English Budgies: Does Petco Sell These Beautiful Birds?

English budgies are the larger, fluffier cousins of the standard American budgie, and they have a dedicated following among bird enthusiasts. If you are hoping to find one at Petco, here is what you need to know about availability, pricing, and what makes English budgies different from the standard variety.

Petco does occasionally carry English budgies, but they are much less common than standard budgies and are not available at every location. If you specifically want an English budgie, you will likely need to call around to different stores or consider other sources.

Does Petco Sell English Budgies?

Some Petco stores do sell English budgies, but they are not a standard inventory item the way regular budgies are. Standard American budgies are almost always available at Petco locations that carry birds, but English budgies show up much less frequently and tend to sell quickly when they do come in.

When Petco does stock English budgies, they typically cost between $50 and $100, which is significantly more than the $20 to $30 price tag on standard budgies. The higher price reflects their larger size, the more specialized breeding involved, and their relative rarity in the pet trade.

If your heart is set on an English budgie, your best bet is to check Petco’s website for local availability, call your nearby stores regularly, or ask a store associate to notify you when they receive a shipment.

English Budgie vs. American Budgie

The differences between English and American budgies are more significant than many people realize. Here is how they compare.

Size. English budgies are noticeably larger than American budgies. An English budgie typically measures 10 to 12 inches from head to tail, while American budgies are only about 7 to 8 inches. English budgies also have bigger, rounder heads and a fluffier appearance overall.

Temperament. English budgies are generally calmer and more laid back than their American counterparts. They tend to be less flighty, easier to handle, and more tolerant of being held. This makes them a popular choice for people who want a more hands on bird experience.

Talking ability. Both varieties can learn to talk, but American budgies are often considered slightly better talkers. They tend to be more vocal and energetic, which can translate to more mimicking behavior. English budgies can still learn words and phrases, but they may be less motivated to chatter constantly.

Lifespan. This is an important difference. American budgies typically live 10 to 15 years with good care, while English budgies have a shorter average lifespan of 7 to 10 years. The selective breeding that created their larger size has also made them more prone to certain health issues.

Health. English budgies are more susceptible to health problems than American budgies, including tumors, feather cysts, and obesity. They benefit from regular veterinary checkups with an avian vet.

Where Else to Find English Budgies

If Petco does not have English budgies in stock, there are several other places to look. Private breeders are often the best source for English budgies. They typically offer healthier, better socialized birds and can give you detailed information about the bird’s lineage and health history. Bird shows and avian expos are great places to meet breeders and see birds in person.

Online classifieds and bird specific forums can also connect you with breeders, though always visit in person before purchasing to verify the bird’s health and the breeder’s conditions. Avian rescue organizations occasionally have English budgies available for adoption as well.

Caring for an English Budgie

English budgies need the same basic care as standard budgies, with a few extra considerations due to their larger size and health tendencies.

A slightly larger cage is appropriate for their bigger body. Plan for at least a 20 x 20 x 20 inch cage for a single English budgie. Their diet should focus on high quality pellets with plenty of fresh vegetables. Be careful with seed mixes, as English budgies are prone to obesity and seeds are high in fat.

Regular veterinary checkups are more important for English budgies than for standard budgies because of their increased health risks. Find an avian vet in your area before bringing your bird home so you are prepared if any issues arise.