breeding budgies?

Question
I have bought two budgies, male and female. The male is not flying much and has taken a while to eventually begin eating from the day I bought him. Why do you think this is? Also, I wish to breed them in the near future and am wondering how long into the introduction will they mate? what can I do as their owner, to encourage them?

Answer
hello sara! When budgies are first brought home, they came be very shy or scared. It will take them a while(couple weeks) to get used to your voice and presence. The male might not be flying because eaither his wings are not fully grown out or he is too scared to fly. This is normal though so dont be worried. Also about the eating, dont worry too much about that its normal for them to not eat the first couple days, and also they drink very little water so dont worry if you have not seen them drink(they tend to drink when your not there) Breeding: make sure the females cere is brown and the males is blue. Purply or pinkish means its a baby. They will not breed unless they have a nesting box. Parakeet nesting boxes are only about $8. Once inside the cage, the felmale will begin to investigate. This may take up to a couple weeks or months for them to produce eggs. Once they get going, you will see them mate often and they will continue producing eggs(most pairs on their first time kill the babies but the second time around might be more successful) They dont require nesting material and when you see the female in side the box a lot, make sure you provide a cuttlebone or some kind of nestling food. You will know when your pair is going well when you see him feeding the hen and cooing at her. But the nesting box is a definate need to get started! hope i have provided you with enough information(^_^ breeding is my specialty so i can ramble for hours, dont mind me :D), if you have any other questions, ask away! :D good luck to you Sara and your wonderful pair of budgies!