How to Choose a Young, Healthy Budgie at the Pet Store

Bringing home a budgie is exciting. These little parrots are not only colorful and cheerful, but also affectionate, social, and easy to care for—if you choose the right one. But when you walk into a pet store and see a dozen chirping birds, how do you know which one to pick?

Selecting a young, healthy budgie is the first step toward a happy experience as a bird owner. Here's how to tell if a budgie is in good health and still in its youthful stage—and what red flags to watch for.

Why Choosing the Right Budgie Matters

A healthy bird is more likely to bond, learn to talk, and live a longer, stress-free life. On the flip side, bringing home a sick or stressed bird can lead to vet bills, behavioral problems, and a heartbreaking experience—especially for new owners.

That’s why it’s worth taking your time at the pet store to observe and make a thoughtful decision.

Step 1: Learn How to Spot a Young Budgie

Look at the Forehead

Young budgies (under 3–4 months old) typically have bars or stripes on their foreheads that go all the way down to the cere (the fleshy area above the beak). As they mature, these bars fade or disappear, revealing a clear forehead.

If you see a budgie with a striped forehead, it’s likely still a baby.

Check the Eyes

Baby budgies usually have solid black eyes. As they age, a white or light-colored iris begins to form. So, dark, wide eyes without a visible iris are another indicator of a young bird.

Feather Condition

Young budgies often have slightly fluffier, looser feathers and may look a little more “puffy” than older birds. Their feathers will be bright and clean if they’re healthy.

Step 2: Examine Overall Health

Feathers

A healthy budgie will have smooth, well-groomed feathers. Look for any signs of bald patches, frayed edges, or dullness. These could indicate stress, parasites, or underlying health issues.

Beak and Nostrils

The beak should be smooth and symmetrical, not overgrown or flaky. Nostrils should be clear and dry—no crusting, discharge, or swelling.

Vent Area (Under the Tail)

This area should be clean and dry. If it’s messy or stained, it could be a sign of diarrhea or infection.

Breathing

Watch and listen. A healthy budgie breathes quietly and steadily. If it’s wheezing, clicking, or breathing with its mouth open while resting, that’s a sign something’s wrong.

Step 3: Observe Behavior

Activity Level

Healthy budgies are alert, curious, and active. Even in a cage full of birds, you’ll notice some are more lively—climbing, chirping, fluttering. These are good signs.

Avoid birds that are sitting quietly in the corner, puffed up for long periods, or closing their eyes frequently. These behaviors often indicate illness or weakness.

Social Interaction

Look for a budgie that interacts well with others but isn’t being bullied or overly aggressive. A confident but not dominant bird is usually a good choice.

Balance and Perching

Watch how the bird moves. It should be able to hop between perches and balance without difficulty. Limping, dragging a wing, or frequent falling are all red flags.

Step 4: Check the Environment

Cleanliness of the Cage

A good pet store keeps its bird cages clean and dry, with fresh food and water. Dirty cages increase the risk of illness and suggest poor care practices.

If the enclosure smells bad, is overly crowded, or you see signs of neglect (like spoiled food or dirty water), consider buying from a different store.

Quality of Food

Check what the birds are eating. A reputable store will offer a varied diet, including pellets, seeds, and fresh foods—not just a bowl of dry seed mix.

Step 5: Talk to the Staff

Don’t be afraid to ask questions:

• How old is the budgie?

• Where did it come from?

• Has it been hand-tamed or handled regularly?

• What does it eat?

• Has it shown any signs of illness?

Knowledgeable staff who handle their birds regularly are more likely to sell well-adjusted, socialized budgies.

Bonus Tips for Success

Consider Buying in the Morning

Birds tend to be more active and alert earlier in the day. Visiting the store in the morning can help you better observe their behavior and health.

Choose One With Personality

Once you've found a few birds that seem young and healthy, pick the one that catches your eye—maybe it’s the one that comes to the front of the cage or chirps when you walk by. That spark of personality matters.

Quarantine If You Have Other Birds

If you already have birds at home, quarantine the new budgie for at least 2–4 weeks in a separate cage and room. This prevents the spread of any potential illness to your current flock.

Choosing a young, healthy budgie isn’t just about picking the one with the prettiest feathers. It’s about observing signs of youth, checking for physical and behavioral health, and making sure the environment and store practices are solid.

Take your time. Watch closely. Ask questions.

If you do it right, you’ll go home with a lively, affectionate, and curious companion—ready to learn, sing, and brighten your life for years to come.

Did you find this post useful or inspiring? Save THIS PIN to your PETS Board on Pinterest!