Budgerigar: incubation period, weaning age and breeding
Budgerigar eggs hatch after 17–19 days of incubation. Chicks fledge at 30–35 days and are weaned and independent at about 35–45 days. A typical clutch is 4–6 eggs.
Breeding numbers
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| Adult weight (g) | 30-40 (wild/American type); 45-65 (English/show type) |
| Length (cm) | 18-20 (American); 21-25 (English) |
| Clutch size | 4-6 |
| Incubation (days) | 17-19 |
| Fledging (days) | 30-35 |
| Weaning / independence (days) | 35-45 |
| Breeding age (maturity) | 10–12 months |
| Lifespan (years) | 5-10 (up to 15) |
| Breeding season | All year in captivity; in Egypt/Gulf best Oct-Apr, avoid the summer heat |
| Sexing | Visual: adult cere blue/purple in cocks, brown/beige in hens; ino, recessive pied, DEC and fallow cocks keep a pinkish-purple cere. Reliable from ~4 months. |
Origin: Australia — Scientific name: Melopsittacus undulatus
Size: Pet type 18 cm and 30-40 g; the English show type is larger at 50-65 g
Breeding and care tips
Best breeding is autumn to spring; limit hens to 2-3 rounds a year. English (show) type is less fertile and needs higher-protein food; American type is more prolific. Never pair crested to crested (double crest is weak).
Mutations and colours
Mutations Zajel calculates: Blue, Yellowface type I, Yellowface type II (spills into body), Goldenface, Dark factor, Violet, Grey, Anthracite, Slate, Opaline, Cinnamon, Ino (lutino/albino), Texas clearbody, Greywing, Clearwing, Dilute, Recessive pied (Danish), Dominant pied (Australian), Clearflight pied (Dutch/Belgian), Spangle, English (dun) fallow, German (bronze) fallow. Named only (not confirmed or polygenic — not used in the calculation): Dominant clearbody (Easley), Scottish fallow, Saddleback, Blackface, Faded, Mottled, Crested (crest factor).
Zajel's genetics lab predicts chick colours from both parents for established mutations only; disputed ones are shown with a note and left out of the calculation.
Need the exact date? Use the egg hatch calculator and the weaning age chart.
Related species
- Canary
- Zebra finch
- Red-headed finch
- Gouldian finch
- Bengalese society finch
- Java sparrow
- Owl finch
- Star finch
Frequently asked questions
How long do Budgerigar eggs take to hatch?
Budgerigar eggs hatch after 17-19 days of incubation.
How many eggs does a Budgerigar lay?
Usually 4-6 eggs per clutch.
When do Budgerigar chicks leave the nest?
Chicks fledge at about 30-35 days old.
When are Budgerigar chicks weaned?
They are weaned and independent at about 35-45 days.
At what age can a Budgerigar breed?
A Budgerigar reaches breeding age at about 10–12 months; pairing earlier is not advised.
What is the Budgerigar breeding season?
All year in captivity; in Egypt/Gulf best Oct-Apr, avoid the summer heat
How do you tell a male Budgerigar from a female?
Visual: adult cere blue/purple in cocks, brown/beige in hens; ino, recessive pied, DEC and fallow cocks keep a pinkish-purple cere. Reliable from ~4 months.
How long does a Budgerigar live?
About 5-10 (up to 15) years with good care.