Budgerigars are among the world's most popular cage birds, yet their welfare needs are frequently misunderstood. As highly social, intelligent birds, budgerigars have complex requirements.
Budgerigar welfare suffers from the disconnect between their wide availability and low cost, and their substantial needs. Many budgerigars are kept alone in small round cages without adequate stimulation - conditions that cause chronic stress. Budgerigars need at minimum a companion of the same species, a large rectangular cage allowing flight, varied perches, foraging opportunities, and daily out-of-cage time. They are also susceptible to air quality issues - aerosol sprays, non-stick cookware fumes, and scented candles can be fatal.