English Budgie vs American Budgie (Parakeet)
June 1, 2024
These species are similar when compared, with the English budgie being a bit calmer. In general, both species are considered quiet. In the sense of noise, the difference is little between them, where the American budgie being a little louder. The most significant difference is present in their sizes.
The big boy at the right in the picture is the English budgie. One of the most significant differences from the American budgie is the size. They can get around 2-3 times bigger than the American budgie. Another big difference is the more extended head. The England budgie has a more predominant amount of feathers located in the neck and more abundant and fluffier feathers.
Origin: Australia
Lifespan: 10 - 15 years
Average size: 7 - 7.5 inches
Average Weight: 25 grams
Origin: England
Lifespan: 5 - 7 years
Average size: 8 - 10 inches
Average Weight: 50 - 60 grams
Budgies are from Australia, where they are found only in green and yellow. There are a few black dots located on the underside of the beak, and predominant black stripes in the back of the head, the back, and both wings. All the other colors are mutations. There are at least 32 primary mutations, which can also allow hundreds of possible secondary color varieties. Here you can see many images of the American and England Budgie color mutations.
From Australia to the world, the wild budgie turned into one of the most popular pet birds in the world. After that, many other colors appear due to the color mutations. Also, in England, through the inbreeding process was created the England Budgie, resulting in a few different visual characteristics and some health problems. So the England Budgie is not found in the wild.
Inbreeding is breeding birds that are close relatives of one another.
Budgies are also known as "parakeets," but the original name is "budgerigar." Budgerigar is a name that came from the aboriginal people of Australia. In English, the shortened version of "budgerigar" is "budgie," and it is more accurate because "parakeet" refers to a large group of small to medium-sized parrots.
Another big difference is the health when comparing the England budgie to the American there is a significant disadvantage. While his Australian cousin has a lifespan of 10 - 15 years, the England budgie has only 5 - 7 years. Now the reason for that is simple. This lifespan variation is because to mature this kind of budgie to the point where it is today was required a lot of inbreeding. This process can result in congenital problems, which means it can cause birth deficiencies, resulting in a much short lifespan for the bird.
One health problem due to inbreeding is heart issues, which causes breathing problems. If you pay attention to an English budgie heartbeat, you will notice that it is very irregular. Where sometimes, it can be fast, regular, or slow without presenting a consistent healthy heartbeat. It can also make it harder for the bird to fly because flying requires more from the heart. So the bird will have problems flying for more than a short period.
When it comes to health, as you already noticed, the American budgie often does not have health problems, giving him some advantages on his English friend. If you intend to own an English budgie, you better be prepared to spend some money on the vet. You can take all the care possible, but with some frequency, you will end up in the vet, which is not the consequence of a bad pet owner, but a result of a lot of inbreeding to get to the bird we know today.
Budgies are known for being calm birds. Also, the wild budgie is a flock bird which means that they are good family birds, where social activities are a big part of the budgie care. Budgies are curious and active, so find ways that allow the bird to spend the energy accumulated is very important more about that later.
When it comes to behavior, the American budgie is a bit more active than the English budgie. It occurs because the English budgie actually never had any contact with the wild. A lot of inbreeding results in some loss of the Australian budgie characteristics. The American Budgie available for sale in the pet shop also never had contact with the wild, but the bird shares the same genes as the Australian budgie.
Because budgies live in flocks in the wild is essential for this bird as a pet that the family becomes his flock. When their human family is constantly at home and interacting with the bird, he will naturally make the family its flock. If the bird spends most of the time alone, get another bird to make a companion will be a good idea. Attention, when they are not in a flock, it can make the bird depressed.
They are known as "parakeets," but the original name is "budgerigar." In English, common to see a shortened version of "budgerigar," which is "budgie," and is more accurate because "parakeet" refers to a large group of small to medium-sized parrots.
While choosing the right bird is relevant to consider how much noise it makes. Fortunately, both species are considered quiet in this sense. I think that American budgies are silent. The experience I had owning one is that the noise this bird makes is very moderate. But the English friend has a low tone voice, allowing him to be a bit more silent.
Both species are active and must spend the energy they have accumulated, and even more when you choose to trim your bird's wings. By the way, in this article, you can see if you should or not clip your bird's wings.
These birds need to be always provided with a supply of toys to keep them mentally stimulated. Toys with bells, beads, and rings are their favorite. Swings and chew, play gym or T-stand are also a good idea. Here you can check these products and much more to accommodate your future friend.
The day cage is possibly the most significant investment you can make. It should be a large, stimulating environment, provide lots of light and air. Ideally, the space within the day cage should allow some exercise (Check it Here).
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