Budgies (parakeets) are one of the most popular pet birds in the world. They’re small, colorful, playful, and can even learn to mimic words and sounds. While owning a budgie can be a rewarding experience, it’s not always sunshine and chirps. Like any pet, budgies come with their own set of challenges that potential owners should be aware of before bringing one home.
If you’re thinking about getting a budgie, here are five things that suck about owning one—and why they might not be the perfect pet for everyone.
1. They Are VERY Messy
One of the first things new budgie owners realize is just how messy these little birds can be.
✅ Feathers Everywhere: Budgies constantly shed tiny feathers and dander, which can make a mess in and around their cage. If you have allergies, this could be a problem.
✅ Food Flinging: Budgies love to toss their food everywhere. You’ll find seeds, husks, and crumbs scattered all over the floor, even outside the cage.
✅ Poop Happens… A LOT: These little birds poop every 10-15 minutes, which means constant cleaning. If they’re out of the cage often, expect to find poop in unexpected places.
💡 How to Manage It: Use a cage skirt to catch food debris, vacuum frequently, and place easy-to-clean mats under the cage to minimize the mess.
2. They Can Be Extremely Noisy
If you’re looking for a quiet pet, a budgie might not be for you.
✅ Constant Chattering: Budgies are highly social birds, and they never stop making noise. While some people enjoy their chirping and singing, others might find it annoying—especially in the morning!
✅ Mimicking Sounds & Screeching: Budgies love to mimic household noises, which means they might randomly imitate beeping alarms, phone ringtones, or even your voice. Some budgies also develop a habit of screeching when they want attention.
✅ Noisy Flock Mentality: If you have multiple budgies, the noise level multiplies. They will call to each other constantly, especially if separated.
💡 How to Manage It: If you need quiet time, cover their cage at night or give them plenty of toys to keep them occupied. Some budgies are quieter than others, but silence is rare with these birds.
3. They Are Fragile and Require a LOT of Attention
Unlike cats or dogs, budgies are tiny, delicate creatures that require careful handling and daily social interaction.
✅ Easy to Injure: A budgie’s bones are very delicate, meaning even small accidents—like being stepped on, crushed by closing a door, or grabbed too tightly—can cause serious harm.
✅ They Need Company: Budgies hate being alone and can become depressed without interaction. If you only have one budgie, you must spend at least an hour a day socializing with them.
✅ Short Attention Span: Budgies get bored easily and need mental stimulation. Without enough toys, interaction, or out-of-cage time, they can become restless and even destructive.
💡 How to Manage It: If you can’t dedicate enough time to a single budgie, consider getting two so they can keep each other company.
4. They Chew on Everything
Budgies love to chew and destroy things—and they don’t care if it’s a toy, furniture, or your favorite book.
✅ They Will Shred Paper: If you leave important papers out, don’t be surprised if your budgie starts tearing them apart.
✅ They Chew on Cords & Furniture: Electrical wires, wooden furniture, and even your clothing can become a chewing target if your budgie is out of the cage.
✅ Cage Bars and Perches Get Worn Out: Budgies will gnaw on anything, including their perches, ladders, and cage bars, meaning you’ll have to replace them over time.
💡 How to Manage It: Provide plenty of chewable toys and natural wood perches to keep them occupied. Always supervise them when they’re out of the cage to prevent unwanted damage.
5. They Have a Short Lifespan and Are Prone to Illness
One of the hardest things about owning a budgie is that they don’t live as long as other pets and can fall sick suddenly.
✅ Shorter Lifespan: On average, budgies live 5-10 years, though some can reach 15 years with proper care. Compared to larger parrots that can live 40+ years, this is relatively short.
✅ Prone to Disease: Budgies are masters at hiding illness, meaning by the time you notice symptoms, it might be too late. Common health problems include:
- Respiratory infections
- Mites and parasites
- Liver and kidney disease from poor diet
✅ Vet Bills Add Up: Since they’re delicate, even small health problems require an avian vet, which can be expensive and hard to find.
💡 How to Manage It: Feed them a balanced diet (not just seeds!), keep their cage clean, and schedule regular vet checkups to catch health problems early.
Final Thoughts: Are Budgies Worth It?
Despite these challenges, budgies can be amazing pets for the right owner. They are smart, affectionate, and can even learn to talk! However, they require time, patience, and daily care—they’re not a “low-maintenance” pet like some people think.
If you’re willing to put in the effort, a budgie can be a wonderful companion and entertainer. But if you can’t handle the mess, noise, or responsibility, you might want to consider a different pet.
Would you still get a budgie after reading this? Let me know your thoughts!
