Why are the ceres on my female budgies large and crusty looking? Is this normal?

Question

Why are the ceres on my female budgies large and crusty looking? Is this normal?

Answer 1

A female with a brown scaly or "chunky / crusty" cere is in breeding condition, and it is a good sign that she is in peak condition.

Some females will always retain their brown cere, and with some it comes and goes.

If you don't have a male with your hen, or a suitable place for her to breed (nest box) chances are she won't lay eggs. Most of the time without the proper stimulation of a mate and nest area the urge to reproduce just doesn't kick in.

There is a slight chance that she may lay eggs though, but of course without a male they won't be fertile. if she does lay it is best to let her sit on them for a few weeks until she realises they aren't going to hatch. If you take eggs away from her she may continue to lay to produce her clutch, and continual egg laying is very taxing on her system.

If you do have males with your females and are planning to breed (if your birds are over 12 months old), now is a good time to supply a nesting box, and *plenty* of calcium along with a complete and varied diet.

But yes, a crusty brown cere is completely notmal for  mature female budgie :)

Answer 2

Simply means she is prime condition and ready to breed. It's a good sign of her being healthy.