🌦️ Vet’s 2025 Guide to Seasonal Care for Budgerigars & Canaries: Month-by-Month Health & Wellness 🐦

By Dr. Duncan Houston, BVSc

Maintaining the health and wellness of budgerigars and canaries requires an understanding of their seasonal needs. This 2025 guide offers a month-by-month approach to ensure your birds thrive throughout the year.

🗓️ January: Initiating the Moult

As summer peaks, canaries begin their annual moult. It's essential to:

• Cease Breeding: Allow birds to focus energy on feather regeneration.
• Enhance Nutrition: Provide energy-rich foods and supplements like Turbobooster and Ioford.
• Control Parasites: Implement tri-weekly Ivermectin treatments and regular baths with Water Cleanser.

🌿 February: Supporting Feather Growth

Continue to support the moult by:

• Maintaining Diet: Ensure a balanced intake of proteins and vitamins.
• Monitoring Health: Watch for signs of stress or illness.
• Environmental Control: Keep the aviary cool and well-ventilated.

🌸 March: Preparing for Breeding

With the moult concluding, begin pre-breeding preparations:

• Assess Health: Conduct health checks and address any issues.
• Adjust Diet: Introduce breeding supplements and soft foods.
• Environment: Ensure nesting areas are clean and ready.

🌼 April: Breeding Season Commences

As breeding begins:

• Pair Birds: Introduce compatible pairs into breeding cages.
• Monitor Nesting: Observe for egg-laying and chick development.
• Nutrition: Continue providing high-energy foods and supplements.

☀️ May: Peak Breeding Activity

During peak breeding:

• Chick Care: Ensure chicks are fed adequately and growing well.
• Hygiene: Maintain cleanliness to prevent disease.
• Supplementation: Use products like F-vite to support parent birds.

🌤️ June: Transitioning from Breeding

As breeding winds down:

• Separate Pairs: Return birds to their regular aviaries.
• Health Checks: Examine birds for any post-breeding issues.
• Diet Adjustment: Shift to maintenance diets with appropriate supplements.

🍂 July: Rest and Recovery

Focus on recovery:

• Rest Period: Allow birds to rest and regain strength.
• Monitor Weight: Prevent obesity by regulating diet.
• Parasite Control: Continue regular treatments.

🍁 August: Preparing for Moult

Begin preparations for the upcoming moult:

• Dietary Changes: Introduce foods rich in nutrients essential for feather growth.
• Environmental Adjustments: Ensure the aviary is conducive to a stress-free moult.
• Health Monitoring: Address any emerging health concerns promptly.

🌧️ September: Moult Begins

As the moult starts:

• Increase Nutrients: Provide supplements like Turbobooster and Ioford.
• Reduce Stress: Minimize disturbances in the aviary.
• Maintain Cleanliness: Regularly clean to prevent infections.

🍃 October: Continuing the Moult

Support ongoing feather replacement:

• Consistent Diet: Maintain a nutrient-rich diet.
• Monitor Progress: Ensure feathers are regrowing properly.
• Parasite Prevention: Continue treatments as needed.

🌬️ November: Finalizing the Moult

As the moult concludes:

• Health Assessment: Conduct thorough health checks.
• Diet Transition: Shift to maintenance diets.
• Prepare for Breeding: Begin planning for the next breeding season.

🎄 December: Rest and Observation

Focus on rest and observation:

• Monitor Behavior: Watch for signs of stress or illness.
• Maintain Environment: Ensure the aviary remains clean and comfortable.
• Plan Ahead: Prepare for the upcoming year's breeding and moult cycles.

📱 Resources & Support

For further guidance and support:

• Visit Ask A Vet for expert advice.
• Download the Ask A Vet app for easy access to veterinary support.
• Explore Woopf for training tools and enrichment products.
• Check out Purrz for nutritional supplements and wellness products.

By following this month-by-month guide, you can ensure your budgerigars and canaries remain healthy and vibrant throughout the year. 🐦🌦️