I've just bought 4 show budgies from a very good breeder in South Africa.

 

 

However, they seem very lethargic compared to my normal budgies. They are also a lot quieter.

 

I'm quite worried because they also seem to be eating less.

 

I've only had them for three days, so I suspect that some of it can be put down to stress, but I really thought that they would have settled down more by now.

 

Is what I am seeing normal for show budgies?

Hi, I don't show birds but I have bought some show stock birds, they were more "subdued" if that's the term compared to my other pet types.

On the other hand they were very placid breeders and bred beautiful chicks when paired with a pet type. I'd say yours may be the same, if there is no sign of illness. Keep an eye on them to make sure there is no underlying illness and they should be fine.

Hi. I assume you have your new budgies in quarantine? Give them a few days to settle down to their new environment, routine and diet. But do watch out for any signs of illness. I keep both pet and show budgies. Like Robyn I have found that the show budgies are generally less active and slower than the pet type. My pet budgies are loud, active, speedy and fantastic acrobats. The show budgies are less acrobatic and agile, and are not as adept in flying (generally speaking) as their smaller counterparts. Just as noisy though. As for how much they eat.....I can honestly say I haven't paid too much attention. I have birds of both types who like to spend their days in the seed bowl (the gluttons of the budgie world), and others who don't. The one thing have noticed is that the show budgies are not always as quick in working out where the food is. I use mason feeders in my holding cages, and I had one new show pair who wouldn't/couldn't feed from this type of feeder. I gave them a bowl of seed on the floor of the cage and they were fine with this. Perhaps try different feeders for your new birds.

My show budgies are much slower and some sound like helicopters when they fly. I find the larger birds easier to handle and less 'nippy'.