Do budgies need a cage?

Budgies really do need a cage. They aren't really as smart as parrots, and while they can be trained to do simple tricks, they generally wont stay on a perch unless their wings are clipped. If the wings are clipped correctly and often enough, the bird is really only able to flutter enough to glide to safety, but not really much else. This means that if it did leave the perch, it would spend all day on your floor, which would be very messy. Budgies can be very happy and healthy in well sized and stocked cages, and will remain friendly as long as they're handled consistently and gently. Hope that helps!