{ "schema": "whattobuyfor/v1", "type": "situation", "url": "https://whattobuyfor.co.uk/a-pet-bird/", "json": "https://whattobuyfor.co.uk/a-pet-bird.json", "publisher": "What to Buy For", "method": "https://whattobuyfor.co.uk/how-we-build-a-basket/", "pricesAsOf": "2026-09-27T09:49:01.430Z", "priceNote": "Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on amazon.co.uk at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.", "affiliateDisclosure": "Links to Amazon are affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.", "title": "What to buy for a pet budgie", "section": "pets", "answer": "Eight things for a pet budgie: six before the bird comes home, starting with the cage and lighting, and two for the first weeks. Budgies do better with company, so size everything for two. Vet care is not included.", "published": "2026-09-27", "updated": "2026-09-27", "noindex": false, "whyThisBasket": [ "The page covers budgies, first on the RSPCA's list of common pet birds, and built from its advice on housing, diet, enrichment and company.", "SPCA New Zealand's budgie guide fills two gaps, minerals and bathing, that current UK charity pages do not cover.", "Cage size depends on your bird's wingspan, not a fixed number, so measure before you buy.", "No vitamin drops or supplements: the RSPCA says good pellets contain the vitamins and nutrients a parrot needs." ], "basket": [ { "id": "before-home", "label": "Before they come home", "intro": null, "countsTowardTotal": true, "roles": [ { "role": "A wide flight cage sized to the wingspan", "url": "https://whattobuyfor.co.uk/a-pet-bird/#role-cage", "quantity": "1", "lasts": null, "consumable": false, "lastsDays": null, "pick": { "asin": "B09MDY1M7T", "name": "Yaheetech Bird Cage 77.5 x 46.5 x 46", "amazonTitle": "Yaheetech Bird Cage 77.5 x 46.5 x 46 cm with Slide-Out Tray White", "brand": "Yaheetech", "image": "https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41iDON2Rq7S._SL500_.jpg", "amazonUrl": "https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B09MDY1M7T", "data": "https://whattobuyfor.co.uk/products/B09MDY1M7T.json", "price": { "amount": 36.99, "currency": "GBP", "checkedAt": "2026-09-27T09:49:01.430Z", "note": "Checked on Amazon UK that morning; the price at checkout on amazon.co.uk applies." }, "availability": { "status": "IN_STOCK", "amazonMessage": null }, "subscribeAndSave": null, "signal": null, "amazon": { "source": "amazon.co.uk", "recordedAt": "2026-09-27T02:19:15.683Z", "rating": 4.3, "ratings": 374, "boughtLastMonth": null, "categoryRank": { "position": 7, "category": "Birdcages" } }, "buyersSay": { "method": "Our own summary of the reviews Amazon showed; each count is the number of reviews making the point.", "reviewsRead": 8, "readOn": "2026-09-27", "like": [ { "text": "Wide rectangular shape gives small birds room to spread their wings", "count": 6 }, { "text": "Simple to clean, with a tray that slides straight out", "count": 3 } ], "watchOutFor": [ { "text": "Bars and hooks do not always line up, so it can feel flimsy", "count": 2 } ] }, "ourName": "Yaheetech flight cage, 77.5cm", "ourTake": "The RSPCA's rule is that the cage's height, width and depth should each be at least twice your bird's wingspan if they spend most of their time inside, or one and a half times if they are mostly out. This flight cage is 77.5cm long, 46.5cm wide and 46cm high, with bars 1cm apart, the listing says. Measure before you buy." }, "budget": null, "upgrade": { "asin": "B0DM48ZKJR", "name": "Yaheetech Budgie Cage 77 x 46 x 175.5", "amazonTitle": "Yaheetech Budgie Cage 77 x 46 x 175.5 cm with Detachable Stand Black", "brand": "Yaheetech", "image": "https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51l6u5teTdL._SL500_.jpg", "amazonUrl": "https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0DM48ZKJR", "data": "https://whattobuyfor.co.uk/products/B0DM48ZKJR.json", "price": { "amount": 