Are you looking for a feathered friend that can bring joy and companionship into your life? Then look no further than the English Budgie!
These small but mighty birds have captured the hearts of bird lovers around the world with their bright colors, playful personalities, and ease of care.
In this article, we will delve into everything you need to know about English Budgies, from their size and personality to their lifespan and care requirements.
English Budgie Overview
The English Budgie is a small and fluffy-feathered variety of the Native Austrian Budgerigar.
Selective breeding in England back in the 19th and 20th centuries has resulted in the evolved versions that are commonly kept as pets.
What Is an English Budgie?
English Budgies, also known as show budgies, are a larger and fluffier version of the American Budgie or parakeet.
These birds are bred specifically for their size, color, and feather quality, making them a popular choice among bird enthusiasts who love to show off their feathered friends.
English Budgies are known for their distinctive features, such as a larger head, shorter beak, and fluffier feathers, which set them apart from their American counterparts.
English Budgie vs. American Budgie (Parakeet): What’s the Difference?
While both English and American Budgies belong to the same species, there are a few key differences between the two.
This table compares the key differences between both:
| English Budgie | American Budgie (Parakeet) |
|---|---|
| Larger and plumper | Smaller and slimmer |
| Broad and rounded head | Tapered head |
| Shorter and thicker beak | Longer and thinner beak |
| Fluffy feathers | Sleek feathers |
| Less active and vocal | More active and vocal |
| Less common as a pet | More common as a pet |
English Budgies are larger and more robust than American Budgies, with a broader head and shorter beak.
They also have fluffier feathers, which give them a plump and cuddly appearance.
American Budgies, on the other hand, are smaller and more streamlined, with a sleeker profile and longer beak.
Personal Comparison
In terms of personality, English Budgies are generally more laid-back and less active than American Budgies.
They are also more tolerant of handling and tend to bond closely with their owners, making them a great choice for those who are looking for a bird that enjoys human company.
English Budgie Care Guide: Size, Personality, Lifespan
This table shows you the key details on caring for an English budgie:
| Category | Care Tips |
|---|---|
| Housing | Provide a spacious cage with perches and toys, and place in a well-lit and well-ventilated area |
| Diet | Feed a balanced diet of seeds, pellets, fruits, and vegetables, and provide fresh water and a clean water dish at all times |
| Exercise | Allow for regular flying and playtime, and provide opportunities for mental stimulation through training and enrichment activities |
| Grooming | Bathe regularly, trim nails and beak as needed, and provide a cuttlebone or mineral block for healthy beak and nail growth |
| Health | Provide a clean and safe living environment, and schedule regular veterinary check-ups to monitor for potential health issues. |
Size
English Budgies are larger than their American counterparts, with an average length of 8-10 inches (20-25 cm) from beak to tail.
They also tend to be more robust and heavier, with a weight range of 1-2 ounces (28-56 g).
This makes them easier to handle and more resistant to disease and injury.
Personality
English Budgies are known for their laid-back and affectionate personalities.
They are less active than American Budgies and tend to be content with sitting on a perch and watching the world go by.
They also enjoy human company and will often seek out attention and affection from their owners.
English Budgies are intelligent birds that can learn to mimic words and sounds, making them a great choice for those who want a bird that can interact with them.
Lifespan
English Budgies have a relatively long lifespan, with an average lifespan of 5-10 years.
With proper care and attention, however, they can live up to 15 years or more.
This makes them a long-term commitment and a great choice for those who are looking for a loyal and loving companion.
English Budgie Care Requirements
English Budgies are relatively easy to care for and require minimal maintenance.
Here are some tips for keeping your English Budgie healthy and happy:
Housing
English Budgies require a spacious cage that allows them to move around and spread their wings.
The cage should be at least 18 inches wide, 18 inches deep, and 18 inches tall, with plenty of perches and toys to keep them entertained.
Make sure to place the cage in a well-lit and well-ventilated area, away from drafts and direct sunlight.
Diet
English Budgies require a balanced diet that includes a variety of seeds, pellets, fruits, and vegetables.
They also require fresh water and a clean water dish at all times.
