Originally posted by katie58
I am new to ths site and to being an owner of 4 budgies. My son has two and my daughter have two. I am not sure about some stuff but have been reading a lot of different things on different sites. I want to make sure I am doing everything possile for my budgies. Two of them do not have there wings cut and two do, is it recommended to have them clipped? Also I have read two different things about toys for them I bought them a ladder and bath and a perch that has a bell hanging from it, is this ok? Any other useful information to help me out would be great. I was just confused when I went to the store for parakeets and kept finding stuff on budgies,then I found out that they are the same thing is this correct? Thanks in advance.
Sorry I couldn't respond earlier as I wasn't on the computer much today. Its recommended to have your bird's wings clipped for its own safety. A non-clipped bird can easily fly into a window, mirror, burning stove, and into other dangers that can cause severe injury. Of course birds that are accustomed to their home and are very well tame, may be wonderful flighted, however, if your birds are not tame yet, I recommend having their wings clipped in order to tame them. Once they are tame and used to you and the house, it would be your decision on whether to clip their wings or not.

Regarding the ladder and a perch with a bell. I have 4 ladders for my cockatiels and several toys with bells. They LOVE it! I don't know if parakeets are as enthusiastic about toys as cockatiels, but I know they also enjoy playine, so hopefully they will like their new toys. Regarding the bath you got them, what kind of bath is it? I have never bought my birds a birdie bath, though I have seen them at Petco. I usually bath my birds by misting them with a water spray bottle, or in the sink. If you have any other questions, feel free to ask! Good luck on your little birdies!