124.76, "currency": "GBP", "checkedAt": "2026-09-27T09:49:01.430Z", "note": "Checked on Amazon UK that morning; the price at checkout on amazon.co.uk applies." }, "availability": { "status": "IN_STOCK", "amazonMessage": null }, "subscribeAndSave": null, "signal": null, "amazon": { "source": "amazon.co.uk", "recordedAt": "2026-09-27T02:19:13.334Z", "rating": 4.5, "ratings": 92, "boughtLastMonth": null, "categoryRank": { "position": 10, "category": "Birdcages" } }, "buyersSay": null, "ourName": "Yaheetech budgie cage on stand, 175cm" }, "sources": [ { "name": "RSPCA: housing and environments for pet birds", "url": "https://www.rspca.org.uk/adviceandwelfare/pets/birds/environment", "checked": "2026-09-26" }, { "name": "the product's Amazon listing" } ] }, { "role": "Natural wood perches of different widths", "url": "https://whattobuyfor.co.uk/a-pet-bird/#role-perches", "quantity": "1 set", "lasts": null, "consumable": false, "lastsDays": null, "pick": { "asin": "B0DMR914FP", "name": "8PCS Natural Wood Bird Cage Perches", "amazonTitle": "8PCS Natural Wood Bird Cage Perches, Platform Perch Accessories For Parrots", "brand": "PERSENTU", "image": "https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51NRo5PbZSL._SL500_.jpg", "amazonUrl": "https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0DMR914FP", "data": "https://whattobuyfor.co.uk/products/B0DMR914FP.json", "price": { "amount": 12.99, "currency": "GBP", "checkedAt": "2026-09-27T09:49:01.430Z", "note": "Checked on Amazon UK that morning; the price at checkout on amazon.co.uk applies." }, "availability": { "status": "IN_STOCK", "amazonMessage": null }, "subscribeAndSave": null, "signal": null, "amazon": { "source": "amazon.co.uk", "recordedAt": "2026-09-27T02:28:29.114Z", "rating": 4.3, "ratings": 107, "boughtLastMonth": "200+", "categoryRank": { "position": 1, "category": "Birdcage Perches" } }, "buyersSay": { "method": "Our own summary of the reviews Amazon showed; each count is the number of reviews making the point.", "reviewsRead": 8, "readOn": "2026-09-27", "like": [ { "text": "The mix of shapes and sizes gives birds several spots to hop between", "count": 3 }, { "text": "Budgies and finches take to them, though some need a few days", "count": 4 }, { "text": "Stable and secure once screwed to the cage bars", "count": 2 } ], "watchOutFor": [ { "text": "Smaller than the photos suggest, so suited to small birds only", "count": 3 } ] }, "ourName": "PERSENTU natural wood perches (8)", "ourTake": "The RSPCA asks for natural wooden perches of different thicknesses, enough for every bird at once. This set adds four straight perches, two forks and two small platforms to the cage's dowels, each about 16cm, the listing says. It calls the texture rough, so rub down any sharp points: the RSPCA wants perches smooth to the touch. Never fix one above food or water." }, "budget": null, "upgrade": null, "sources": [ { "name": "RSPCA: housing and environments for pet birds", "url": "https://www.rspca.org.uk/adviceandwelfare/pets/birds/environment", "checked": "2026-09-26" }, { "name": "the product's Amazon listing" } ] }, { "role": "Pellet food as the main diet", "url": "https://whattobuyfor.co.uk/a-pet-bird/#role-pellets", "quantity": "1 bag", "lasts": null, "consumable": false, "lastsDays": null, "pick": { "asin": "B07M7JTXM5", "name": "Harrisons Bird Food Adult Lifetime 454g Canaries Finches", "amazonTitle": "Harrisons Bird Food Adult Lifetime 454g Canaries Finches Budgies", "brand": "Harrisons", "image": "https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41UtDesuDVL._SL500_.jpg", "amazonUrl": "https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B07M7JTXM5", "data": "https://whattobuyfor.co.uk/products/B07M7JTXM5.json", "price": { "amount": 19.95, "currency": "GBP", "checkedAt": "2026-09-27T09:49:01.430Z", "note": "Checked on Amazon UK that morning; the price at checkout on amazon.co.uk applies." }, "availability": { "status": "IN_STOCK", "amazonMessage": null }, "subscribeAndSave": null, "signal": null, "amazon": { "source": "amazon.co.uk", "recordedAt": "2026-09-27T02:19:18.418Z", "rating": 4.4, "ratings": 97, "boughtLastMonth": "50+", "categoryRank": { "position": 189, "category": "Bird Food" } }, "buyersSay": { "method": "Our own summary of the reviews Amazon showed; each count is the number of reviews making the point.", "reviewsRead": 8, "readOn": "2026-09-27", "like": [ { "text": "Many birds take to it, even a cockatiel that only ate seed", "count": 4 } ], "watchOutFor": [ { "text": "Some budgies refuse the pellets, especially ones used to seed", "count": 2 } ] }, "ourName": "Harrison's Adult Lifetime pellets, 454g", "ourTake": "Small parrots such as budgies should have free access to pellets, fresh vegetables and fruit, the RSPCA says, and SPCA New Zealand puts pellets first too. This Harrison's food is sold for canaries, finches and budgies, the listing says. If your bird has been eating seed, switch over gradually, as the RSPCA advises." }, "budget": { "asin": "B0DB1Q5D36", "name": "Zupreem Essentials Complete Bird Food for Small Birds-", "amazonTitle": "Zupreem Essentials Complete Bird Food for Small Birds- 1kg", "brand": "ZuPreem", "image": "https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41u2ahCHf4L._SL500_.jpg", "amazonUrl": "https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0DB1Q5D36", "data": "https://whattobuyfor.co.uk/products/B0DB1Q5D36.json", "price": { "amount": 16.97, "currency": "GBP", "checkedAt": "2026-09-27T09:49:01.430Z", "note": "Checked on Amazon UK that morning; the price at checkout on amazon.co.uk applies." }, "availability": { "status": "IN_STOCK", "amazonMessage": null }, "subscribeAndSave": { "amount": 16.12, "currency": "GBP" }, "signal": null, "amazon": { "source": "amazon.co.uk", "recordedAt": "2026-09-27T02:19:19.137Z", "rating": 4.1, "ratings": 95, "boughtLastMonth": "100+", "categoryRank": { "position": 118, "category": "Bird Food" } }, "buyersSay": null, "ourName": "ZuPreem Essentials small bird pellets, 1kg" }, "upgrade": null, "sources": [ { "name": "RSPCA: the right food for your bird", "url": "https://www.rspca.org.uk/adviceandwelfare/pets/birds/diet", "checked": "2026-09-26" }, { "name": "SPCA New Zealand: caring for budgies", "url": "https://www.spca.nz/advice-and-welfare/article/caring-for-budgies", "checked": "2026-09-26" }, { "name": "the product's Amazon listing" } ] }, { "role": "A little budgie seed each day", "url": "https://whattobuyfor.co.uk/a-pet-bird/#role-seed", "quantity": "1 bag", "lasts": null, "consumable": false, "lastsDays": null, "pick": { "asin": "B09HQQZGFL", "name": "Premium Budgie Food Mix 1kg", "amazonTitle": "Premium Budgie Food Mix 1kg", "brand": "Pet Ting", "image": "https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51mnGqU3p9L._SL500_.jpg", "amazonUrl": "https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B09HQQZGFL", "data": "https://whattobuyfor.co.uk/products/B09HQQZGFL.json", "price": { "amount": 3.99, "currency": "GBP", "checkedAt": "2026-09-27T09:49:01.430Z", "note": "Checked on Amazon UK that morning; the price at checkout on amazon.co.uk applies." }, "availability": { "status": "IN_STOCK", "amazonMessage": null }, "subscribeAndSave": { "amount": 3.99, "currency": "GBP" }, "signal": null, "amazon": { "source": "amazon.co.uk", "recordedAt": "2026-09-27T02:19:20.455Z", "rating": 4.6, "ratings": 1265, "boughtLastMonth": "1K+", "categoryRank": { "position": 6, "category": "Bird Food" } }, "buyersSay": { "method": "Our own summary of the reviews Amazon showed; each count is the number of reviews making the point.", "reviewsRead": 8, "readOn": "2026-09-27", "like": [ { "text": "Budgies eat it readily and keep coming back to it", "count": 6 }, { "text": "Clean seed with little dust or chaff in the bag", "count": 2 } ], "watchOutFor": [] }, "ourName": "Pet Ting budgie seed mix, 1kg", "ourTake": "Budgies do need some seed each day, the