Before purchasing any pet it is important to understand that as a pet owner you are responsible for the care and wellbeing of your pet. It is important to try and learn as much as you can about the animal you are considering to keep as a pet to make sure that your lifestyle, household and financial status are suited to provide your pet with the best possible care. This guide has been designed to provide you with both precise and concise information about a budgie's basic needs to help you provide your pet with the best quality care practices. The budgerigar (scientifically known as the 'Melopaittacus undulatus') is a species of parrot that is characterised by its small body, long tail and seed based diet. Budgerigars are also commonly known as budgies, parakeets and shell parakeets. The species originates throughout the drier regions of Australia but has become a very popular house hold pet in recent years. The budgerigar has survived the harsh, dry and hot conditions of Australia for the last 5 million years! In the wild the budgies colouring is primarily green and yellow with black scalloped markings on their nape, wings and back. However due to their popularity as pets the budgie has been selectively bred to have colourings of whites, blues, greys and oranges. Budgies are popular pets due to their interesting colour morphs, their ability to mimic human voices, their wide availability, their small size and their relatively low price.