Budgerigar: Your Comprehensive Guide to Care and Ownership
Budgerigar, also known as budgie, is a small parrot native to Australia. These colorful and social birds are popular among pet owners due to their friendly demeanor and easy care. In this article, we'll cover everything you need to know about budgerigars, including how to pronounce their name, their meaning, price range, family, where to find them for sale, and what to feed them.
How to Pronounce Budgerigar
Before we delve into the details of budgerigars, let's first get the pronunciation right. Budgerigar is pronounced "buh-jer-i-gahr" or "buh-jer-ee-gahr" with the emphasis on the second syllable. It can also be abbreviated as "budgie" (pronounced "buh-jee").
Budgerigar Meaning
The word budgerigar comes from the Gamilaraay language spoken by the indigenous people of Australia, where these birds are found in the wild. The word "budgery" means "good" or "pretty," while "gar" means "parrot." Thus, budgerigar means "good parrot" or "pretty parrot."
Budgerigar Price
The price of budgerigars varies depending on the bird's color, age, and breed. Generally, you can expect to pay between $10 to $30 for a standard green or blue budgerigar. However, rarer color mutations such as albino, lutino, or pied can cost anywhere from $50 to $200 or more.
Budgerigar Family
Budgerigars belong to the Psittaculidae family, which includes over 300 species of parrots. Within the family, budgerigars are classified under the Melopsittacus genus, which is the only genus in the tribe Melopsittacini. Budgerigars are closely related to other popular parrots such as cockatiels, lovebirds, and conures.
Budgerigar for Sale
Budgerigars are widely available for sale at pet stores, bird breeders, and online marketplaces. When looking for a budgerigar for sale, it's important to choose a reputable seller who raises healthy birds in a clean environment. Avoid buying birds from pet stores or breeders with a history of mistreatment or neglect.
Budgerigar Food
In the wild, budgerigars feed on a variety of seeds, grasses, and fruits. As pets, they should be fed a balanced diet that includes high-quality seed mixes, fresh vegetables, and occasional treats such as millet sprays or fruit slices. Avoid feeding your budgerigar avocado, chocolate, caffeine, or any food that is high in salt, sugar, or fat.
Budgerigars are fascinating and delightful pets that can bring joy and companionship to their owners. Whether you're a first-time bird owner or an experienced avian enthusiast, understanding the pronunciation, meaning, price range, family, where to find them for sale, and what to feed them is essential for providing a happy and healthy life for your budgie.