RSPCA says, but no more than a tenth of their diet, because seed-heavy diets can lead to obesity and liver problems. This budgie mix is canary seed, white and red millet and egg biscuit, the listing says. The RSPCA also suggests hiding some food in foraging toys." }, "budget": null, "upgrade": null, "sources": [ { "name": "RSPCA: the right food for your bird", "url": "https://www.rspca.org.uk/adviceandwelfare/pets/birds/diet", "checked": "2026-09-26" }, { "name": "RSPCA: enrichment for pet birds", "url": "https://www.rspca.org.uk/adviceandwelfare/pets/birds/enrichment", "checked": "2026-09-26" }, { "name": "the product's Amazon listing" } ] }, { "role": "A cuttlefish bone for minerals", "url": "https://whattobuyfor.co.uk/a-pet-bird/#role-cuttlefish", "quantity": "1", "lasts": null, "consumable": false, "lastsDays": null, "pick": { "asin": "B0FQVHX4X8", "name": "Hungry Pets Cuttlefish Bone 1 Pack for Birds", "amazonTitle": "Hungry Pets Cuttlefish Bone 1 Pack for Birds Reptiles Snails 9-15cm", "brand": "Hungry Pets", "image": "https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/31R0o3nfA4L._SL500_.jpg", "amazonUrl": "https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0FQVHX4X8", "data": "https://whattobuyfor.co.uk/products/B0FQVHX4X8.json", "price": { "amount": 2.99, "currency": "GBP", "checkedAt": "2026-09-27T09:49:01.430Z", "note": "Checked on Amazon UK that morning; the price at checkout on amazon.co.uk applies." }, "availability": { "status": "IN_STOCK", "amazonMessage": null }, "subscribeAndSave": { "amount": 2.99, "currency": "GBP" }, "signal": null, "amazon": { "source": "amazon.co.uk", "recordedAt": "2026-09-27T02:19:20.314Z", "rating": 3.9, "ratings": 217, "boughtLastMonth": "1K+", "categoryRank": { "position": 2, "category": "Bird Treats" } }, "buyersSay": { "method": "Our own summary of the reviews Amazon showed; each count is the number of reviews making the point.", "reviewsRead": 8, "readOn": "2026-09-27", "like": [], "watchOutFor": [ { "text": "Much smaller and thinner than expected, some under 12 cm", "count": 3 } ] }, "ourName": "Hungry Pets cuttlefish bone", "ourTake": "SPCA New Zealand says budgies benefit from a source of minerals, such as a cuttlefish bone or a mineral block made for budgies, especially when moulting or breeding. This is one natural cuttlefish bone, sold as 9 to 15cm long; buyers say it is often at the small end of that. It needs a clip to fix it to the bars, which is not included." }, "budget": null, "upgrade": null, "sources": [ { "name": "SPCA New Zealand: caring for budgies", "url": "https://www.spca.nz/advice-and-welfare/article/caring-for-budgies", "checked": "2026-09-26" }, { "name": "the product's Amazon listing" } ] }, { "role": "UVA and UVB lighting", "url": "https://whattobuyfor.co.uk/a-pet-bird/#role-uv-light", "quantity": "1", "lasts": null, "consumable": false, "lastsDays": null, "pick": { "asin": "B09KD51NL4", "name": "Arcadia Pure Sun Midi Lighting Kit", "amazonTitle": "Arcadia Pure Sun Midi Lighting Kit - Lighting System for Small to Medium Parrots", "brand": "Arcadia", "image": "https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41QaFlIj3JL._SL500_.jpg", "amazonUrl": "https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B09KD51NL4", "data": "https://whattobuyfor.co.uk/products/B09KD51NL4.json", "price": { "amount": 69.95, "currency": "GBP", "checkedAt": "2026-09-27T09:49:01.430Z", "note": "Checked on Amazon UK that morning; the price at checkout on amazon.co.uk applies." }, "availability": { "status": "IN_STOCK", "amazonMessage": null }, "subscribeAndSave": null, "signal": null, "amazon": { "source": "amazon.co.uk", "recordedAt": "2026-09-27T02:19:18.610Z", "rating": 3.9, "ratings": 28, "boughtLastMonth": null, "categoryRank": { "position": 1, "category": "Lighting for Birdcages" } }, "buyersSay": { "method": "Our own summary of the reviews Amazon showed; each count is the number of reviews making the