Rainbow Budgies: The Ultimate Guide

Budgies are one of the rare types of birds to exist today, with breeds so unique that most don’t even know they exist. Most often, ask what is a rainbow budgie. 

What’s a Rainbow Budgie?

Rainbow budgies are a type of budgie that has been selectively bred to display an array of colors on their bodies. While most budgies are green and yellow, rainbow budgies can come in any color combination imaginable. They are truly a sight to behold!

Rainbow budgies are a lot of fun and make great pets. 

However, due to their beauty, it is safe to say these creatures are almost impossible to find. There are only a handful of breeders who have successfully managed to produce these budgies, and as a result, only a lucky few get the chance to own them. 

To help you get a better insight, here, we will go over these extravagant creatures, how they came to be, where you can find them and how to take care of them. 

What is a Rainbow Budgie?

Found in Australia, budgies are also known as parakeets. They belong to the Psittacidae family, which contains all species of true parrots. Budgies are the only members of the genus Melopsittacus and are small to medium-sized parrots.

While most budgies you find will be green and yellow, there are actually seven different budgie  color mutations that exist.

These include blue, white, grey, olive, cinnamon, fallow and yellow-faced. 

Out of all these mutations, the rainbow budgie is by far the most unique and hardest to find. As the name suggests, these budgies come in a plethora of colors that range from light pastels to dark hues. 

No two rainbow budgies are alike, which makes them even more special. 

How did Rainbow Budgies come to be?

Rainbow budgies are a result of selective breeding, which is a process where breeders choose certain traits they want to see in the offspring and then mate two birds that have those desired characteristics. 

This process has been used for centuries with various animals in order to produce different breeds. 

For example, dogs were bred to create different shapes, sizes, and colors that we see today. The same can be said about rainbow budgies.

The first recorded instance of someone trying to produce these budgies was back in the 1950s by Jack Fraser, a breeder from Australia.

It took him years of trial and error, but he was eventually able to produce the first rainbow budgie. 

From there, other breeders began to experiment with different color mutations and eventually came up with their own unique strains. As a result, the rainbow budgie population slowly started to grow. 

How Much Does Rainbow Budgie Cost?

Rainbow budgies are extremely rare, which means they come with a hefty price tag. On average, you can expect to pay anywhere from $500 to $1,000 for one of these birds. 

The price will depend on factors such as the breeder, the colors of the budgie, and the demand. 

For example, if you want a blue and white rainbow budgie, you can expect to pay on the higher end of the spectrum. 

It is also vital to keep in mind that different rainbow budgies will have different color combinations. Some may have more common colors like blue and yellow, while others may have rarer colors like violet or pink. The specific combination will ultimately dictate the price.

How Do Rainbow Budgies Get Their Color?

The colors of a rainbow budgie are the result of pigments that are found in their feathers. These pigments are produced by cells in the body known as melanocytes. 

There are two types of melanocytes, eumelanin, and pheomelanin. Eumelanin is responsible for dark colors, such as black and grey, while pheomelanin produces lighter colors, such as yellow and red. 

The combination of these two types of pigment is what gives rainbow budgies their unique colors. For example, a blue and white budgie will have more melanin than pheomelanin, whereas a yellow and red budgie will have more pheomelanin than eumelanin. 

How Long Do Rainbow Budgies Live?

Rainbow budgies have a lifespan of 10 to 15 years. However, there are some instances where these birds have been known to live up to 20 years. 

The key to a long and healthy life for your rainbow budgie is proper care. This includes things like a healthy diet, clean water, a clean cage, and plenty of exercises. 

If you can provide all of these things, then you can expect your rainbow budgie to stick around for many years to come

How to Look After Rainbow Budgies?

Diet:

One of the most important things you need to do when taking care of rainbow budgies is to make sure they are getting a nutritious diet. 

These birds are very active and need a lot of energy to keep up with their busy lifestyle. 

The best way to ensure your budgie is getting the nutrients they need is to feed them a diet that consists of pellets, vegetables, fruits, and seed mixes. You should also make sure they have access to fresh water at all times. 

Exercise:

In addition to a healthy diet, rainbow budgies also need plenty of exercises in order to stay in shape. The best way to provide them with exercise is by having a large cage that they can fly around in. 

You should also place plenty of toys and perches inside the cage to keep them entertained. It’s also a good idea to let them out of their cage for some supervised playtime each day. 

Shelter:

Rainbow budgies are very sensitive to changes in temperature and need a warm place to sleep at night.

The best way to provide them with shelter is by placing their cage in a room that doesn’t get too cold or hot. 

You should also make sure the cage is placed away from drafty windows or doors. If the temperature does happen to drop, you can place a blanket over the top of the cage to help keep your budgie warm. 

Breeding:

If you’re thinking about breeding rainbow budgies, there are a few things you need to take into consideration.

First of all, you will need to have two healthy birds that are of opposite sexes. 

You will also need to make sure they have a spacious cage that is big enough for them to build a nest. Additionally, you will need to provide them with plenty of food and water. 

Additional Needs:

There are a few other things you can do for your budgie to help better their life. One of those things is to provide them with a cuttlebone or mineral block. These objects help to keep their beaks trimmed, and their nails filed down.  

You should also give them a daily bath in order to keep their feathers clean and healthy. Lastly, you will need to take them to the vet for regular checkups and vaccinations.

Where Can I Find Rainbow Budgies?

If you’ve wanted to pet your own rainbow budgie, there are a few places you can look. One of those places is your local pet store.

 Another option is to check online classifieds websites or bird forums. You might also be able to find them at bird shows or pet stores. 

When looking for a rainbow budgie, it’s important to find a reputable breeder. This will help ensure you get a healthy bird that has been well taken care of. 

Additionally, you should avoid buying budgies from people who are selling them out of the back of their car or van. These birds are usually sick or have been neglected and won’t make good pets.

Key Takeaways

• Rainbow budgies are a rare breed of Parakeet, initially produced by selective breeding in Australia. 
• They have an average lifespan of about 10-15 years and require proper diet, exercise and nutrition to live a long and healthy life.
• It is vital to ensure that you purchase a rainbow budgie from a reliable and reputable breeder.