Lesson 2: Preparing your home for a budgie

🐦 Welcome to Lesson 2!

Now that you’ve chosen the perfect budgie, it’s time to get your home ready! A safe, comfortable environment sets the foundation for your budgie’s health and happiness. Let’s walk through everything you need to prepare before bringing your feathered friend home.

✅ What You’ll Learn:

• Choosing the right cage size and location

• Essential cage accessories and supplies

• Creating a safe room environment

• Avoiding common household hazards

• How to set up a routine that feels natural

🏠 The Perfect Cage: Size & Style

Your budgie’s cage is their new home — it should be roomy, safe, and inviting.

Cage Size Recommendations:

• Minimum: 18 x 18 x 18 inches (45 x 45 x 45 cm)

• Bigger is always better! Budgies love to fly and explore inside their cage.

• Horizontal bars for climbing are preferred.

Cage Materials:

• Powder-coated metal or stainless steel (avoid galvanized cages)

• No toxic paint or plastic parts your bird can chew off

🪶 Essential Cage Accessories

Make your budgie’s home comfortable and stimulating:

• Perches: Various thicknesses & textures, natural wood preferred

• Food & Water Dishes: Easy to clean, placed away from droppings

• Toys: Bells, ladders, swings, and chew toys to keep them busy

• Cuttlebone or Mineral Block: For beak health and calcium

• Cage Liner: Newspaper or bird-safe liners, changed daily

🌞 Ideal Cage Placement

Where you put the cage matters!

• Place the cage in a well-lit, draft-free area

• Avoid kitchens (fumes, smoke, hot steam)

• Keep away from direct sunlight and air conditioners

• Budgies love being where the family spends time — the living room or study is ideal

• Make sure your budgie has quiet time in the evening to rest

⚠️ Household Hazards to Avoid

Budgies are curious and sensitive! Keep these dangers far away:

• Teflon and non-stick cookware fumes (can be fatal)

• Aerosols, perfumes, and cleaning chemicals

• Open windows or ceiling fans

• Toxic plants (like lilies, avocado, and philodendron)

• Electrical cords and small objects they can chew or swallow

🕰 Building a Routine

Budgies thrive on routine — it helps reduce stress.

• Decide consistent feeding times

• Plan regular play and bonding sessions

• Quiet hours for sleep (10-12 hours of darkness per night recommended)

• Regular cage cleaning schedule

🎯 Quick Checklist for Your Budgie’s New Home:

• Spacious, safe cage with proper bars

• Multiple perches and fun toys

• Food, water, and cuttlebone in place

• Cage placed away from hazards and drafts

• Quiet sleeping space and consistent routine

🎉 Well done completing Lesson 2!

You’re laying the groundwork for a happy, healthy budgie life. Up next, we’ll cover your budgie’s first days at home and how to help them settle in smoothly.