BudgieMomTO

Congratulations on Sunny! The first week is mostly about letting her settle. Don't force interaction — let her come to you. Sit near the cage, talk softly, offer millet from your fingers. Patience is everything with cockatiels.

Fruit is fine but limit it to 10–15% of their diet since it's high in sugar. For budgies especially, pellets and veg should make up the bulk. Daily small pieces of mango should be totally fine!

Budgies are generally more forgiving for beginners. They're hardier, less nippy, and their bites don't hurt. Lovebirds are feisty little things — I love them but they have big personalities that can be intense.

Hello BST community! I found this forum through the Bird Sitting Toronto website and I'm so glad I did.

I have four budgies: Pickle, Mustard, Relish, and Ketchup (yes, condiment themed — don't judge me). They share a large flight cage in my Annex apartment and the noise is... a lot. But I wouldn't trade it.

I've had budgies my whole life but only recently converted them fully to pellets and fresh food. Happy to share what worked for me if anyone's going through the transition!

He came right to you — definitely hand-raised and tame. His owner must be frantic. Posting on neighbourhood Facebook groups and Nextdoor for Leslieville would help a lot.

I have a professional bird sitter coming to stay at my place while I'm away for a week with my two budgies. Any tips on making sure the apartment is safe and set up properly for the sitter's stay?