Can they learn to talk, or just mimic sounds? How many words can they learn? I heard somewhere that if you play soft, lyrical music for lovebirds they'll develop a soft voice, but if you play nothing, they'll get a wild screech. Is that true for budgies also? Are they smarter than other types of birds, or less smart? Would they enjoy things like watching tv or listening to music? (I'm just kind of guessing they would-it would stimulate their mind)
Is it practical to carry a budgie around the house on your shoulder? Would they be like your buddy and go everywhere with you or would they just fly off?
Plus, do they get sick easily (I heard they did), how long do they live, and how long does it take for their feathers to grow back if you clip their wings?
Thank you in advance!
2007-03-16 10:18:26 · 9 answers · asked by Tiki 2 in Pets ➔ Birds
I had a budgie and I loved the heck out of her too.
Let's see they can indeed learn to talk I was told they can have a pretty decent vocabulary and learn several words somewhere between 65-100 I think is what the pet store guy told me.My bird loved music she really enjoyed love songs lol go figure but any music is fine just to entertain and stimulate them.I don't think any bird is smarter than another I think it really has to do with the amount of time,trainming,love and affection you give them...
My budgie lasted for almost 10 yrs I was told they can live anywhere from 5-8 yrs obviously my girl had a heart to stay so she did for 2 extra years beyond expectancy (that I was told any way).
If you carry your budgie on your shoulder and play with them often they can become your best friend and it is practical to train them to stay with you.If you clip their wings they won't fly off they will stay with you again that takes a bit of training on your part though.
It takes their wings anywhere from 1 month to 1 month and a half to grow back after a clipping.And make sure you have a professional show you how to do the clippings cause otherwise you can cause irreperable harm to their wings....
My bird never got sick in the whole 10 years that I had her:)
Hope That Helps,
M.G
2007-03-16 10:27:43 · answer #1 · answered by Malia G 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Most of what has been stated above is great advice. I would sprinkle some of the seed over the bottom of the cage (doesn't work if the cage has a grill) They seem to find it better that way then the dish of it a few feet off the ground. They love millet spray when ever I get a new bird that is the first thing I give them and they will eat that before finding the normal seed dish. Hanging it over the seed or near the seed helps as well. Budgies can live a long time with out water so don't panic if you don't see your bird drink over the next few days. If you want two birds by all means head back and get the friend but if you want to tame this bird and have it as part of the family it's best to have it alone to work with. The bird can bond easier and quicker to each other and are then happy to ignore the rest of the world. For this reason mirrors are not a good thing to add to the cage when taming. Once the first bird is happy to be around you many have had success with adding another bird to the family. Do not worry about the gender of the two birds, if you can tell them part and do not wish to breed later (once the birds are old enough) you can have the same gender in a cage. Either males or females. Yes hens can turn on each other when there is enough nesting sites for them to breed but as pets get along fine.
2016-03-29 02:04:46 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Budgies have personalities like humans. Some like to talk and others dont. My budgie cant stop twittering about. He whistles, makes clicking noises and I have heard him talk. Budgies live up to 7 years. Some say male budgies talk more than females. In the wild when its time for breeding season, male budgies will copy female budgies sounds(tweeting, whistling) to impress the females.
Now when it comes to taming budgies, patience and kindness goes a long way. Birds in general mask illnesses, so if you see that your bird is sick take it straight away to the vet, because it could be sick.
There are some great books out there on budgie care and websites.
I hope that helps!
2007-03-16 23:39:35 · answer #3 · answered by Lemmy 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Quote fro site:
Voices
Love birds are chatty little birds. It is debatable whether they can talk or not. They are not known for their talking. They can mimic whistles. Mine have picked up the singing of a canary.
Here's my trick: Birds imitate what they hear. I play pleasant music for the bird during the day. Love birds will develop a soft voice by trying to imitate the music. If your bird does not hear anything all day long, you can expect him to develop a wild voice.
Talk to your bird when you are with him. Repeat words that you would like him to learn. Whistle short tunes for him to repeat. He is likely to repeat kissing sounds first. Be patient. Do not be disappointed if your love bird does not whistle or talk. Enjoy him for the bird he is.
2007-03-16 10:25:01 · answer #4 · answered by mermaids_n_moons 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
We have a new budgie and we are teaching him to talk. It takes a while but once they get a few words the pick others up very fast. I had one when I was a kid and he lived to be 11 years old. They are usuallu very healthy if you stick to their diet of seed and supliment with fresh fruits and vegetables. Keep their water clean and keep them out of drafts. Make sure you cover them at night. Some have lived up to 18-20 years. They like to be where you are and will skreech sometimes when there is alot of noise. Our bird loves the sound of running water, so when ever I am doing dishes he is always chirping it is very cute. They will sit on your shoulder but I wouldn't take them outside because the get cold very easily and that is a sure way of killing them (they are native to australia and othe warm climates.) Our bird is the newest addition to our family of three kids, two cats, one dog and fish. He is the easiest to take care of for sure!
2007-03-16 10:20:02 · answer #5 · answered by cooltoque 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
My grandma had a budgie that spoke up a storm 518 sunset park..iced tea please, my name is Jody Crabtree..etc..
He went everywhere with her, she did buy him with his wings clipped, but never had them done after they grew out. She carried him on her head around the house, and in a carrier when she went out.
You have to be careful of drafts..and open water, toilet large glasses of drinks sitting around, they are inquisitive, and can drown!
They are not as smart as the big birds, but can be loving and lots of fun! As with all birds, leaving a TV or radio on helps them be more comfortable when alone,,they still need lots of toys to chew, fresh fruit and veggies are good too.
2007-03-16 10:50:31 · answer #6 · answered by kat k 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes, male budgies mimic. Mine has quite a few phrases. They disappear if we discontinue saying it. He loves to sing along to the themes from Star Trek NG, DS9 and Voyager. My bird loves music and TV. they can sometimes be lound but nothing like a love bird.
If you hand train him and you walk around with one on your shoulder be careful he doesn't get out. My mom forgot hers was on her shoulder and she walked out to get the mail or something and the bird flew away.
2007-03-16 10:26:03 · answer #7 · answered by dmjrev 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
i have a budgie, and he doesnt really speak.. hes really shy. but i guess that isnt all budgies. pick one that isnt serious and that doesnt just sit on a stick alll day. You have to work REALLY hard to even teach it one word. and yes its true if you play music for them they will sing to you, they live about to 15 years.. i think. and i guess months to grow back there feathers. if you let it out of the cadge its okay if you have like all of your doors closed. and there quite easy to catch
2007-03-16 10:22:53 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
yes they can learn to talkeven though it takes a long time. not as much as a bigger parott but a few words
2007-03-16 11:49:40 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