Expert: Chrys Meatyard - 12/16/2007

Question
Hi, my name is David and i have a male bugdie and a female bugdie, and i want them to have babies, but i think they need to make a nest first to have babies. so do i give them material to build a nest or do i buy a nest from the store, and if i give them mateiral, then can you list what material i should give them so they can make a nest?

Answer
Hi, David,

I'll answer your questions, but I highly recommend you spend much time learning about budgies BEFORE you allow them to breed and have babies.  You have a whole lot to learn!

You do not give budgies nesting material so they can build their own nest.  This only occurs with birds who live outdoors.  Birds being bred indoors need a nesting box.  You can buy a parakeet-sized nesting box at a pet store.  Do not put anything in the bottom of the nesting box...budgies don't like substrate in their nesting box.

Your budgies must be pair-bonded before they will even think about breeding.  Pair-bonded is when the male feeds the female beak-to-beak.  Do not put up a nesting box until you see this behavior in your birds.  Also, your birds should be 1 year old before you allow them to breed.

Visit my website for more info:  www.angelfire.com/falcon/birdinfo/index.html.
www.birdchannel.com is also a good website.

Chrys