Lesson 1: Choosing the right Budgie

🐣 Welcome to Lesson 1!

Choosing the right budgie is the very first and most exciting step in your budgie journey. But it’s also a super important one! The bird you bring home will be your companion for years to come, so it’s important to make sure you’re picking a healthy, happy budgie that fits your lifestyle.

✅ What You’ll Learn in This Lesson:

• Where to get a budgie safely

• What to look for in a healthy bird

• Tips on age, temperament & bonding

• How to choose the right budgie for you

🛍️ Where Should You Get Your Budgie?

There are a few places people usually get their budgies from — but not all are created equal. Here’s a breakdown:

🏪 Pet Stores

• ✅ Easy to access, especially in cities

• ❌ Budgies are often untamed and stressed

• ❌ May not know the bird’s age, background, or health

• ❌ Risk of poor care or improper weaning

🛑 Only consider pet stores that are reputable, clean, and have healthy, active birds.

🐣 Reputable Breeders

• ✅ Often hand-raised and well-socialized

• ✅ You can ask about genetics, health, and diet

• ✅ Safer for rare colors or specific mutations

✅ Best for beginners who want a calm, tame budgie.

🏠 Rescues or Rehomes

• ✅ Great way to give a budgie a second chance

• ❌ May come with past trauma or behavior issues

• ✅ Some rehomed birds are tame and well-loved

💛 Ideal if you’re ready to be patient and compassionate.

🔍 What Does a Healthy Budgie Look Like?

Look for these signs of a healthy bird when choosing:

✅ Bright, alert eyes

✅ Clean feathers with a slight sheen

✅ Active, curious, and not fluffed up all the time

✅ Smooth beak and claws

✅ Clear nostrils (no discharge)

✅ Breathing is quiet and regular

🛑 Avoid budgies that:

• Sit fluffed up and sleepy during the day

• Have crusty or runny noses

• Have dirty vents (under their tail)

• Are overly quiet or inactive

These may be signs of illness or poor care.

👶 Young vs. Adult Budgies

How to Tell the Age:

• Young Budgies (under 4 months):

  • Bars on forehead going down to cere (nose area)

  • Black eyes with no visible white ring

  • More likely to tame quickly!

• Adult Budgies:

  • Clear foreheads

  • White iris ring around eyes

  • May take longer to bond but still very loving

🎯 For first-time owners, a young budgie (8–12 weeks old) is usually best.

💙 Male or Female?

Both sexes make wonderful pets, but here’s a quick guide:

🧑 Males (usually):

• More vocal and chatty

• Learn to mimic sounds

• Generally more easygoing

👩 Females (usually):

• Can be more independent

• May chew more and be territorial

• Strong, confident personalities

💡 It’s mostly about personality — not gender! Pick based on connection, not just looks.

🧠 Bonus Tips Before You Choose:

• Don’t rush — observe the birds for a few minutes

• Ask to see the bird being handled (if from breeder)

• Pick one that seems curious and alert — not scared or biting the bars

• If possible, visit more than one place!

📝 Quick Checklist: “Is This the Right Budgie?”

• The budgie is healthy and alert

• The bird is young and social (if you’re a beginner)

• The breeder/store is clean and responsible

• You feel a connection 💖

🎉 Great Job on Lesson 1!

You’re one step closer to becoming a confident budgie parent! Up next, we’ll prepare your home and cage setup so your new budgie has the best welcome ever.