Avoid feeding your English Budgie chocolate, avocado, or any other toxic foods, as they can be harmful to their health.
Exercise
English Budgies require regular exercise to maintain their physical and mental health.
They love to fly and play, so make sure to provide them with plenty of opportunities to stretch their wings and explore their surroundings.
You can also train your English Budgie to perform simple tricks, such as stepping up or turning around, which can help keep their minds active and engaged.
Grooming
English Budgies require regular grooming to keep their feathers healthy and shiny.
This includes regular baths, nail trimming, and beak trimming.
You can also provide your English Budgie with a cuttlebone or mineral block to help keep their beak and nails healthy.
Health
English Budgies are relatively healthy birds, but they can be susceptible to certain diseases and conditions, such as respiratory infections, mites, and feather plucking.
To keep your English Budgie healthy, make sure to provide them with a clean and safe living environment, regular vet check-ups, and a healthy diet.
English Budgie Location
In the USA and across Europe the English Budgie is now a popular pet choice.
They’re slightly larger than their Australiana and the American budgie and are often shown at pet shows.
They have a calm and laid back nature that makes them great pets.
They also look adorable with their mass of colored plumage.
Scientific Name
If you want to impress your friends then you can tell them that the English Budgies scientific name is Melopsittacus undulatus (bonus points if you pronounce it correctly).
Characteristics
Quick stats:
- Size: 8-10 inches long
- Weight: 1-2 ounces
- Lifespan: 5-10 years
- Colors: 30+ mutations available
- Origin: Australia and England
These little birds may be small but that doesn’t stop them from having big personalities.
They are inquisitive, curious and like to stick their beak into everything.
Although they’re known for their never-ending supply of energy, the English Budgie is a little more docile and not quite as noisy as some of the other species of the budgie.
All those bird shows have paid off and the result is a cute bird with a friendly and tame nature.
Common Behavior
Your English Budgie is bursting full of energy and therefore needs lots of space to burn it off.
It’s normal for your budgie to grind their beak during their nap, preen and fluff their feathers to maintain their appearance.
They also chew on things to keep their continuously growing beaks trim.
They’re smart little birds who are capable of learning an impressive amount of words.
With some time and patience, you can teach your budgie to mimic words, sentences and perform tricks.
As long as they have enough space to swing, hop and perch then they’re likely to be a very happy and content feathered-friend.
Size and Appearance
Quick stats:
- Average length of 8-10 inches
- Weight range of 1-2 ounces
- 30 color mutations available
- Fluffy-feathered appearance
These inquisitive birds come in many colors and a varying amount of plumage.
Some English budgies have so much plumage on their heads that they look like their eyesight is affected.
Don’t worry, as your fluffy friend can see just fine.
Size
The budgie is one of the smaller members of the bird world.
Although still small in stature the English Budgie is actually one of the largest species of budgies.
At 10 inches long and weighing up to 65.3 grams they’re double the weight of a wild budgie.
With their bulky(ish) stature it’s easy to understand why they prefer to explore on foot over flying.
Appearance
The original Australian budgie may be yellow and green but The English Budgie has been bred to be far more colorful.
There are now around 30 color mutations, including blue, white, olive, gray and violet.
Their fluffy-feathered appearance can fool their owners into believing they’re overweight.
They usually aren’t, this is just the downside of being a fluffball.
Care Guide
So, you’re thinking about buying an English Budgie but you aren’t sure what you need to get to prepare for them?
When adding a feathered-friend to the family then lots of things need to be considered.
Do you have room for an enclosure? Do you know what to feed them? Will the neighbors get mad by the noise?
Enclosure Size
These active birds need a sizable cage so that they have plenty of room to stretch their legs.
You should make sure that their enclosure size is at least 40L x 20D x 32H.
If you’re planning on purchasing more than one budgie than you should make sure the enclosure is big enough for them all.
Room Temperature
The room temperature should remain between 60-70 degrees Fahrenheit and it should never go below 40 degrees Fahrenheit.
Budgie’s small size means that they are dramatically affected by heat which can cause heatstroke and hypothermia.
