WHAT SHOULD BE IN THE CAGE?

Throw away any plastic perches. These can cause leg pain in budgies. Artificial perches, because they are of a constant diameter, create pressure points within the ball of the foot, which can become inflamed and even infected. Replace the perches with washed natural branches cut from apple trees, willow, hazel, rowan, elm, poplar, and sycamore. Some wooden perches are acceptable, but make sure there is a natural branch too, so that the bird is not always perching on the same smooth size. Sandpaper looks better, but is expensive. It's good for birds that spend a lot of time pecking about at the bottom of the cage. If a particular bird does not use the bottom of the cage, then newspaper will be OK. Budgies need grit, clean water replaced daily, cuttlefish, greenstuff and toys. A solitary budgie must have a mirror for companionship. The cage should be out of draughts, away from any gas fires, and in the light but not in direct sunlight.

Copyright WALTHAM Centre for Pet Nutrition 2007