Happy 2013!

Happy 2013 to all budgie lovers in the world!

Super-relaxed cat doesn't let a budgie interfere with his nap

U-chan the budgie is tired of waiting for Chama the cat to wake up, then decides to take matters into his own beak. Fortunately, it's a very sleepy cat ;)

(Reblogged from Urlesque)

Coconut Craziness

Photo © We Love Budgies on tumblr

Did you know that the first domesticated budgie laid her eggs inside a coconut?

Photo © We Love Budgies on tumblr

That's why people in the 19th century gave coconuts to their budgies! You can still find coconut nests at some pet stores today, although a lot of people prefer to stick with wooden nesting boxes.

If you like coconuts, you can also give your budgies a coconut bowl, filled with a blend of fresh pieces of fruit, vegetables and millet!

Bika's nightmare

Photo © Sarah Warwick

This morning, right before I woke up, I had one of the most disturbing budgie dreams ever!

This is how the story went...

Several budgies in the neighbourhood had been reported missing. I don't quite know where I was, but I remember I was looking for the lost budgies. The next moment, I found myself in a creepy cellar, stumbling about. I heard some chirping and I knew I was going to find the budgies, but I was so scared that something bad had happened to them... I just hoped they were all alive. 

There were a lot of cages stacked on top of each other, and I saw that the budgies were unharmed. But some of them were bright purple, and some of them were as tiny as a zebra finch! But otherwise they were okay. I realized that these budgies had to be the victims of some kind of mad scientist. I had to get them out of here.

Next to the budgies, I saw a disposable camera (left behind by WWF or Greenpeace) and it said "use me if you see animal cruelty". I didn't hesitate and took out the camera, took a picture of the purple budgies and the very small ones. Whoever had locked up those budgies, I would bring them to justice. Then I heard a noise upstairs, and I realized that someone was coming. I opened the cage doors and set the budgies free, then broke into a run, hoping the budgies would be able to escape together with me...


Of course, I woke up so I can't remember if we were able to escape or not. This is one of the weirdest dreams I ever had!

Budgie of the Month: Birdbird

Photo © Roarshack and Co. on tumblr

Finally, I found myself a budgie of the month! His name is Birdbird and he is a very clever budgie. Here he is sitting on one foot (which is good, budgies who use both feet to rest on are often a bit ill)

On the photos below, you can see that...

He likes to nibble on the pineapple plant...
He's not afraid of the thing with the big eyes...
He likes to hang out in the fridge...
He also likes to hang out at the fish tank...
And he likes a little yellow duck girl!

Photo © Roarshack and Co. on tumblr

Photo © Roarshack and Co. on tumblr

Photo © Roarshack and Co. on tumblr

Photo © Roarshack and Co. on tumblr

 

 

 

Photo © Roarshack and Co. on tumblr

A safe Christmas with our budgies

Photo © pettyartist on tumblr

Christmas is a season of joy, but the festivities could turn tragic for budgie owners that don't make the correct provisions for their budgie's safety. Here are some easy tips to follow up during the holidays. It doesn't take a lot of effort, and it's enough to give your budgies a safe and cosy Christmas.

1) Keep an eye on the Christmas tree and ornaments. Budgies could get burned if they chew on the light wires, or they could end up with loose needles sticking in their feet or plumage. Christmas trees on itself are non-toxic but there is still a risk of poisoning if the tree has been sprayed with something.

2) Don't let your budgie play with the presents while you are gone. You might think it's okay to let your budgies play with the ribbons and shred the paper, but the ink that is printed on the paper could be toxic. Additionally, some ribbons could get trapped around your budgie's feet or even their neck (although this is unlikely to happen)

3) Never let your budgie get a sip of alchohol, it's poisonous and can kill them. They shouldn't eat anything from the Christmas meals either, as human food contains too much sugar and fat for them, and some ingredients are poisonous to budgies (like avocado's).

4) When you have a party at your place, it is recommended to keep your budgie in a spare room, so they don't get too stressed. Fireworks indoors is a no-go. Keep your budgies in a familiar room with the curtains closed, before the fireworks begin outside.

5) Get your budgie a Christmas gift, so they don't have to miss out on everything! You can make them happy in so many ways. It can be as simple as a nice treat, like millet, but there are also plenty of toys to choose from... or even a new budgie friend!

Read more here:

http://www.petinfoclub.com/Birds/Know_your_pet/A_safe_Christmas_with_your_bird.aspx
http://birds.about.com/od/birdsafetytips/a/christmassafety.htm

Budgies and Christmas Trees

Is it safe to have a Christmas tree near my budgies?

Photo © Pet Info Club

Good news: Christmas trees are on the safe list for budgies, as long as they are not sprayed with anything toxic such as pesticides or fertilizers.

When your budgies come out of the cage, they will either be so mesmerized by the tree that they fly straight into it, or keep at a safe distance until the Christmas holidays are over. Budgies have been known to react differently to this.

You can let your budgies climb around in it, as long as you don't lose them in the tree! They like to explore and will be attracted to all the glitter, shine and sparkle.

Some Christmas trees are more spiky than others, so depending on which kind of tree you have, you should keep an eye out and check your budgie's feet on cuts afterwards, just to be sure. If the spikes are too thick or solid, then the tree should not be in the same room as your birds.

Keep in mind that there are some safety issues that don't concern the tree itself, but the decoration, especially the Christmas lights. A solid bite to a wire or light bulb can burn them, and they could get an electric shock! You know how budgies like to chew on everything, so this is something you have to watch out for.

Also be careful with glass ornaments (if you have these): they may cause cuts, scratches and puncture wounds.

All You Need is Love

Picture © elyshatheridell on tumblr

Did you know that budgerigars can fall in love, just like people?

They are so sweet, and they never hesitate to show it when they like another budgie!

One of my budgies (called Frodo) is completely head over heels for our crazy little Pixie. Pixie is one year younger than him, fearless and wild, and she goes everywhere! Frodo, on the other hand, is more careful, but he's willing to follow Pixie everywhere!

Once budgerigars become mates, they will be mates for life.

This is how much budgies love dandelion greens!

I want all of them!