A budgie is one of the cutest pets one could wish to own, but how do we keep them happy?

Budgies are instinctively used to living in a flock and love constant chatter and

company. I would never suggest getting a budgie if it’s going to spend most of the day all on it’s own. The least a single indoor budgie needs of company would be either radio or tv.

If you are going to be able to spend a lot of time with your bird, then by all means just get one, but if you think he might end up feeling lonely due to not having a lot of company around him, then get at least 2.

Keeping one budgerigar is totally OK so long as you understand he will need a lot of attention from you, especially if you feel that you would like to get him at least finger-tame. Spend as much time as you can with your budgie, and talk to him whenever you’re around him. He’ll love you for it.

If you’re keeping more than one budgie, make sure the cage you buy is big enough for however many will be housed in it. Remember the rule of thumb: No wing or tail feathers are to touch the bars.

If you’re going to keep a lot of budgies, it might be better to have an indoor or outdoor aviary. Budgies make a LOT of mess, so consider that before you make any decisions.

No matter where, or how, you decide to house your budgies, toys are a must-have.

Home-made wooden ones are fabulous, but you can also buy pretty cheap ones

(usually plastic) from most pet shops. Either way, always check your birds toys on a regular basis as small parts can loosen and choke the bird, strings can fray and a bird can strangle itself on them.

Birds get bored very easily, so have plenty of toys available so you can change them at regular intervals.

Make sure your birds cage is always clean and that there’s always food and fresh water available. Follow these tips and you’ll be well on your way to having a very happy budgie indeed.