Budgerigars
Budgerigars and other birds in households
The Gut Aiderbichl bird sanctuary is growing by leaps and bounds. Budgerigars and other bird species are being handed in again and again. Just a few weeks ago, fifty zebra finches were confiscated and moved in. The birds are handed in due to allergic diseases of the pet owners, due to a change of residence, because a bird has died and no second one wants to be acquired and much more. And so the chirping and singing im Aiderbichler birdhouse ever stronger.
Barking social animals
The budgerigar is one of the most popular pets in our households. The reason for this may well be the beautiful colours of the budgerigar. The name budgerigar comes from the wavy pattern of the colourful birds’ plumage.
The natural habitat of budgerigars is Australia, where they live together in huge flocks and from where they are exported as pets all over the world. There are now also budgerigar breeding centres around the world and the birds no longer have to travel long distances from Australia to Europe.
The little parakeets are gifted with language
Parakeets not only warble beautifully, but are also gifted at speaking. It is possible to teach them words by constantly reciting and practising. Some of them also warble to Mozart – depending on the song.
Budgerigars are naturally curious and social animals that like to communicate. Simple words such as “hello” or “good morning” are easy to say and the bird can repeat them quickly. But it’s like school – not everyone is gifted and learns quickly.
Budgerigars are acrobats and photographers
Naturally, the budgerigar can turn its head completely backwards. This flexibility helps them to get to safety in good time when their natural predators, such as birds of prey or snakes, are lurking.
The budgerigar has three eyelids, one of which is located above and one to the side of the eye. Fascinatingly, the budgerigar is able to see around 150 images per second.
The decision to keep budgerigars has been made – what to consider
Budgerigars are social birds and must be kept in pairs. A cage must offer at least 150x100x60 centimetres of space for one bird.
Wavy-winged parakeets also want to fly freely several times a day in a secure room so that they can fulfil their urge to move around. In any case, they need something to do so that they don’t get bored.
The right food for these little friends consists of grains and seeds, green food, vegetables and fruit. And then there’s the fact that budgies can live up to 17 years.
323 budgies found a safe forever home a few years ago
A few years ago, Gut Aiderbichl was supposed to collect 80 budgerigars from an old flat and take them in. The reality was different. There were 323 budgies living in the flat in a very small space. It stank of droppings, it smelled of despair and hopelessness for all the colourful little friends.
The parakeets became Aiderbichlers and we think they are doing well in the large bird house at Gut Aiderbichl in Henndorf. A few weeks ago, they were able to make friends with around 50 zebra finches.
A request to visitors
When you enter the bird house, please watch out for the birds that take their food from the meadow and the stone slabs.
The Aiderbichler bird house is a wonderful place where you can find peace and quiet yourself: please keep your eyes open and spend a stress-free time with your warbling and chirping friends.
And so I dare to wish for a world in which people live in harmony with each other, with nature and with all the wonderful animals with whom we share the planet.
– Jane Goddall
By: Gisela Pschenitschnig, Gut Aiderbichl
