Ten Tips To Keep Your Budgie Healthy And Happy

Budgies (Melopsittacus undulatus) are vibrant, intelligent little parrots that make wonderful pets, however they need proper care to thrive.

As a veterinarian and proud budgie mum to Murray (a cheeky, chatty little guy who rules the roost at Your Vet Online), I’ve put together my top 10 budgie care tips to help you keep your feathered friend healthy, happy, and living their best life.

1. Keep Your Budgie’s Cage Clean

A hygienic environment is essential for budgie health.

Clean the cage daily to remove droppings, spoiled food, and feather debris.

Once a week, do a deep clean with bird-safe disinfectant to help prevent infections like Psittacosis and Aspergillosis.

Bird-Safe Disinfectants:

1. F10SC Veterinary Disinfectant

• Widely used by avian vets and breeders
• Effective against bacteria, viruses, fungi, and spores
• Non-toxic, non-corrosive, and safe even if ingested in small residue amounts
• Can be diluted (e.g. 1:250 for general cleaning)
• Safe for use on cages, bowls, perches, and even for fogging rooms

2. Avi-Clean by Vetafarm (Australia)

• Specifically formulated for bird cages and aviaries
• Non-toxic and biodegradable
• Breaks down organic matter and disinfects
• Ideal for routine cage cleaning

3. Clean ‘n’ Safe Bird Cage Disinfectant

• UK-based brand made for birds
• Mild and safe on skin and feathers (though still rinse after use)
• Suitable for cleaning cages, toys, food bowls

4. White Vinegar (DIY Option)

• Natural and mildly antibacterial
• Mix 1 part white vinegar to 2 parts warm water
• Good for daily wipe-downs but less effective than vet-grade disinfectants for killing viruses
• Always rinse thoroughly to remove residue

Avoid These:

• Bleach (even diluted – vapours are dangerous to birds)
• Ammonia-based cleaners
• Phenol-based disinfectants (e.g. Pine-Sol, Dettol)
• Scented household sprays or air fresheners

Cleaning Tip from Dr Leigh:

After using any disinfectant—even bird-safe ones—always rinse with clean water and allow surfaces to dry completely before reintroducing your bird.

Dr Leigh discusses her top tips in this video:

2. Feed A Balanced Budgie Diet

Proper nutrition is one of the most important aspects of budgie care.

A healthy diet should include:

• Pellets or formulated crumble (should be ~60–70% of diet)
• Fresh vegetables and leafy greens daily!
• Fruits in moderation
• Seeds as a treat only

Avoid seed-only diets—they’re high in fat and low in essential nutrients, and can lead to obesity, fatty liver disease, and vitamin A deficiency.

3. Offer Toys and Varied Perches

Budgies are naturally curious and active. Provide:

• Chew toys (rotate weekly)
• Rope or natural wood perches of different sizes
• Swings and ladders

These enrich their environment, reduce boredom, and support foot and beak health.

4. Avoid Clipping Wings

While wing clipping was once common, we now know that flight is essential for a budgie’s physical and mental wellbeing.

Clipped birds are more prone to injury from awkward falls and less confident.

Let your budgie fly in a bird-safe room to maintain muscle tone and mental stimulation.

Ensure 12 Hours of Sleep

Budgies need around 12 hours of uninterrupted sleep each night.

Place their cage in a quiet area and cover it with a breathable cloth to help them rest.

Bonus tip: Avoid placing cages near televisions, noisy kitchens, or open windows at night.

Allow Daily Out-of-Cage Time

Flight time is essential for physical health and emotional happiness.

Supervised time outside the cage helps build trust and confidence.

Murray flies loops around our office before settling in for a snack!

7. Trim Beak and Nails (If Needed)

Most budgies wear down their beaks and nails naturally—but some may need occasional trims, especially as they age and movement declines.

Overgrown nails can cause foot deformities or get caught in toys, while an overgrown beak may signal liver disease.

Check monthly and seek vet advice if you notice overgrowth.

8. Create a Calm Environment

Budgies are sensitive to loud noise and vibrations.

Choose a quiet space away from kitchens, bathrooms, or high-traffic areas.

Play soft music or the radio when you’re out can keep them company.

9. Bond With Your Budgie

Budgies are social parrots that need interaction.

Talk to them, play with them, or let them perch on your hand.

With time and patience, they’ll learn to trust you—and may even mimic your words!

Dr Leigh’s tip: Murray’s favourite bonding time is snack-sharing (he’s obsessed with watermelon and tomatoes).

10. Schedule Regular Vet Checks

Budgies are masters at hiding illness.

Book a yearly check-up with an avian vet to catch health issues early.

Some common signs that your budgie may be unwell include:

• Fluffed-up feathers
• Changes in droppings
• Decreased activity or appetite

Need help fast? At Your Vet Online, we offer 24/7 access to avian (bird) vets who can help you spot concerns early and guide treatment.

FAQs: Budgie Health and Care

What is the best diet for a budgie?

A mix of pellets (60–70%), fresh vegetables, occasional fruits, and seeds as a treat. Avoid seed-only diets.

Can I clip my budgie’s wings?

It’s not recommended. Flying is vital for your budgie’s health and confidence. Instead, bird-proof a room and allow safe flight time.

How do I know if my budgie is sick?

Watch for subtle signs like fluffed feathers, changes in droppings, decreased chirping, or sitting low on the perch. Early vet intervention is key.

How long do budgies live?

With good care, budgies can live 8–15 years. Some even reach their 20s!

Do budgies need baths?

Yes! Budgies love to bathe.

Offer a shallow dish of water or a gentle mist spray a few times a week.

Or turn the tap on and let them play in the sink.

References:

Speer, B. L. (2015). Current Therapy in Avian Medicine and Surgery. Elsevier.

Harrison, G. J., & Lightfoot, T. L. (2006). Clinical Avian Medicine. Spix Publishing.