Abstract
Introduction
The Shell Parakeet (Melopsittacus
undulatus), more popularly known as
the Budgerigar, or Budgie for short, is
one of the most popular, colorful, and
easy breeders of the entire parrot family.
This fascinating little Aussie bird of
some six to eight inches, has not only
endeared the hearts of millions, but
continues to provide valuable lessons
to aviculturists at all levels.
Not to be underestimated, many of
us who started out breeding Budgies
learned such valuable lessons as basic
breeding and husbandry techniques,
colony breeding vs. selective breeding
methods, species specific nutrition,
fostering and handfeeding techniques,
not to mention a wealth of knowledge
to be gained in the areas of linebreeding,
outcrossing, color breeding
and genetics. Indeed, a valuable education
may be gained by anyone
choosing to work with a number of
these delightful, dependable birds.
The first record of living Budgerigars
imported from their native Australia
into Great Britain, occurred in 1840,
by world famous naturalist and artist
John Gould. Mr. Gould's brother-inlaw,
Mr. Charles Coxen, was credited
with rearing the first Budgerigars in
captivity. 1 It was no wonder that the
Budgerigar grew swiftly in popularity
from Britain to Europe, and eventually
other countries around the globe, with
their relative ease and willingness to
breed, plus the many color mutations
which erupted to fascinate fanciers.
Eventually, the U.S. impotted Budgeri-
gars during the early 1900's and their
popularity continues to prevail even
today.
According to C.H. Rogers, there
exists two subspecies, M.u . intermedius
from the north , carrying a
paler neck and back color; and M.u .
pallidiceps, from the west, which is
primarily paler on the head. Rogers
further comments that all three races
are represented today and are probably
the mixed result of the tens of
thousands of wild Budgerigars
imported into England. This is apparent
by the depth of color and variable
shades (e.g. dark factors) which exist
in the many color varieties currently
seen all over the world.2
Today, the Budgerigar maintains its
popularity as an excellent aviary bird,
frequently providing the financial support
(or "seed money") to maintain
less reliable breeders in the aviary; it is
a superb family pet with its natural
curiosity, sociability, and propensity
to talk; and it offers perhaps the widest
selection of color mutations of any
member of the parrot family. Its following
in exhibition circles is as
strong as ever, with societies formed
all over the world, including specialties
in many varieties and colors. In
the U.S., many Budgie clubs can be
found at the state level, in addition to
the national group to which they
belong, the American Budgerigar
Society, Inc.
Selecting Stock
Beginning Budgie breeders should
decide before selecting their foundation
stock, which area(s) of the fancy
they wish to pursue. Fanciers refer to
the larger show birds as "English," or
exhibition size Budgies, versus the
smaller "American" or pet stock variety.
In the U.S., the term "English" has
stuck for show birds, perhaps because
it was England from which we had
imported the first specimens. In any
event, the size difference does exist
and fanciers do have a choice.
When choosing foundation stock,
top priority should go to the selection
of healthy birds. Individuals which
appear "puffy", with fluffed out
feathers, may be masking an illness
and eating less, while they expend
their remaining energy to keep warm.
Likewise, birds with soiled, stained, or
dirty feathers, discharge from
nares (i.e. nostrils), eyes, or beak,
straining or continuous pumping of
the tail (e.g. possibly indicating a
respiratory condition), dirty or stained
vents, or those huddled together in a
group, should be avoided. Select only
healthy, vigorous, active, sleek, and
fully feathered individuals. Remember,
these birds will be your foundation
stock, and there is no room for illness
if you wish to be successful in
breeding.
In general, Budgies have the advantage
of being sexually dimorphic
which will enable the fancier to tell
cocks and hens apart at a glance.
Usually, hens of most varieties will
retain a tannish colored cere (i.e. the
fleshy area above the beak surrounding
the nostrils) which will turn brown
when in full breeding condition.
Depending upon the color variety,
males sport a blue to purple colored
cere which may somewhat deepen in
intensity when in condition.