Animal Welfare Aspects in Exhibition Budgerigar Breeding

The breeding of budgerigars has a long tradition in many WBO member countries.

Since John Gould brought the first budgerigars to Europe in 1840, the appearance of the wild budgerigar has been continuously altered and developed through skilled breeding.

The standard ideal has repeatedly been revised and adapted, most recently at the WBO meeting in Blackpool, England, in June 2025.

However, in modern times, alongside the appearance of the ideal exhibition budgerigar, more attention must be paid to the welfare, biological needs, and behavioural freedom of the birds.

In the last ten years especially, our hobby has come under increasing criticism from animal welfare organisations in a few countries. These organisations are often calling for a total ban on the breeding of exhibition budgerigars, especially where signs of exaggerated traits or health issues occur.

All WBO member countries — including those where such challenges have not yet arisen — must stand together and speak with one voice. It is, therefore, crucial to establish universally applicable ethical and biological standards for the keeping and breeding of exhibition budgerigars.

The following criteria should be respected in all breeding environments:

1.    Budgerigars are social animals that live in large flocks in the wild. Therefore, they must be kept at least in pairs to meet their social needs.

2.    Adequate space to fly must be provided. Permanent confinement in small cages is not acceptable.

3.    Housing in breeding cages should be limited to the breeding period and short-term preparation for exhibitions. Daily free flight is essential outside these phases.

4.    Budgerigars must be bred in a way that ensures they remain physically capable of flying.

5.    Budgerigars must be able to see clearly. Breeding for long feathering that obstructs vision is unethical and can constitute a violation of animal welfare laws in many countries.

6.    Birds must be physically capable of exhibiting natural social behaviour, including mutual grooming and communication.

7.    In addition to a balanced diet and fresh water, natural environmental enrichment (e.g., natural perches, sunlight/UV lighting, varied cage design) is necessary.

8.    Permanent access to toys and materials to chew on (such as fresh branches) must be provided to support mental stimulation and beak health.

9.    It is the responsibility of every breeder to ensure that these ethical guidelines are observed and that the health and welfare of the animals always take precedence over aesthetic goals.

10. In the event of disease outbreaks or increased mortality, an avian veterinarian should be consulted. The routine administration of antibiotics and other prescription medications is to be avoided.

July 2025