point.", "reviewsRead": 12, "readOn": "2026-09-27", "like": [ { "text": "Once fitted, the light itself works well and birds sit under it", "count": 5 } ], "watchOutFor": [ { "text": "The mounting bracket is flimsy and awkward, and can snap or tilt", "count": 5 }, { "text": "Does not suit every cage, so several had to adapt the fixing", "count": 4 } ] }, "ourName": "Arcadia Pure Sun Midi bird lighting kit", "ourTake": "The RSPCA says birds kept indoors need artificial UVA and UVB light, on for as long as they would have daylight in the wild. This Arcadia kit gives 2.4% UVB and 12% UVA, the listing says. Buyers find its cage bracket flimsy and a poor fit on some cages, and the listing allows wall or ceiling fixing instead. Keep part of the cage in shade." }, "budget": null, "upgrade": null, "sources": [ { "name": "RSPCA: housing and environments for pet birds", "url": "https://www.rspca.org.uk/adviceandwelfare/pets/birds/environment", "checked": "2026-09-26" }, { "name": "the product's Amazon listing" } ] } ] }, { "id": "first-weeks", "label": "First weeks", "intro": null, "countsTowardTotal": true, "roles": [ { "role": "Foraging and shredding toys", "url": "https://whattobuyfor.co.uk/a-pet-bird/#role-foraging-toys", "quantity": "1 pack", "lasts": null, "consumable": false, "lastsDays": null, "pick": { "asin": "B0FFMVWSBS", "name": "widenlise 2 Pcs Bird Toys", "amazonTitle": "widenlise 2 Pcs Bird Toys, Bird Shredding Toys, Parrot Chewing Toys, Cockatiel Toys, Include Natural Corn Cob Bells, Hanging Foraging Shredder Toy for Parakeets Budgies, Conures, Finches (Yellow)", "brand": "widenlise", "image": "https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51UaREOlZqL._SL500_.jpg", "amazonUrl": "https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0FFMVWSBS", "data": "https://whattobuyfor.co.uk/products/B0FFMVWSBS.json", "price": { "amount": 6.99, "currency": "GBP", "checkedAt": "2026-09-27T09:49:01.430Z", "note": "Checked on Amazon UK that morning; the price at checkout on amazon.co.uk applies." }, "availability": { "status": "IN_STOCK", "amazonMessage": null }, "subscribeAndSave": null, "signal": null, "amazon": { "source": "amazon.co.uk", "recordedAt": "2026-09-27T02:19:19.295Z", "rating": 4.7, "ratings": 45, "boughtLastMonth": "50+", "categoryRank": { "position": 3, "category": "Toys for Birds" } }, "buyersSay": { "method": "Our own summary of the reviews Amazon showed; each count is the number of reviews making the point.", "reviewsRead": 7, "readOn": "2026-09-27", "like": [ { "text": "Budgies and parrots take to them and enjoy shredding", "count": 6 } ], "watchOutFor": [] }, "ourName": "widenlise bird shredding toys (2)", "ourTake": "The RSPCA suggests toys, especially foraging toys with food in them, changed from time to time, but not so many that the bird cannot stretch and flap. Let your bird get used to a new toy outside the cage first. These two hanging toys are corn cob, paper and wood for shredding, the listing says." }, "budget": null, "upgrade": null, "sources": [ { "name": "RSPCA: housing and environments for pet birds", "url": "https://www.rspca.org.uk/adviceandwelfare/pets/birds/environment", "checked": "2026-09-26" }, { "name": "RSPCA: enrichment for pet birds", "url": "https://www.rspca.org.uk/adviceandwelfare/pets/birds/enrichment", "checked": "2026-09-26" }, { "name": "the product's Amazon listing" } ] }, { "role": "A bath", "url": "https://whattobuyfor.co.uk/a-pet-bird/#role-bath", "quantity": "1", "lasts": null, "consumable": false, "lastsDays": null, "pick": { "asin": "B09PTCP9S8", "name": "Geboor Bird Bathtub", "amazonTitle": "Geboor Bird Bathtub, Bird Bath for Cage Hanging Bathtub Bird Cage Supplies Parrot Bath Tub Shower For Cats, Finches, Budgerigars, White Fungus, Skylarks and Small Birds", "brand": "Geboor", "image": "https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41JX+zUq9TL._SL500_.jpg", "amazonUrl": "https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B09PTCP9S8", "data": "https://whattobuyfor.co.uk/products/B09PTCP9S8.json", "price": { "amount": 