Budgerigars Breeding (01)

Selecting A Pair

Both the male and female you wish to breed should be at least one year old.
Selecting a pair that is already bonded will help ensure a shorter time until they begin to mate and lay eggs.
If you wish to breed for a certain variety, learn about budgie varieties and genetics.

Set-Up

Each pair should be set up in their own cage at least 24″w x 16″d x 16″h (70x40x40cm). The cage should not have a grate on the bottom. If the cage has an irremovable grate, place the newspaper lining on top of the grate. Use only black and white newspaper to line the bottom.

A wooden nest box should be attached outside of the breeding cage.

A wooden insert with a concave circle should be in the bottom of the nesting box to prevent splayed legs.

Pine shavings (unscented) should be layered in the bottom of the box over the wooden insert. The hen will adjust the pine shavings to her liking.

It is very important to have a cuttlebone and mineral block in the cage. An iodine salt spool is also recommended.

At least two perches should be provided. Try to provide variety in perches, including a safe natural wood branch.

Food and water dishes should be provided. I recommend attaching two water tubes, especially after all the babies have hatched. I also recommend putting a large jar feeder on the cage floor. The parents will go through a lot of seed and water when caring for a nest full of growing chicks.

Pieces of soft wood for the female budgie to chew on will satisfy her need for gnawing and also can help get her into the mood to breed. Be sure the wood is safe for birds by buying this material at a bird or pet store.

If only breeding one or a couple of pairs, you will need a large cage to put the babies into when they are weaned. If breeding large scale, you will need to build a flight cage to keep non-breeding budgies and newly weaned babies.