These little jewels are thoroughly under-priced and therefore under-appreciated. I get upset whenever I see those tiny, boring cages that are usually sold with these lively creatures. If it were up to me, small cages would be outlawed -- but as it is, I have to trust in the good hearts of those people purchasing these birds, not to cramp them into small cages. Budgies are often given to kids as pets and neglected once the "novelty" wears off, thousands of them starve to death or die from dehydration caused by empty water dishes. I cringe when I hear that parents want to get a budgie as a pet for their children -- especially if the parents don't like birds themselves, and won't care to supervise their child's care of the budgie. I always tell them: If YOU don't like birds, DON'T get your child a bird, because generally speaking, eventually, the parents are going to end up taking care of it. I always advise: Instead, get the stuffed talking parrot that is available from Toys R Us. If your child wants a "live" animal, let him or her do volunteer work at a shelter for several months. If your child is responsible enough to stick to the routines, and "stands up to the challenge" for several months or even a year, then maybe you can reconsider. Budgies are quite entertaining, not as cuddly though as say a cockatoo or lovebird. But nonetheless, they make great "starter pets".
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