6.99, "currency": "GBP", "checkedAt": "2026-09-27T09:49:01.430Z", "note": "Checked on Amazon UK that morning; the price at checkout on amazon.co.uk applies." }, "availability": { "status": "IN_STOCK", "amazonMessage": null }, "subscribeAndSave": null, "signal": null, "amazon": { "source": "amazon.co.uk", "recordedAt": "2026-09-27T02:19:19.469Z", "rating": 4.2, "ratings": 233, "boughtLastMonth": "50+", "categoryRank": { "position": 1, "category": "Bird Baths for Birdcages" } }, "buyersSay": { "method": "Our own summary of the reviews Amazon showed; each count is the number of reviews making the point.", "reviewsRead": 8, "readOn": "2026-09-27", "like": [ { "text": "Budgies hop in and use it happily", "count": 4 }, { "text": "Clips together and onto the cage without much fuss", "count": 2 } ], "watchOutFor": [ { "text": "The fit can be loose, so some had to file or tie it", "count": 2 } ] }, "ourName": "Geboor hanging bird bath", "ourTake": "SPCA New Zealand suggests giving budgies a dish of water to bathe in. This hanging bath measures 12.5 x 11.5 x 13.5 cm and names budgerigars among the small birds it suits, the listing says. The base lifts off for cleaning." }, "budget": null, "upgrade": null, "sources": [ { "name": "SPCA New Zealand: caring for budgies", "url": "https://www.spca.nz/advice-and-welfare/article/caring-for-budgies", "checked": "2026-09-26" }, { "name": "the product's Amazon listing" } ] } ] }, { "id": "later", "label": "Later", "intro": null, "countsTowardTotal": false, "roles": [ { "role": "A table-top stand for time out of the cage", "url": "https://whattobuyfor.co.uk/a-pet-bird/#role-play-stand", "quantity": "1", "lasts": null, "consumable": false, "lastsDays": null, "pick": { "asin": "B0C2JHSPXR", "name": "WishesMar Bird Playground Parrot Play Stand with Feeder", "amazonTitle": "WishesMar Bird Playground Parrot Play Stand with Feeder Cup Swing Climb Ladder and Tray Budgie Playground Cage Exercise Gym Toys for Parakeets Cockatiel, Wooden, Size About 17.7x14.6x10.2 In #A", "brand": "WishesMar", "image": "https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41h-WZWTGEL._SL500_.jpg", "amazonUrl": "https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0C2JHSPXR", "data": "https://whattobuyfor.co.uk/products/B0C2JHSPXR.json", "price": { "amount": 22.95, "currency": "GBP", "checkedAt": "2026-09-27T09:49:01.430Z", "note": "Checked on Amazon UK that morning; the price at checkout on amazon.co.uk applies." }, "availability": { "status": "IN_STOCK", "amazonMessage": null }, "subscribeAndSave": null, "signal": null, "amazon": { "source": "amazon.co.uk", "recordedAt": "2026-09-27T02:19:18.266Z", "rating": 4.5, "ratings": 321, "boughtLastMonth": "50+", "categoryRank": { "position": 1, "category": "Birdcage Stands" } }, "buyersSay": { "method": "Our own summary of the reviews Amazon showed; each count is the number of reviews making the point.", "reviewsRead": 13, "readOn": "2026-09-27", "like": [ { "text": "Budgies and other small birds make it a favourite spot", "count": 8 }, { "text": "The removable tray makes cleaning easy and suits scatter feeding", "count": 5 }, { "text": "Screws together into a stable, sturdy stand", "count": 5 } ], "watchOutFor": [ { "text": "Best for budgies and smaller birds, as a cockatiel is a tight fit", "count": 4 }, { "text": "Assembly can be fiddly, with a split perch or misaligned holes", "count": 3 } ] }, "ourName": "WishesMar bird play stand", "ourTake": "Birds need at least six hours out of the cage a day, the RSPCA says, and plenty of table-top stands in the room so they can perch, rest and preen. This play stand has a feeder cup, swing, ladder and tray, the listing says." }, "budget": null, "upgrade": null, "sources": [ { "name": "RSPCA: housing and environments for pet birds", "url": "https://www.rspca.org.uk/adviceandwelfare/pets/birds/environment", "checked": "2026-09-26" }, { "name": "the