Budgerigars by Barrie Shutt

Gum tree

The wild budgerigar has evolved alongside the Eucalyptus tree and over a million years has developed an intimate bond with the tree and its leaves. Wet eucalyptus leaves excite and invigorate both the wild and aviary budgerigar. They love to bathe in the wet leaves and breeding hens destructively chew the bark. The eucalyptus oil from the leaves has medicinal properties that stimulate the immune system and promote a strong natural resistance to disease.

Tough eucalyptus wood makes the best perch your bird could ever have! Budgies love to chew on eucalyptus branches. They provide your bird with a source of stimulation. The chewing activity keeps the bird occupied for hours on end and the eucalyptus oil inside the bark is a natural health tonic. Eucalyptus branches also provide trace elements and minerals that are beneficial to your bird’s health. In the wild, budgies are very active in the morning and evening, but spend most of their day resting in the eucalyptus trees and chewing the branches. Natural (unrefined) eucalyptus oil from the bark is also a germicide that stops diseases of the feet in all Australian birds.

Eucalyptus branches are nontoxic and are safe to use as natural wood perches.


Although FRESH eucalyptus leaves have been given to birds without causing illness, ingestion of a large amount of the leaves can cause  vomiting, diarrhea, crop impaction and muscle weakness in avians.

Avoid giving DRY eucalyptus leaves or using dry eucalyptus leaves for nesting material. These may be contaminated with Aspergillus spores.