Make sure that the room temperature isn’t dramatically changed within any given 24 hour period.
Enclosure Cleaning
The enclosure should be given a weekly clean.
The bottom tray should be removed from the cage and soaked in hot and soapy water.
It’s also important that bowls, toys, and perches are given a good clean too and are replaced if needed.
Bathing
Looking at their best is important to English Budgies, so you should offer then 3-4 baths a week.
A shallows basin of water is all that’s needed to keep your budgie’s feathers clean and sparking. Most budgies will choose to clean themselves so all you’ll have to do is replace the water.
If you have a particularly lazy budgie then you can use a spray bottle to clean them yourself.
Diet
They need a well-balanced diet containing seed mix, whole grain bread, green veg, pasta, and pellets.
It’s important to feed your budgie the calcium supplement cuttlebone to keep their beaks healthy and strong.
Toys
Make sure that the enclosure includes plenty of wooden perches, a swing, and some interesting toys.
They especially like beaded-type toys.
It’s advisable to change the toys around regularly so that your budgie doesn’t grow bored of them.
Their nails and beaks are constantly growing, so the right toys can also help keep these nice and trim.
Possible Health Issues
Sometimes diseases just happen, regardless of how often you clean your budgies enclosure to provide them with fresh basins to bathe in.
Diseases are an unavoidable fact of life that affects us all.
The most common diseases for English Budgie are yeast infections.
Symptoms to look out for are vomiting, loss of weight, acting lethargic and loose droppings.
If you think your budgie is ill then it’s important you seek immediate help from a vet. Also, it’s vital to make sure that you purchase your budgie from a reputable breeder.
English Budgie History and Origin: Where Do English Budgies Come From?
English Budgies, also known as show budgies, are a larger and fluffier version of the American Budgie or parakeet.
These birds are believed to have originated in Australia in the 1800s, where they were first bred as show birds for their bright colors and distinct features.
In the 1920s, English Budgies were introduced to England, where they gained immense popularity and were further developed for their size and feather quality.
Today, English Budgies are one of the most popular pet bird breeds in the world, known for their charm, intelligence, and easygoing nature.
English Budgie Appearance: What Does an English Budgie Look Like?
English Budgies are larger and plumper than American Budgies, with a broad and rounded head, short beak, and fluffy feathers that give them a cuddly appearance.
They come in a variety of colors, including blue, green, yellow, white, and gray, with some birds having intricate patterns and markings.
English Budgies have bright, expressive eyes and a playful, curious demeanor that makes them a joy to watch and interact with.
English Budgie Size and Weight: How Big Do English Budgies Get.
English Budgies are larger and heavier than American Budgies, with an average length of 8-10 inches (20-25 cm) from beak to tail and a weight range of 1-2 ounces (28-56 g).
Male English Budgies are typically larger than females and have a more pronounced cere, which is the fleshy area above their beak that houses their nostrils.
English Budgie Temperament and Behavior: Are English Budgies Good Pets.
English Budgies are known for their friendly, laid-back, and affectionate personalities.
They are less active and vocal than American Budgies, preferring to perch and observe their surroundings.
English Budgies are highly intelligent birds that can learn to mimic words and sounds with proper training, making them a popular choice among bird lovers who want a bird that can interact with them.
They are also social birds that thrive on human interaction and attention, so make sure to spend plenty of time bonding with your English Budgie to keep them happy and healthy.
English Budgie Lifespan and Health Issues: Are English Budgies Healthy Birds.
English Budgies are relatively healthy birds that can live up to 10-15 years with proper care and attention.
They are susceptible to certain health issues, however, such as respiratory infections, mites, and feather plucking.
To keep your English Budgie healthy, make sure to provide them with a clean and safe living environment, a healthy diet, and regular veterinary check-ups.
English Budgie Care, Feeding, and Exercise: How to Look After Your English Budgie.
English Budgies are relatively easy to care for and require minimal maintenance.
Here are some tips for keeping your English Budgie healthy and happy…
Housing.
English Budgies require a spacious cage that allows them to move around and spread their wings.
The cage should be at least 18 inches wide, 18 inches deep, and 18 inches tall, with plenty of perches and toys to keep them entertained.