product's Amazon listing" } ] } ] } ], "totals": { "today": { "amount": 160.84, "currency": "GBP", "itemsPriced": 8, "itemsMissingPrice": 0 }, "monthlyRunningCost": null }, "canWait": [ { "what": "Swings, ladders and nets for the cage", "why": "The RSPCA says ladders, ropes and nets suit large cages and flight areas, and that a cage should stay uncluttered so the bird can flap freely." } ], "skip": [ { "what": "Sand-covered perches and perch covers", "why": "The RSPCA says perches should be natural wood and smooth to the touch." }, { "what": "A small starter cage for a bird that lives in it all day", "why": "The RSPCA says a bird that spends most of its time caged needs at least twice its wingspan in height, width and depth." }, { "what": "A shop-bought cage cover", "why": "The RSPCA suggests covering the top of the cage with a cloth, which any clean cloth does." }, { "what": "Vitamin drops and supplements", "why": "The RSPCA says good pellets contain the vitamins and nutrients a parrot needs; anything more is a question for an avian vet." } ], "questions": [ { "question": "Should I get one budgie or two?", "answer": "Usually two. The RSPCA says most birds do better with the company of other birds, and budgies are a colony species that can share a cage; SPCA New Zealand recommends a companion or two. The RSPCA notes that hand-reared birds may prefer people, so ask how your budgie was raised." }, { "question": "How big should a budgie cage be?", "answer": "At least twice your bird's wingspan in height, width and depth if they spend most of the day inside it, the RSPCA says, or one and a half times if they are mostly out. For two budgies, go by the larger bird. A wingspan is often more than twice the body length, so measure." }, { "question": "How long should a budgie be out of its cage?", "answer": "At least six hours a day, the RSPCA says, with room to fly freely and safely. Close windows and doors first, cover or screen large mirrors and windows, and keep your bird out of the kitchen." }, { "question": "Do budgies need a cuttlefish bone?", "answer": "They benefit from a mineral source, SPCA New Zealand says, such as a cuttlefish bone or a mineral block made for budgies, especially when moulting or breeding. The RSPCA's current bird pages do not cover minerals, so ask an avian vet if you are unsure." }, { "question": "What should budgies eat?", "answer": "Mostly pellets, with washed vegetables and some fruit, plus a little seed each day. The RSPCA says seed should be no more than a tenth of a small parrot's diet. SPCA New Zealand says never to feed budgies avocado, rhubarb, lettuce or fruit seeds." } ], "sources": [ { "name": "RSPCA: housing and environments for pet birds", "url": "https://www.rspca.org.uk/adviceandwelfare/pets/birds/environment", "checked": "2026-09-26" }, { "name": "RSPCA: the right food for your bird", "url": "https://www.rspca.org.uk/adviceandwelfare/pets/birds/diet", "checked": "2026-09-26" }, { "name": "RSPCA: enrichment for pet birds", "url": "https://www.rspca.org.uk/adviceandwelfare/pets/birds/enrichment", "checked": "2026-09-26" }, { "name": "RSPCA: living with other birds", "url": "https://www.rspca.org.uk/adviceandwelfare/pets/birds/company", "checked": "2026-09-26" }, { "name": "SPCA New Zealand: caring for budgies", "url": "https://www.spca.nz/advice-and-welfare/article/caring-for-budgies", "checked": "2026-09-26" } ], "related": [ { "title": "What to buy for a first aquarium", "url": "https://whattobuyfor.co.uk/a-first-aquarium/", "json": "https://whattobuyfor.co.uk/a-first-aquarium.json" }, { "title": "What to buy for a house rabbit", "url": "https://whattobuyfor.co.uk/a-house-rabbit/", "json": "https://whattobuyfor.co.uk/a-house-rabbit.json" }, { "title": "What to buy for a new kitten", "url": "https://whattobuyfor.co.uk/a-new-kitten/", "json": "https://whattobuyfor.co.uk/a-new-kitten.json" } ] }