Budgerigars, also known as budgies, are a popular and beloved pet bird species. These small parrots are native to Australia and are known for their vibrant colors and playful personalities. Raising a baby budgie can be a rewarding experience, but it requires knowledge and commitment. In this article, we will explore the stages of a baby budgie’s growth from hatching to hand feeding.

Hatching:

Budgies are known for their relatively short incubation period of about 18 to 23 days. During this time, the female budgie will lay an egg every other day until she has laid a clutch of four to eight eggs. The eggs will hatch in the order they were laid, with the first egg typically hatching a few days before the last egg. Once the chicks hatch, they will be completely helpless and rely on their parents for warmth and food.

First few weeks:

For the first few weeks of their lives, baby budgies will grow rapidly. They will be covered in a soft downy layer of feathers and their eyes will be closed. During this time, the parents will take turns feeding the chicks a regurgitated mixture of seeds, water, and crop milk, which is a high-protein liquid produced by the parent birds. The chicks will be in the nest box most of the time, only leaving it briefly to be fed.

Feathering:

Around three weeks of age, the baby budgies will start to grow their first feathers. At this stage, their eyes will start to open, and they will become more active in the nest box. They will also start to chirp and vocalize, which is a sign that they are developing their vocal skills. The parents will continue to feed them, but the chicks will also start to peck at solid food like seeds and millet.

Weaning:

Around five to six weeks of age, the baby budgies will be fully feathered and ready to leave the nest box. This is known as the weaning stage, where the chicks will start to eat solid food exclusively. During this time, they will also start to explore their surroundings and interact with other budgies. However, they will still rely on their parents for guidance and protection.

Hand feeding:

Hand feeding is a process where a caregiver takes over the feeding of a baby bird. This can be necessary if the parents are unable to care for the chicks or if the chicks are abandoned or rejected. Hand feeding a baby budgie requires special knowledge and equipment, and it should only be attempted by experienced caregivers. Hand-fed budgies can become very tame and bonded to their human caregivers.

In conclusion, raising a baby budgie can be a fascinating and rewarding experience. It is important to understand the stages of a budgie’s growth and to provide them with proper nutrition and care. Whether you choose to raise a baby budgie with its parents or hand-feed it yourself, it is important to approach this task with knowledge and patience. With the right care, your baby budgie will grow up to be a happy and healthy pet.