Make sure to place the cage in a well-lit and well-ventilated area, away from drafts and direct sunlight.
Diet.
English Budgies require a balanced diet that includes a variety of seeds, pellets, fruits, and vegetables.
They also require fresh water and a clean water dish at all times.
You can also offer your English Budgie treats, such as millet or small pieces of fruit, to reward good behavior and provide extra nutrition.
Exercise.
English Budgies require regular exercise to maintain their physical and mental health.
They love to fly and play, so make sure to provide them with plenty of opportunities to stretch their wings and explore their surroundings.
You can also train your English Budgie to perform simple tricks, such as stepping up or turning around, which can help keep their minds active and engaged.
Grooming.
English Budgies require regular grooming to keep their feathers healthy and shiny.
This includes regular baths, nail trimming, and beak trimming.
You can also provide your English Budgie with a cuttlebone or mineral block to help keep their beak and nails healthy.
Training.
English Budgies are highly intelligent birds that can be trained to do a variety of tricks and behaviors.
Positive reinforcement training is the most effective method for training your English Budgie, using rewards and praise to reinforce good behavior.
With patience and consistency, you can teach your English Budgie to do everything from stepping up on your finger to talking and singing.
English Budgie Prices & Expenses: How Much Does an English Budgie Cost.
English Budgies are a popular and affordable pet bird breed, with prices ranging from $20 to $100 or more depending on the breeder and the bird’s color and markings.
In addition to the cost of the bird, you will need to factor in the cost of a cage, food, toys, and veterinary care.
While English Budgies are relatively low-maintenance pets, they do require regular attention and care to keep them happy and healthy.
FAQs – The Short Answer
Do you still have lots of questions about these inquisitive, colorful feathered friends? Don’t worry, I’m going to answer the most frequently asked questions.
Your head will be full of amazing English Budgie facts in no time!
Question 1 – Do English Budgies Like Being Alone?
Like most species of parrots and parakeets, the English Budgie is very sociable and can get lonely if they don’t have much company.
If you feel that your budgie would be happier with a friend then you can house a male or a female together or a group of males.
It’s not recommended to have more than one female, as they can be aggressive towards each other.
Question 2 – How Long Do They Live For?
Inbreeding means that the English Budgie has a shorter lifespan than standard budgies.
The average lifespan is 5-10 years, although in some cases they can live for up to 12 years.
Question 3 – How Much Do They Cost?
These colorful feathered friends are a little pricier than standard budgies. Buying one will set you back around $60.
They’re affordable to keep as their food and toys aren’t very expensive. The priciest item will be their enclosure which should last them for their lifetime.
Question 4 – What is the Difference Between an English Budgie and a Standard Budgie?
The English Budgie is larger than the standard budgie.
They have far fluffier and have more distinctive markings.
English Budgies are known for their sweet and laid back nature, while standard budgies are less likely to exhibit this personality trait.
Question 5 – Can English Budgies and Standard Budgies Live Together?
Yes, they can. There’s no reason why English Budgies and regular budgies can’t live in harmony together.
Don’t put females in the same cage though, unless you want extra squabbles.
Question 6 – Are They Affectionate?
English Budgies love receiving your attention. They want to learn new tricks and mimic words.
If it’s cuddling you’re after then the budgie may not be the bird for you. They don’t like being petted anywhere but their heads.
If you decide to stroke them anywhere else then be careful as you could end up being pecked by a disgruntled bird.
Question 7 – Do They Make Good Pets?
These show birds are used to being in the limelight, therefore they are generally known for their calm temperament. They also aren’t as noisy as regular budgies.
They don’t require a lot of flying time, they are good with children and they can learn tricks quite quickly.
They are also cheaper to purchase and less expensive to keep than some larger species of birds.
When you combine all of these factors then it’s clear to see that the answer is yes, English Budgies make excellent pets.
An Overview to the English Budgie
I hope that you now know everything that you need to know about this colorful, inquisitive little bird with a “big” personality.
With then around there will be plenty of word-mimicking fun, trick learning, perching, hopping and feather-washing.
