Breeding and breeding of budgies
After choosing a pair of budgerigars that you like, it's important to focus on their diet, nesting boxes, and cages. These elements are crucial for ensuring the health and successful breeding of your birds.
First, let's talk about food. Budgies are commonly fed millet, but I prefer shelled millet over unshelled. While some nutrients may be lost during the shelling process, they can easily be compensated for through other dietary sources. Plus, shelled millet is more convenient for both the bird and the owner, saving time and effort. In my opinion, the benefits far outweigh any potential drawbacks.
However, just feeding them millet isn't enough. If you only feed them millet, the male might not be able to handle the demands of incubation, which could shorten his lifespan or even lead to early death. For the chicks, this can result in poor growth and lower survival rates. To avoid this, I recommend supplementing their diet with the following:
- Cuttlefish bone: Attach it to the cage with wire. It provides calcium and also serves as a toy for the male during incubation. Males are very active, and without something to do, they might accidentally trample eggs or chicks.
- Leafy greens and fruits: Vegetables like kale and apples help provide moisture and vitamins. They also support the parent bird’s digestion. Always make sure to wash them thoroughly to remove any pesticides. I grow my own vegetables in a small balcony garden using recycled containers.
- Rice: Initially, budgies may not like rice, but mine have learned to eat it. Gradual introduction helps them adapt. Rice offers carbohydrates and plant-based fats, which are especially beneficial for smaller birds. Birds that eat rice tend to be healthier and grow faster.
- Sand or broken bricks: Sterilize them before use. Place them in a separate container so the birds can pick at them for minerals.
Next, let's discuss egg millet. Feeding egg millet is different from regular millet:
- Egg and rice mix: Mixing raw egg whites with dried rice can stimulate breeding behavior. The proteins in the egg white help encourage mating.
- Steamed millet with dried eggs: This is ideal for newly hatched birds.
- Pu millet: Feed this to young birds to support their development.
Now, onto the nest box. Everyone has their own preference, but I don’t like the standard two-story wooden boxes sold in stores. They tend to be cheaply made and not very durable. I prefer to build my own. My design is simple but effective: the inner dimensions are about 10–15 cm wide, 20 cm long, and 10–12 cm high. The base is thick (around 3 cm) to keep the nest warm, and I use pine wood because it’s easy to find, smells good, and lasts over a year. I also drill a small hole in the floor to collect waste, which makes cleaning easier.
The top is covered with a metal sheet, which helps regulate temperature. I place the nest box outside the cage for better observation and cleanliness. Lining the box with sawdust keeps it tidy. After each clutch, the nest box should be cleaned and disinfected. I recommend boiling salt water or using potassium permanganate solution, then rinsing and sun-drying it. This method also works well for the sawdust. A little extra care goes a long way in keeping your birds healthy and happy.
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