Do an Internet search to look for red flags that might signal the seller isn’t reputable, such as complaints or bad reviews. Budgies typically cost about $10-$60 each, depending on where you purchase your bird. [1] X Research source
When you purchase your budgies, ask if they’re related. Birds hatched by different breeders are unlikely to be related. In some cases, a grandparent can mate with a grandchild with low risk to the baby budgies. However, it’s always best to pair birds that aren’t from the same family line. [2] X Research source
In some cases, the birds may be comfortable with each other if they’ve been kept in cages near each other. While their bond won’t be as strong, this is a good first step to bonding.
If you aren’t sure how old a budgie is, you can take them to your avian vet for an evaluation. The vet can determine the approximate age of your budgie.
A vet can help you determine how old your budgie is if you’re unsure, so don’t hesitate to ask if you’re in doubt.
Both birds have no discoloration. Neither bird has discharge from its vents. Both birds have unblocked vents. Neither bird is lethargic. Both birds are eating and defecating with no issue. Neither bird is vomiting.
If they start fighting, take one budgie out. Then, place the budgie in 2 cages next to each other. Watch them for bonding behavior, like playing together or preening each other through the cage bars. Once they are getting along, you can return them to the same cage.
You might also see them playing together and sleeping next to each other.
Each breeding pair that you own will need its own cage. Don’t try to keep them in a cage together, as they’ll be less likely to mate.
Lay a couple of layers of newspaper over the floor of the cage.
Wood is the best material for the perches. Avoid choosing plastic options, as your birds will enjoy chewing on everything in the cage.
The nest mimics how the birds prepare for mating in the wild. You can find a nesting box at a local pet store or online.
As another option, you can make or purchase a board that fits into the bottom of the nesting box. The board should have a concave dip carved into the center. Make sure that the dish is made from a nontoxic material, such as wood or glass.
The bedding also needs to go into the concave dish or hole at the bottom of the nest.
If there are eggs inside the nesting box, don’t change the bedding in the nest until all of the eggs hatch. However, you can still change the bedding in the cage itself.
If there are eggs inside the nesting box, don’t change the bedding in the nest until all of the eggs hatch. However, you can still change the bedding in the cage itself.
Great fruits for your budgie include apple, banana, blueberry, grape, guava, kiwi, mango, melon, orange, papaya, peach, pear, pineapple, and strawberries. Good veggie options include broccoli, asparagus, Brussels sprouts, carrots, cauliflower, celery, cucumber, kale, pumpkin, radish, spinach, squash, sweet potatoes, ripe tomatoes, and yams. Your budgies will need more food once their chicks are born, so make sure their feeder is always full.
Hang the water bottles on different sides of the cage.
If your budgies eat their eggs, add more food to their cage over the next breeding period. If this doesn’t stop the behavior, it’s best to find a new pair of budgies to breed.
You can find these supplements at a pet store or online.
Budgies are native to Australia, where it’s warm October through March. If you live in the northern hemisphere, your budgies may mate during the months of April through September.
Cover and uncover the cage at the same time each day. For example, you may remove the cover at 6:00 a. m. and replace it at 6:00 p. m.
This is a behavior that budgies do in the wild before breeding, so encouraging your budgies to do it can help them mate.
Not every mating will result in fertilized eggs, so the budgies will repeat this mating behavior often.
Spraying them will also help their coats look nicer, as it encourages them to preen each other. [30] X Research source
Don’t let loud sounds disturb your birds, either. Do your best to create a calm, relaxing environment.
Sometimes budgies need to breed several times before the female’s eggs are fertilized.
She will lay her eggs in the nesting box.
The female budgie will always be the one to sit on the eggs. The male shouldn’t go into the nesting box.
If you have eggs that haven’t hatched after 22 days, it’s best to throw them out. They likely won’t hatch. If they do, the babies won’t be healthy.
You may want to hand raise baby budgies that are being neglected. [36] X Research source
