Can budgies drink alcohol?
No – toxic. Budgies should never drink alcohol. The AAV’s budgie care sheet lists alcohol among things budgies must not get access to. Purdue says it can be toxic even in tiny amounts, and Merck and RSPCA Australia warn against it too. The German Animal Welfare Federation advises clearing away leftover drinks before free flight.
Did your budgie drink some?
If your budgie drank some or seems unwell, the AAV says to get help from an avian vet immediately, even if you only suspect it.
- ASPCA Animal Poison Control: (888) 426-4435 (a fee may apply)
- Tell your vet what your budgie drank, how much and when.
Better choices, for example
Questions
My budgie drank alcohol. What should I do?
If your budgie drank some or seems unwell, the AAV says to get help from an avian vet immediately, even if you only suspect it.
Sources
- Association of Avian Veterinarians – Budgies (Companion Bird Care Series, 2025)
- Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine – General Husbandry of Caged Birds
- Merck Veterinary Manual – Nutritional Diseases of Pet Birds
- RSPCA Australia – How will I keep my bird safe against household hazards?
- Deutscher Tierschutzbund – Wie halte ich Wellensittiche richtig?
- Association of Avian Veterinarians – Protecting Your Pet Birds from Household Dangers (2022)
Last checked: November 2026