When Can Budgies Start Breeding?

1 When Budgies Can Breed

Wild budgies live about 7 years; captive ones 12, some over 20. They mature early at 4-5 months, but wait a few months past maturity – don’t breed too young. The peak is age 3-4, after which fertility drops, so refresh the breeding stock.

2 How Budgies Breed

Mature birds breed year-round, 4-10 white eggs per clutch, one per day or every other day, incubating after the third egg; incubation is about 18 days, with both parents raising chicks for ~30 days. The hen is very sensitive to disturbance while incubating – keep it quiet to avoid abandonment.

In winter, keep the environment above 20 C, humidity 45-50%, and ensure ventilation.

A hen in condition first inspects the nest box repeatedly, then mates (the male nibbles her beak and mounts). She lays about 7 days after mating, visiting the box often and sleeping outside it until laying. Eggs hatch in order after the third is laid.