Breeding and breeding of budgies
After selecting a pair of budgerigars that you like, it's important to invest time in their diet, nesting environment, and cage setup. These factors play a crucial role in ensuring their health, breeding success, and overall well-being.
First, let's talk about food. The main diet for budgies typically includes millet, but there are some considerations to make. I personally prefer shelled millet because unshelled varieties can lead to some nutrient loss. However, I believe these nutrients can be easily supplemented through other sources. Shelled millet is also more convenient for both the owner and the bird, saving time and effort—so the benefits definitely outweigh the drawbacks.
But just feeding them millet isn't enough, especially if you're planning to breed them. A lack of proper nutrition can lead to issues such as weak breeding performance, shorter lifespans, or even early death in adults. For chicks, poor nutrition may result in slow growth and lower survival rates. So, I recommend adding the following to their diet:
- Cuttlefish bone: Attach it with wire so the bird can chew on it for calcium or use it as a toy during incubation. Males tend to be very active, and without something to do, they might accidentally trample eggs or chicks.
- Green vegetables and fruits: Such as leafy greens and apples. They help provide moisture and vitamins, and also support the parent birds' digestion. Always make sure the produce is pesticide-free. I grow my own on the balcony using repurposed containers.
- Cooked rice: At first, budgies might not like it, but with time, they can adapt. Rice provides carbohydrates and plant-based fats, which are essential for small birds. Birds that eat rice tend to be healthier and grow faster.
- Sand or crushed bricks: Make sure they’re sterilized. You can also hang another container with mineral supplements for the birds.
Next, let’s discuss egg millet. There are different ways to prepare it depending on the stage:
- Egg and rice mix: Mixing raw egg whites with dried rice can stimulate breeding behavior. This is especially useful during the mating season.
- Steamed millet with dried eggs: This is ideal for young birds or when preparing for hatching.
- Pu millet: Used specifically for newly hatched chicks to encourage breeding.
Now, onto the nest box. Everyone has their preferences, but I found most commercially available boxes, like the two-story wooden ones sold in Shanghai, to be unsatisfactory after initial use. They tend to be poorly constructed and not very durable.
I usually build my own nest boxes. I designed one with an inner width of about 10-15 cm, a length of 20 cm, and a height of around 10-12 cm—just enough for the birds to comfortably sit and rest. The material I use is pine wood, which is easy to find, has a natural scent, and lasts over a year without being too heavy.
The base of the nest box is about 3 cm thick to provide insulation. I also drill a small hole in the floor to allow for drainage. The sides are slightly thicker and nailed in place. The front and back panels are made of thin composite boards for easier drilling. The top is covered with a metal sheet, which helps regulate temperature and protect against pests.
Finally, don’t forget to place the nest box outside the cage for better observation and cleaning. Line it with sawdust to keep it clean. After each brooding period, thoroughly disinfect the box using boiling salt water or potassium permanganate solution, then rinse and sun-dry it. This same method works well for the sawdust as well.
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