The budgerigar is one most popular pet birds in the world. The budgerigar - or parakeet as it is sometimes called - is given its popularity for many reasons. It has a very cheerful disposition, hardy nature and is easy to keep and feed. Here are a few tips to help when choosing your first budgie.

Budgies should always be purchased from a reputable pet shop or breeder. Check out the premises first. Take a good look around to make sure they are clean and tidy and the pets are all well cared for. However, choosing the right bird requires some experience and a bit of good luck.

Stand back and have a good look at the bird. You should try to pick a young bird, preferably over the age of six weeks when you should be able to determine if it is male or female.

It should be alert, hop from perch to perch and show some natural shyness.

Small, black beady eyes with no white showing are a good indicator that the bird is still very young. The changing of the cere (the area just above the beak) to blue will help you to decide if it is a male bird which is usually more confident than the female, which has a brown cere.

The plumage should be smooth and silky without feathering defects (except when molting) and take a look at the droppings in the bottom of the cage which should be green, harden quickly and have a white cap.

A healthy bird should have its beak closed and breath quietly and fairly rapidly. Check their feet to make sure they have no missing toes.

Budgies come in many different colors so that makes it very difficult to make a choice but do check out all the other points mentioned first because these are so important when choosing the right budgie for you.

If you are having just the one bird it is best choose a male because they do tend to be more sociable around people.

Once you have made your decision and are ready to take your new pet home you need to buy a suitable cage and the essential things you need to get you started. Take advice from the breeder or shop owner.

Once your bird is in its new home and has been acclimated for a week or so its training can begin.

Remember that with a bit of effort on your part a male bird can be taught to talk and it will chatter away all day and it will soon prove to be a cheerful member of the family.