Care guide
Budgerigar care
- Typical lifespan
- 5–10 years
- Size
- Small
- Noise level
- Moderate
- CITES
- Exempt
Budgies are small, cheerful parakeets that live in large flocks in the wild. They're a good first bird for a household that can give daily attention.
Lifespan
Typically 5 to 10 years, and some live longer with good care.
Company
Budgies are very social. A single budgie needs a lot of time with you every day; many owners keep a pair so the birds have company while the house is empty.
Housing
A cage wider than it is tall, with horizontal bars for climbing and bar spacing of about 1 cm (3/8 to 1/2 inch). Add natural wood perches and daily flying time in a safe room.
Diet
A budgie pellet or quality seed mix as a base, with fresh greens and vegetables every day. An all-seed diet is too high in fat on its own.
Noise
Moderate. Budgies chatter and sing through the day, and many learn to mimic words.
Further reading
General information to help you prepare, not veterinary advice. Every animal is different: ask an experienced vet about yours. Reviewed by PerfectPal on October 14, 2026.