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Captivity - Pet budgerigars
The budgerigar is one of the few parrots to be domesticated as a
pet. Believed to be the most common pet parrot in the world, it has
been bred in captivity since the 1850s. Breeders have worked over
the decades to produce a wide range of colour and feather mutations,
such as yellow, blue, white, violet, olive, albino and lutino
(yellow), clearwing and spangled. Feather mutations can produce
crests or overly long shaggy feathers known as "feather dusters".
Modern show budgerigars, also called English budgerigars, are larger
than their wild cousins, with puffy head feathers, giving them an
exaggerated look. The eyes and beak can be almost totally obscured
by feathers. Such birds are reported to be more prone to genetic
mutations because of inbreeding. Most budgerigars in the pet trade
are not of the show variety and are similar in size and body
conformation to wild budgerigars.
A blue male budgerigar in captivity
A blue male budgerigar in captivity
Budgerigars can be taught to speak, whistle tunes, and play with
humans. They are intelligent and social animals and enjoy the
stimulation of toys and interaction with humans as well as with
other budgerigars. A common behaviour is the chewing of material
such as wood, especially for female budgerigars.
Female white budgerigar. This is not an albino because it lacks the
red eyes.
Female white budgerigar. This is not an albino because it lacks the
red eyes.
In captivity, budgerigars live an average of five to eight years,
but are reported to occasionally live to 15 if well cared for.[10]
The life span depends on the budgerigar's breed (show budgerigars
typically do not live as long as the common budgerigars) and the
individual bird's health, which is influenced by exercise and diet.
Although wild budgerigars eat grass seeds almost exclusively, avian
veterinarians recommend supplementation with foods such as fresh
fruits and vegetables, sprouted seeds, pasta, whole wheat bread and
other healthy human foods, as well as pellets formulated for small
parrots. Adding these foods provides additional nutrients and can
prevent obesity and lipomas, as can substituting millet, which is
relatively low in fat, for seeds mixes. Budgerigars do not always
adapt readily to dietary additions, however. Chocolate and avocado
are recognized as potential toxins. Plums, lemons, limes, and
members of the cabbage family are bad for them as well. Recommended
fruits and vegetables are apples, oranges, bananas, strawberries,
carrots, unsprayed lettuces, parsley, peaches and spinach.
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