Expert: Riley - 3/8/2007

Question
Hello, It has been about 8 years since I've had budgies when I had them before I was breeding them and had some experaince handfeeding some babies which was a wonderufl experiance. I am currently getting itno lovebirds very lightly with only three or four birds I currently have two. I was thinking of getting back into budgies sometime this year with only a single pair, the only difference now is that the only palce I have to put cages are in my bedroom which is why I am limiting numbers as to not over crowd my room and not to have too much dust in my room. I was wondering what size of a cage I should have for two budgies? I have my two lovebirds in a "parrakeet cage" it is 2 feet long about 11 inches deep and about 20 inches high with three roofs so the top isnt quite flat...would another cage like this be ok for a pair?
In your option do you think a single pair would breed? I have bred before but I've always had other budgies in the area(different cages)

I expect the babies would be 2/3 months old I'd be getting I was wondering what color a young males cere would be and a young females...of normal green/yellow/blue/green colors?

Thank you for your time,

Answer
Hello Tara, thanks for posting!

The cage you described seemed way too small. The cage I have for two of my budgies is 14 by 14 by about 20 inches. By the way, unless you want a live alarm clock, I wouldn't recommend putting your budgies in your room, but it's your choice. Yes I do believe a single pair would breed, but it may not happen in the first year. And of course you would have to meet the requirements (but you can ask me about that later on if you want).
To determine the sex of your budgie it's actually very simple. At the top of the beak there will be a flap of skin, where the nostrils are located. If that flap is darker (like a dark blue or green) it is a male. If it is a lighter color (like light blue, green of white) it is a female. However it has been known for people to think that a budgie is one sex for many many years, but then discovers it is actually the opposite sex. If there is anything else I can help you with, please don't hesitate to ask!

Riley