Info: Budgie Flock

[TAGyourIT]

So lets just say that I was really going to do the "budgie flock" thing... Would there be any warnings or advice you would have for me?

What would be an ideal cage? Anyone want to recommend breeders in my area? (SC, NC, Southern VA)

[LovelySydney]

i would do some sort of flight cage, tall is possible, with varied perches all about. Also, try and get them from the same person that way you really know the quality of the stock you are getting (if that makes any sense). You wont have to worry about getting random birds from random people and wondering the state of their health.

[Kiwi08]

How many birds do you have in mind? Would you plan to keep them outside? I would say be careful about keeping males and females together unless you want to breed them...
I have seven budgies, which are more or less tame that I keep inside, and that is a big enough flock for me! They are pretty much making noise constantly. Nothing compared to a large parrot, but someone is always, always chattering. So if you plan on keeping them indoors plan on constant budgie noise :)

[ilikebirds]

I have 16 budgies in a large flight. The males get along with each other, flirting all the time. I can't use newspaper on the bottom, as they tried to lay eggs there. If there is a dark spot to hide, they will consider it a good spot to nest. Sometimes the hens can be a bit cranky with each other, but the males are always cheerful. I have multiple feeders to avoid arguments. Also lots of perches.

[usamma]

I have my budgies in a flight cage right now. It's a nice big one for all 9. I have lots of perches at about the same level enough that they can all be at the same height if they want (to prevent fights). Of course there are also lots of other perches at different levels, too. Lots of toys, swings, and such. The big thing is to try to prevent fights.

During mating season sometimes things get ugly even though they are matched bonded pairs (plus one old lady who is happy to be by herself). Sometimes the males will get into awful fights and have to be separated for a couple of months from the others. I mean, really awful, nasty bloody fights. So just watch for this. Budgies are supposed to be sociable but they can also be little meanies when it comes to hormones.

If you have the cage indoors, be sure to cover the bottom 1/3 with something to prevent seeds and feathers from coming out. It will save you lots of time. Also try to avoid a grate on the bottom because it will become caked with poo. Provide at least 2 separate food dishes and water dishes to prevent fights. Make sure there are different types of perches, like natural branches (with leaves if they are safe type branches), rope perches, etc.

During good weather they really enjoy when I put the whole cage outside.

[ilikebirds]

geez, I have not experienced a fight between males, and from what you said I hope I never do. I have seen the hens be nasty, but not the males. Were these fights over a female? Only a few pairs exist in my flight. But those birds will still stray and flirt with other birds. One in particular likes to flirt, quite provacativly I might add, with the cage bars.

[usamma]

I am pretty sure the fights were over females. They attack each other's feet mostly, and end up with bloodly feet and bites elsewhere. I thought I was going to lose one last year.

Check out this fight captured on a nature film
YouTube - NATURE | Parrots in the Land of Oz | Budgie Mating | PBS

[ilikebirds]

wow, my babies are potential MONSTERS!!! cute monsters though! I'm wondering on the mutations available which dont have the purple markings, if that affects how well they would attract a mate in an aviary situation, instead of pairing them up.

[TAGyourIT]

I was thinking at the most 4-5 more. I would probably get 2 more now, see how that goes, then add 2 more, then 1 or two more and that would be it. Do you think they would all adapt to live in one big cage? Would it be better to mix the sex and provide no nesting boxes, or to do all the same sex?

As per the noise... I have 2 Macaws and a VERY talkative grey...there is no WAY they could be any louder than them. LOL. When my blue and gold and my grey get going...I bet the neighbors can hear them. They arent screamers, but my grey shreiks out of excitement. My Macaw does the calling am/pm and will yell MOM, MOM, MOM when she wants attention :) LOL.

I want what is best for them, so I am open to all suggestions and opinions.

[ilikebirds]

about the big cage...the first one I chose seemed to have proper bar spacing. But one clever old hen, (passed last week, sweet lilly), figured out she could squeeze through one day. At that point, I had 5, and they all followed her. Was amusing, but worrisome. I now have tiels in that cage. I found a nice giant cage for the budgies, and they cant get out. If you want I can measure tomorrow, but im sure you can find info on bar spacing easy enough. just dont underestimate the power of the mighty budgie! id say mix sexes, would make them happy, but have an extra cage handy for fighting if iy happens.