Many pet owners enjoy the company of dogs or cats, but budgerigars are also a well loved pet that can bring great enjoyment to their owner. For such a small bird they are relatively long lived, around 12 years for a healthy bird. Budgies are also quite social and quite affectionate, making them quite easy to tame.

As long as the budgie has a big enough cage to fly in, seed and water dispensers and at least two perches, they should be quite happy.

At first, get the budgie used to close contact with you by putting your hand into it’s cage, stroking it’s head and rubbing it gently under the cheek. As it becomes comfortable with this, try putting your finger against it’s chest to encourage the bird to step onto it. Once it’s happy to do this, you can let the budgie have free reign to fly around the room, knowing that, when required, the budgie will sit on your finger to be brought back to it’s cage.

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Remember, pet portraits are for life, not just for Christmas!