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My children decided that they wanted budgies. My big concern was so far the ones we had looked at were adults and couldnot be handled at all. We found a breeder who just happened to have baby budgies that were just weaned. These two are so small...but so handleable. Just lovey little babies. What surprises me the most is they are so quiet. Will they chatter at all as they get used to us? We have two cockatiels and they talk and chatter all the time. What is a good diet to get these guys on? I totally forgot to ask the breeder... or is there any good websites out there that can give me a good list of things they can have. My tiels eat veggies, brown rice , cheerios and a small amount of seed. Can budgies eat any of the same things? Thank you for any advice in advance

Avian vet Margaret Wissman says this: "Budgies and cockatiels consume a primarily seed diet in the wild, and they do seem to thrive on a seed-based diet. However, pellets, sprouted seeds, fresh fruits, vegetables, pasta, whole wheat bread and healthy table foods are sound additions to the budgie and cockatiel diet. Birds that eat just seeds should have access to a cuttlebone or mineral block, and should receive supplemental vitamins (but NOT in the drinking water). I recommend Nekton STM as a general vitamin supplement. It should be sprinkled on moist food. Some budgies and cockatiels are extremely resistant to dietary changes."

The full section about budgies on her great site is worth bookmarking for rereading many times as you get to know your two babies: http://www.exoticpetvet.net/avian/budgietiel.html That last sentence about resistance to changes in diet is good reason to begin feeding them healthy food right now, while they're so young that your nutritious food will be what they both consider completely normal for life.

Enjoy!

My big concern was so far the ones we had looked at were adults and couldnot be handled at all.
Adults can be tamed as well, although it may take more time than a younger budgie...

What surprises me the most is they are so quiet. Will they chatter at all as they get used to us?
Perhaps you have two females? If one or two are males, then they'll sing and chatter more as they get older... however, if they are the opposite sex and related, do not encourage breeding!

What is a good diet to get these guys on?
They can be fed the same thing as tiels! I'd recommend a good seed blend, perhaps a good pellet (natural or organic), sprouts, cooked eggs, whole grain breads, wheat pasta, etc... however, as far as fresh foods, I'd recommend trying to feed approximately 15% pulses (legumes), 30% grains, 45% veggies, and 10% fruits... try and be sure to provide a variety in each category! My budgies are my best eaters, and all were at least a year old or older before they even tried fresh foods! Two of them probably ate seeds for 3-4 years before they were ever given fresh foods, yet they eat better than the rest of the birds! (but then again, they'll eat anything! )

Thank you for the great information. They are not related but I am not breeding them they are just pets. How will I be able to tell what sex they are as they get older?

This evening I did notice a little bit of chatter. Both babies were on my shoulder one did a fly, or should I say a soft landing to the floor, since their wings are clipped. The one on my shoulder just started chattering like he or she was looking for the other one. the other baby then answered back. I noticed a bit more chattering from both of them this evening.

Their personalities are so different too. The one is really playful and the other is on the quiet side and loves being on a shoulder.
Both now know step up.

I am going to try and introduce some of the foods mentioned and see what happens.

I found the book "The Idiot's guide to bird training & care" to be one of the best all around books of caring for budgies and training them.
How old are the baby budgies? Twillinger as a youngster made this "tWWWiiiillll" sound.
If you spend a lot of one on one with the budgie at a set time comsistently you can train a budgie.

Hi,
To be quite honest I did not ask exact age, I was told they were just weaned and eating well on their own. Iknow better I should have asked.

Hard to celebrate birddays without that info! Better call tomorrow