Create the perfect home for your new budgie with this guide to the food, type of cage and toys they need.
If you like the idea of owning your own budgie, you’ll need to get everything set up first. They’re a popular choice for a winged companion and they make a great addition to a family. Make your home their home with these essentials.
Housing
- A good-sized cage
Your budgie’s cage or aviary should give them room to spread their wings – they love to stretch out. Because of this, we recommend a rectangular cage. - A cage cover
Create a cosy spot for your budgie to sleep in with a cage cover. Your budgie will feel safe and secure and the cover will help them develop a sleep routine. - Bird bath
Budgies love the water and keeping themselves well groomed, so a bird bath is a great addition to their home. You can find plastic options that clip onto the side of the cage. - Cage liners
Keep your budgie’s home spick and span with cage liners that can be easily removed. - Cleaning pad
Choosing a good cleaning pad will help you keep the whole cage in good shape. You can use it to scrub the sides and bottom of the cage, so make sure its texture will be able to cut through any dried mess.
Nutrition
- Food and water dishes
Depending on the height of your cage, we recommend having dishes at the top and bottom to ensure your budgie is able to access their food and water at all times. - Seed or pelleted food
Find a high-quality food specifically formulated for your budgie to give them their best start in life and keep them healthy. - Millet
Budgies love eating from a long branch of millet. You can find different varieties of millet at your local Petbarn store. - Vitamin supplement
There’s a range of supplements available that can target everything from your budgie’s beak and feather health to general wellbeing. - Iodine/mineral block
Make sure your pet is getting all the nutrients they need and keeping their beak in top shape with an iodine or mineral block for them to gnaw on. - Cuttlefish
Adding this to their cage will keep their beak healthy and act as a good source of calcium. - Grit
Shell grit will help your budgie’s digestion, so it’s good to have some in their cage - Treats
You can find all sorts of treats for your budgies, including millet sprays, but just be sure that treats only make up 10 per cent of their diet.
Health
- Grooming spray
We’ve already mentioned that budgies love to stay clean with a bird bath for their cage, but you can also use a grooming mist to keep them clean. - Wormers
Just like cats and dogs, budgies need to be wormed. Talk to your local Greencross Vets about the best one for your pet, but using a syrup that’s added to their water supply works well for most budgies. - Parasite powder
Your budgie may contract mites or lice, so your best bet is to have a treatment powder ready. Talk to your local Greencross Vets to find out more and get the best treatment for your pet. - Book about care
When in doubt, look it up! Have all the information you need to keep your budgie happy and healthy, but be sure to talk to your local Greencross Vets team if you’re unsure.
Toys
- A variety of toys
Make your budgie’s home a fun-filled play station (though with spots to relax, too) with an assortment of toys. They love toys with a mirror and ones that can be shredded are also great. - Perches and swings
Your playful pet needs different zones in their cage to keep them entertained. Your budgie’s cage should come with a perch, but it’s good to include a swing for an extra activity. Note: Don’t place their food or water bowls under a perch or swing as it could get messy. - A ladder
Your budgie can climb up the cage and chew on the sides – a great way to avoid boredom. - Chews
Those active beaks need things that will keep them busy. Your budgie is likely to chew everything so make sure they have things in their cage that are suitable for chewing on.
Visit your local Petbarn to find a great range of products and get advice on caring for your new budgie.