Budgie starter kit: the full budget to get off to a good start
Plan on spending between 180 and 400 € for a complete, good-quality budgie starter kit: a roomy cage, natural wood perches, food bowls, toys, food and basic cleaning supplies. The all-in-one bundles sold for 60 to 90 € in pet shops are almost always undersized. Here is the item-by-item breakdown so you buy right from day one.
What should a budgie starter kit include?
Before the bird arrives, six items are non-negotiable:
- The cage: at least 80 cm long for a pair, or 80 to 150 € (see our guide to choosing a cage for budgies).
- Perches: 3 to 4 natural wood perches in assorted diameters, 15 to 30 €.
- Bowls and a water dispenser: two feeders and a drinker in stainless steel or hard plastic, 10 to 20 €.
- Food: a quality seed mix or pellets, plus a cuttlebone, 15 to 25 € for the first month.
- Toys: 3 to 5 toys to rotate, 20 to 40 €.
- Cleaning: cage liner, a brush, white vinegar, around 15 €.
Where do the false bargains hide?
Promotional bundles often pair a 40 cm cage with two smooth plastic perches and a mirror: three classic mistakes. A cage that is too small will need replacing within months, uniform-diameter perches damage the feet, and the mirror encourages behavioural problems. You are better off buying each item separately, guided by the comparison reviews in our bird accessories category.
What monthly budget should you expect afterwards?
Once the kit is assembled, a budgie's running costs stay modest: 15 to 25 € per month for food (seeds or pellets, fresh vegetables, cuttlebone), plus 5 to 10 € to replace toys and cage liner. Set aside a reserve for the avian vet too: a consultation costs 50 to 90 €, and a first health check is strongly recommended in the weeks following adoption.
Should everything be bought before the bird arrives?
Yes, the full setup must be ready on day one: a furnished cage, the same water and food as at the breeder's, and a quiet room. For the first few days, keep handling to a minimum and only introduce out-of-cage time once the bird is settled. Find all our equipment guides on the Planète Pets bird hub.
Frequently asked questions
Can you start with a single budgie?
It is not recommended: budgies are flock birds and do far better in a pair or small group. The kit budget barely changes; only the cage needs to be a little bigger.
Is the starter kit the same for a cockatiel?
The logic is identical, but the cage must be larger (90 cm minimum), the perches thicker, and the overall budget climbs closer to 250 to 500 €.
Which item should you never skimp on?
The cage. It is the purchase that shapes the bird's wellbeing the most, and the costliest to replace if you get it wrong.
This guide is part of Planète Pets’s Birds universe. Our advice is general in nature: for any health concern, your veterinarian remains the only reference.