Hello my name is Kiwi (it was Chicken)
Melopsittacus undulatus
I am a young yellow American budgie! I was accepted into FOTA's foster program along with Peaches the Lovebird when they found out we had been abandoned by our owner. Thankfully the landlord of the home she left took over our care temporarily and found someone to help us long term. I was very scared at first but am getting used to my foster mom and enjoy the treats she brings me!
Likes
Being talked to and getting snacks!
Dislikes
New things are scary, but my confidence is growing
Fav Foods
Millet of course!
What I Can Say
Nothing that I've shared so far but budgies can learn lots of words!
Friends
While we don't share a cage or come out at the same time, I am used to living next to a Lovebird.
About Me and Other Budgies
Did you know there are two types of budgies commonly kept as companions? I am an Australian Budgie, more commonly known as American Budgies, and tend to be smaller and shorter than our English counterparts. Both species range in a variety of colours, but one visual difference is English Budgies tend to have larger, fluffier heads. Check out Roger's page to see the difference.
My wild relatives in Australia are commonly found in open habitats like deserts, savannahs, scrublands, woodlands, and grasslands. If not in captivity budgies live an average of 3-4 years, but in captivity a properly cared for budgie can live 5-15 years. The oldest recorded budgie named Charlie in the UK lived to be 29 years old!
In the 1800s John Gould an artist and ornithologist described budgies as, "The most animated, cheerful little creatures you can possibly imagine" and we think he captured our personalities perfectly!
While some people don't hand tame or train their budgies that does not mean it can't be done. Lots of budgies can be taught tricks and will come when called. It is important to remember that even though budgies are one of the smallest companion birds, they still benefit from as much time, attention, and enrichment as a cockatoo, amazon, or macaw!
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There is not a recorded population size of wild budgies but they are on the rise! Their IUCN status is Least Concern.​​
What I'm up to Now
I have been Adopted!
Peaches and I were adopted together which is so great! I am definitely more confident seeing Peaches try new things. I'm loving my new family who supply me with millet and lots to keep me busy.
Now I just need to practice going back in my cage on my own in a new place 😅
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