Many budgies can learn to mimic words and phrases. They tend to have softer voices than larger parrots. Some budgies have been recorded with vocabularies of over a thousand words. Talking ability varies between individuals, but daily talking and interaction increases the chance of a budgie learning words.

For two budgies, the minimum recommended cage size is approximately 60cm wide by 40cm deep by 40cm tall, but bigger is always better. Cage width matters more than height because budgies fly horizontally. Just Budgies Prince, Princess, King, Queen, Palace and Mega Palace cages provide comfortable space and room for exercise and all are fully compliant (having a minimum perch length of 60cm).

Hand-tame budgies are well-suited to families with children because they are small, gentle, and already accustomed to being handled. Children should be supervised initially and taught how to hold a bird without squeezing. Budgies' wing feathers can be trimmed (free from Just Budgies) to reduce the risk of injury during handling lessons.

A budgie's diet should consist of a qualitylow-fat seed mix, fresh vegetables (celery, silverbeet, broccoli, capsicum, corn etc.), occasional fresh fruit like apple (although they are not big fruit eaters),millet sprays as treats, and constant access to clean water. Avoid avocado, onion, chocolate, caffeine and salty foods, all of which are toxic to budgies.

Budgies cost $50 to $60 from a pet shop (not hand-tame), $50 to $100 from a hand-tame breeder (if you can find one), and $80 to $150 plus for English budgies or rare colour varieties. Beyond the bird, expect to spend $120 to $300 on a cage and toy setup, and $10 - $15 a week on seed, veggies, supplements, toys and basic health care for two budgies.