9 prominent signs of a pregnant budgie

Budgies, also known as parakeets, are oviparous birds, meaning they lay eggs rather than giving birth to live young. However, there are some signs that can indicate a pregnant budgie. In this article, we will discuss nine prominent signs of a pregnant budgie.

Cere Color: The cere, which is the area above the beak, changes color when a budgie is ready to breed. In females, it changes from blue to an off-white color, and when she is in peak breeding mood, it turns crusted brown.

Mating: While budgies do not need a mate to lay eggs, fertilized eggs hatch into birds. Female budgies mate with males to lay fertile eggs. After mating, the female lays eggs, usually one per day until she lays 4-7 eggs.

Curiosity on Breeding Field: Female budgies become interested in a breeding field if it is provided within their cage. They inspect the field and start spending more time in it as they prepare to lay eggs. If a breeding field is not provided, they start looking for a suitable place to lay eggs.

Larger Poop: The egg occupies a significant amount of the budgie's abdomen, so droppings are collected in the cloaca for a longer time, resulting in less frequent but larger droppings.

Sitting on the Bottom of the Cage: When a female budgie is about to lay eggs, she starts to scratch and tear up the paper base on the bottom of the cage. She may also sit on the bottom of the cage for longer durations of time instead of sitting on the perches.

Weight Gain: Gravid budgies may look slightly fat for a day or two, but it's hard to notice. However, measuring the budgie's weight can reveal a difference of a few grams.

Eating More Food: Pregnant budgies eat more frequently than usual and scratch cuttlebone and mineral blocks more often.

Swelling Vent: When a female budgie is ready to lay eggs, her lower abdomen may swell.

Nesting Behavior: Female budgies become very protective of their eggs, sitting on them and keeping them warm. They may also become territorial and aggressive towards their cage mates.

In conclusion, while technically, budgies cannot be pregnant, they can exhibit signs of gravidity. By keeping an eye out for these nine prominent signs, budgie owners can be better equipped to care for their pets during this time. It's important to provide them with a suitable nesting area, a nutritious diet, and seek medical attention if they show any signs of distress or illness.