::: ALCON :::

BUDGERIGAR

The Budgerigar (Melopsittacus undulatus) was described for the first time in middle of 1700, in the Australian continent, where was known by the natives for betcherrygah that it means "good food". At present, figures in the list of the most popular birds of the world.

Led for the England by John Gould in 1840, this bird was spreaded for all Europe, becoming great sensation due to its behavior in captivity. Also called as Parakeet Undulated or Zebra Parakeet.

Its fame arrived at the United States in middle of century XIX. Unfortunately this fame almost took them to the extinguishing, due to predatory hunting.

From its original coloration, clear green with yellowish head, some selected mutations was originated. Today we can find more than 200 variations of colors from the green, yellow, blue, gray and the white, in three types of tones: clear, normal and the dark. The English had fixed a mutation that was known by English Standard, whose main differences are more voluminous head, where the beak is hidden, the body is size biggest and they presents more defined black spots on the throat. The medium size of the Budgies is of around 17 cm, while the English standard reaches the 20 to 22 cm of size. They can live around 12 years and if have been taught since early, they are capable to speak up to 200 words, as in some cases related. The learning, however, requires patience and perseverance.

Reproduction:
In the great majority of the Budgies, the differences between male and female are the coloration of the “ceres”, name given to the projection found above of the beak. In the males it is blue, during the reproductive period this coloration becomes more intense, while most females had brown ceres. The females lay up to 6 eggs for time, being that the incubation ranges 18 days. About 30 days after the chicks born, they are ready to eat alone. In the nature the Budgerigars do its nests in soft wooden trees, without put any grass or fiber inside. Some experienced creators advise to put some sawdust in the nest. After the chicks born, this material must be change.

Maintenance:
The minimum size of birdcage for a couple is 70 cm x 30cm x 40 cm (size x width x height), of preference in galvanized wire, because is more hygienically and more easy to be clean. It must contain a box type nest (11 cm x 11 cm x 11 cm) with a concave bottom and a door that facilitate to clean. A water and food bowl and another bowl to the Budgie take bath are needed to. The birdcage must be put in a place that does not catch wind currents, however this place can’t be dampness and should allows sun baths in the morning. The hygiene is very important for the prevention of illnesses and the welfare maintenance of these gracious birds.

Feed:
alcon Club Periquito (alcon Club Parakeets), alcon Club Farinhada com Ovo para Psitacídeos (alcon Club Egg Food for Psitacids), alcon Club Papa para Filhotes - Psitacídeos.