Parrot Compass

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Parrot Compass

Budgerigar as a pet

Melopsittacus undulatus

Photo: Budgerigar as a pet
Photo: Sean Kelleher from Melbourne, Australia, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons · cropped · source

In short

This species may suit you if you can live with noise level ‘moderate’, have room for an enclosure in class ‘small’ and can care for the bird for up to about 20 years [S1, S21, S27, S35]. Biggest trade-off: small is not quiet [S1, S27]. The perfect parrot doesn’t exist: a species profile is no guarantee about your bird.

This information was compiled with AI from public sources and may contain errors. Always check legal rules with the competent authority. Not buying, veterinary or legal advice.

Does this species suit you? Take the guided route

Talking

Some learn words. [S1]

Noise

Constant contact chatter; sometimes quite loud. [S1] In Nicol & Pope (1993), budgerigars kept alone actually vocalised more. [S27]

Lifespan

Can reach 15–20 years; colour varieties often live shorter. [S1]

Space

Swiss law (for comparison; does not apply in Belgium): 0.24 m² floor for a pair of small birds [S21]; Flemish guideline for a small parakeet species per pair 100 × 80 × 50 cm (l × w × h) [S35].

Suitable for beginners?

LICG, section ‘Experience needed’: “No special experience is needed to keep this pet responsibly.” (translated from Dutch) [S1] (checked 20/9/2026)

Costs

From €240 per year per bird. Flemish Huisdierwijzer pet guide (parakeets S35 / lovebirds S36): about €20 per bird per month × 12. Price level unknown; not a full budget or quote.

Paperwork and rules in Belgium

Not listed in the CITES/EU annexes. No CITES document required [S39]. Still keep proof of purchase; according to Flanders, a seamless closed leg ring is a good indication of legal origin [S35]. Status as of 27 September 2026; check the current rules for your bird with the Belgian FPS Public Health [S39].

Adoption and availability

Offered on adopteereendier.be (aviary birds) [S71].

What you have to accept

  • Small is not quiet. Constant contact chatter; sometimes quite loud. [S1] In Nicol & Pope (1993), budgerigars kept alone actually vocalised more. [S27]
  • Talking is a possibility, not a promise: a species profile never predicts an individual bird [S1].

Compare with

Source basis

Species profile

Guideline sizes, costs and adoption listings come from Flemish sources; different rules may apply in Brussels and Wallonia. Foreign housing rules are not Belgian rules.

Sources

Sources checked as of:

Frequently asked questions

Which papers do you need for the Budgerigar in Belgium?

Not listed in the CITES/EU annexes. No CITES document required. Still keep proof of purchase; according to Flanders, a seamless closed leg ring is a good indication of legal origin. Status as of 27 September 2026; check the current rules for your bird with the Belgian FPS Public Health.

How long does the Budgerigar live?

Can reach 15–20 years; colour varieties often live shorter.

How loud is the Budgerigar?

Constant contact chatter; sometimes quite loud. In Nicol & Pope (1993), budgerigars kept alone actually vocalised more.

Can the Budgerigar learn to talk?

Some learn words.

How much space does the Budgerigar need?

Swiss law (for comparison; does not apply in Belgium): 0.24 m² floor for a pair of small birds; Flemish guideline for a small parakeet species per pair 100 × 80 × 50 cm (l × w × h).

Is the Budgerigar suitable for beginners?

LICG, section ‘Experience needed’: “No special experience is needed to keep this pet responsibly.” (translated from Dutch) (checked 20/9/2026)