thinking about getting a budgie, questions...

[moonstream]

I did some research on budgies, since I have always wanted one and I finally have enough time for one, and I have been thinking that it would be very nice to get one.  I do have a few question first though.  How long should I expect to spend with one once it gets acclimated to its new surroundings?  I was thinking maybe 30-60 min at the very least a day.  It will most likely be either in my room ( a fairly low traffic area) which it would share with a pair of rats (who have free range of my bed/ their cage for most of the day) a bearded dragon (who comes upstairs with me every few days for an hour or so) and a trio of gerbils (who for the most part stay in their cages); or it would live upstairs with a dog, cat and 2 aquariums.  My room is the more likely of the two options.

I have a 24"L by 13"W by about 18" high cage, and I would be getting a bunch of perches and toys for it.  I am planning to also try teaching it tricks as well during free range time, which would give it some more mental stimulation.

for food, I am not completly sure on what to feed, I have not seen a set in stone diet that would be good; what is the best idea for diet?

I am planning to keep its' wings clipped, because I would rather not have a bird constantly flying around my room.

is there any other consideratinons that I need to make?  or anything else that is importent that I need to know?

[sawyer_gota_gun]

i suggest you go here http://talkbudgies.com/forum.php
I'm a member there.. name's Will

[MiniMuffin]

I suggest joining tailfeathersnetwork.com it's pretty helpful.

Budgies really need cages 18 inches or more in every direction, they're very active! 13 inches is just a bit too small.

Be careful that the rats never can get near the bird, as they will kill it.

I'm going to assume you know about not having non-stick cookware/anything in the house, not using scented candles or perfume around them and not using harsh chemicals. If not, I'm happy to answer any questions you have about that.

Apple Cider Vinegar and water cleans well.

Birds really should be out for 2+ hours a day. Get a few gyms to place around your house, so the bird doesn't have to be on you all the time but can still be out of the cage. If you don't want to get a new cage, the bird will need even more time out then 2 hours.

Budgies need a good seed mix (I like Avian Naturals, or Volkmans) as well as a good pellet (Harrison's, Zupreem Natural, Foundation Formula, Totally Organic Pellets). They also need fresh foods (Organic is best) as often as possible, although it can be tricky to get them to eat new foods. Petstore seed is totally crap, and as far as I know they all have ethoxyquin in them , which is a bad preservative and something to avoid.