is well-enriched with toys, perches of different sizes, and safe items to chew on. This can help prevent boredom and provide mental stimulation.
My Budgie Seems Sad, What to Do?
It’s not uncommon for budgies to exhibit signs of sadness or unhappiness, which can be attributed to various reasons. As a responsible budgie owner, it’s important to pay attention to your budgie’s behavior and take steps to address any concerns.
- Observe Their Behavior: If you notice changes in your budgie’s behavior, such as increased quietness, decreased activity, or lack of appetite, it could indicate that something is amiss. Keep an eye on their interactions, movement, and vocalizations.
- Assess the Environment: Budgies are sensitive to their surroundings. Ensure that their cage is located in a quiet and comfortable area, away from noise, drafts, direct sunlight, and other stressors. Maintain a consistent routine to provide a sense of security.
- Check for Health Issues: Sometimes, a budgie’s sadness could be related to health problems. Look for physical symptoms like fluffed feathers, discharge from eyes or beak, or difficulty breathing. If you suspect illness, consult a veterinarian experienced with birds.
- Offer Enrichment: Boredom can contribute to a budgie’s unhappiness. Provide a variety of toys, swings, and items to chew on in their cage. Rotate toys regularly to keep their environment stimulating.
- Spend Quality Time: Interact with your budgie daily. Talk to them, whistle, or sing softly. Offer treats or a millet spray as a bonding activity. Social interaction is essential for their emotional well-being.
- Consider Getting a Companion: Budgies are social birds and often thrive in the company of their own kind. If you have a single budgie and you’re unable to spend extensive time with them, consider getting another budgie for companionship.
- Mimic Natural Environment: Provide natural perches of varying diameters and textures to help prevent foot problems. Offering fresh branches for chewing can also engage their natural instincts.
- Seek Professional Advice: If your budgie’s sadness persists or worsens despite your efforts, it’s advisable to consult an avian veterinarian or a professional bird behaviorist. They can provide specialized guidance based on your budgie’s specific situation.
Essential Vitamins for Budgies
Your budgie’s health and well-being rely on a balanced and nutritious diet. Just like humans, these feathered companions require a range of essential vitamins and nutrients to thrive. Vitamins play a crucial role in supporting various bodily functions, from strengthening bones and feathers to boosting the immune system. To ensure your budgie’s vitality, consider incorporating a diverse selection of foods that provide these vital vitamins and minerals.
- Vitamin A: Essential for maintaining good vision, skin health, and immune function. Include foods rich in vitamin A, such as carrots, sweet potatoes, and dark leafy greens, in your budgie’s diet.
- Vitamin D: Vital for calcium absorption and bone health. Exposure to natural sunlight is the best source of vitamin D. Alternatively, offer fortified foods and supplements as recommended by a veterinarian.
- Vitamin E: An antioxidant that supports the immune system. Seeds, nuts, and leafy greens are good sources of vitamin E.
- Vitamin K: Important for blood clotting and bone health. Leafy greens like kale and spinach are excellent sources of vitamin K.
- Vitamin B Complex: Includes various B vitamins that aid metabolism, energy production, and overall health. Offer a variety of grains, seeds, and dark leafy greens to provide these essential vitamins.
- Vitamin C: While budgies synthesize their own vitamin C, offering small amounts of fresh fruits like oranges, strawberries, and bell peppers can contribute to their health.
- Calcium: Essential for bone health, strong eggshells, and muscle function. Provide cuttlebones, mineral blocks, and foods rich in calcium, such as broccoli and leafy greens.
- Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Beneficial for heart health and anti-inflammatory effects. Include flaxseed, chia seeds, and walnuts in their diet for a source of healthy fats.
- Iron: Required for oxygen transport in the blood. Offer iron-rich foods like lentils, quinoa, and dark leafy greens to prevent deficiencies.
- Zinc: Supports the immune system and wound healing. Foods like pumpkin seeds and whole grains can provide zinc.
With these tips on how to keep your budgie happy, we believe that you’re capable of taking good and absolute care of your budgie. So go ahead and have fun with your amazing pets.
