From Chirps to Snuggles: My Wild and Wonderful Life with Budgies!

When I think about the joy and chaos of my life as a bird parent, it’s hard not to smile.  Growing up, we had two budgies, Sweety and Sandy. I was only a year old, but I remember how they filled our home with their happy chirps. They weren’t just pets—they were part of the family. They’d flit around me as I played, curious and full of life. Even then, I realized that birds, especially budgies, are not just meant to be locked in cages and admired from afar. They’re brimming with personality, intelligence, and charm. Sadly, when we relocated, we had to give them to a family friend. It broke my heart, but I promised myself I’d have birds again one day.

Fast forward to 2020, a time when the world was grappling with uncertainty and so many of us sought comfort in the simple joys of life. We desperately needed a source of comfort—something to care for and love. A dog or cat wasn’t an option because of my sister’s allergies, so we decided on budgies. That’s when Finn, Ava, Skye, and Snow, my beloved budgerigars, came into my life. Little did we know what an incredible decision that would be. I never expected such tiny creatures to leave such a big imprint on my heart.

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That’s how Finn, Ava, Skye, and Snow joined our family. Each one had a distinct personality. Snow was the star of the show, with her striking white feathers adorned with blue, cloud-like patches. She was unusually attached to humans and would follow me with her eyes, pacing edge to edge in her cage to get my attention. The moment I let her out, she’d fly straight to my arm, climb to my shoulder, and play with my earrings or necklace. Snow was a little miracle, and losing her in early 2023 was one of the hardest things I’ve experienced as a bird parent.

Finn is the acrobat of the group. He loves playing with toys, especially climbing ladders and dropping baby corn cobs from the top, only to fly down, pick them up, and repeat the process like a little daredevil. Ava is endlessly curious and chatty, while Skye is the quiet observer who loves his moments of mischief.

Budgies: Small Birds, Big Personalities

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Most people in India see budgies as ornamental pets—something to keep in a cage and feed occasionally. But that couldn’t be further from the truth. These birds are packed with personality. If you’ve ever owned a cat, you’ll find budgies surprisingly similar in their sass and independence. They have quirks, preferences, and moods. For example, my birds adore coriander. They’ve memorized the sound of the fridge door opening, and the moment they hear it, they start chirping excitedly. It’s like they’re saying, “Don’t forget about us!” And every time we sit down to eat, they’ll hop over to inspect our plates, their tiny heads tilting with curiosity.

What many people don’t realize is that birds, especially budgies, are inherently anxious. They’ve been treated poorly in the past—kept in cramped cages, mishandled, or overlooked—which makes earning their trust a delicate process. When we first brought them home, they were skittish, flapping around nervously at the slightest movement. I spent hours just sitting near their cage, speaking softly, letting them observe me without feeling threatened.

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Over time, they began to trust me. I taught them small tricks, like flying to my finger when I held it up or giving me a “shake hand.” While I didn’t manage to teach them to talk, their understanding of our interactions grew. And the bond we built? It was priceless. One of the greatest joys of having budgies is simply watching them be themselves. They have this incredible energy that’s impossible to ignore. They love their baths, splashing around in water and stretching their tiny wings and legs in what looks like yoga poses. It’s hilarious and adorable all at once.'

At night, they instinctively seek the highest perch to sleep, huddling together for safety. There’s something so heartwarming about seeing them all snuggled up, their tiny heads tucked into their feathers. Despite their initial anxiety, they’ve become the most chirpy, happy little flock, filling our home with their constant singing and playful antics.

Funny Moments and Being a Bird Parent

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One of my fondest memories is taking Ava to the vet for a routine check-up. She’s so small that when the vet handed me her report, it listed her weight as “0 kgs.” It was such a tiny, almost insignificant detail, but it made me smile—it was a reminder of how delicate and precious these little creatures are.

Becoming a bird parent isn’t just about keeping a pet; it’s about creating a bond with a living being that relies on you for everything. It’s about understanding their needs, respecting their space, and showering them with love. Budgies aren’t decoration—they’re companions with unique personalities, quirks, and, yes, even emotions.

Image Source: Unsplash/Bianca Ackermann

For anyone considering adding a bird to their family, my advice is simple: Be prepared to put in the time and effort to earn their trust. Give them the freedom to explore your home safely. Let them fly, play, and interact with you. And most importantly, treat them as part of your family, not just as something to look at.

In return, you’ll gain a loyal, chirpy little companion who will brighten your days in ways you never imagined. Finn, Ava, Skye, and Snow may be small, but they’ve brought boundless joy into my life.