Q&A for How to Play With Your Budgie

The ants aren't dangerous in themselves, but more of a nuisance because they are attracted to the bird's food. Try standing the cage in a large tray (such as a large litter box) containing water, which creates a moat the ants can't cross.

Yes, they do. Parakeets are social birds and love the sound of other birds chirping around them. Music, especially stringed instruments and piano, seem to please parakeets in a similar way as having a flock of birds singing around them does.

Keep trying. Remember some birds are slow to learn and it takes time and plenty of repetition for them. Aim to interact with the bird every hour or so when you are home, only if it's for a couple of minutes, because repetition and imitation are your best friends.

Feed just under 2/3 of their diet as a variety of seeds or grains. Variety is key, and be aware that tasty grains such as millet are high fat and can lead to obesity. In addition, make around 20% of the diet finely chopped fresh vegetable, and 10% fresh fruit.

Budgies are social birds and love to make noise. The best way to quiet them is to provide plenty of bird entertainment, such as toys or puzzle feeders. If you get desperate, then covering the cage with a cotton cloth helps fool them into thinking it's time to roost, but don't do this too often or it will stop working.

Unlike human ears, budgies don't have an external ear which makes the ear difficult to spot. Budgie ears are on the side of the head, a short distance from the eye. The ear is basically a hole in the skull, covered with a skin-like membrane. You may see it when the bird fluffs up their feathers.