Should I get my budgie a friend?

[FlyBirdiesFly]

I've noticed many people seem to keep more than one budgie. Someone told me that budgies need to be kept with other budgies or they will be lonely, no matter how much time you spend with them. Why is it that budgies are different than any other parrot? Do you think I should get my budgie a friend?

 

[ParrotLover2001]

I've never heard someone say that budgies will be lonely no matter how much time you spend with them.
Budgies aren't much different than other parrots.

Having more than one bird is harder than having one bird in my opinion.
It costs more to feed them, vet bills, toys, another cage (for quarantine and in case they don't like each other) and if they dont like each other that's another bird you'd have to spend time with.

You really need to think hard about it before getting another bird, things like money, time, ect. Should be taken into consideration.

Sent from my Galaxy s8

 

[GaleriaGila]

Fortunately (unfortunately?) the Rb is so aggressive and territorial that I've never even dared to think of another bird...
Many here have found that they have to separate birds permanently... some have been fortunate and multiple birds get along.
Good for you for reaching out!
Good luck!

 

[FlyBirdiesFly]

Oh, I know about having multiple bird. I also have a GCC and cockatiel, as well as my budgie. And those two are much more demanding than my budgie. I would not, however, be willing to risk them fighting if I got a companion for my budgie. I have three birds, and I think right now that's enough.

 

[LordTriggs]

nope. budgies don't have to have another budgie around for company, I've never heard birds need the same species around, constantly hear they need to be paired but honestly it's nonsense. You're the flock and so are the others in your home. Sure you all look different but that just means you're an interesting flock!

Honestly I wouldn't listen to most people you know outside of vets and forums like this one. Many people have backwards thoughts on birds so I just tend to ignore most people outside of here, especially as in my social circle I'm the "expert"

 

[FlyBirdiesFly]

It was someone on a different parrot forum. They said that budgies are considered "aviary birds" and thus need other birds for company instead of humans.

 

[Flboy]

It was someone on a different parrot forum. They said that budgies are considered "aviary birds" and thus need other birds for company instead of humans.

And,,,that's why you are here!

 

[LordTriggs]

It was someone on a different parrot forum. They said that budgies are considered "aviary birds" and thus need other birds for company instead of humans.

I would love to know where they got that from!

Welcome to a forum with many people who actually research into behavior and what-not instead of just hearing one bit of hearsay

 

[OutlawedSpirit]

Often, people who keep multiple budgies in an aviary type setting, have untame birds that they do not want to take the time to work with to tame down and build a trusting relationship with. Granted, this is not always the case, but it often is. Especially since many budgies are bought untame from a pet store by people who have little to no bird experience.

Another thing to mention, aside from what has already been said about needing two cages for quarantine and in case they don't get along, even if they do get along, you have a lot of extra work ahead if you get another. Budgies will generally prefer to bond to another bird, so to maintain the relationship you have with your current budgie and develop a good bond with another one, you need to devote even more one on one time to encourage bonding with you over the other bird.

Overall, if you're happy with your current flock, there's no reason to add another budgie. Plus since you have other birds, even though they're different species, your budgie still chatters to them if you're not around and he gets lonely.

Sent from my SM-G955U using Tapatalk

 

[snowflake311]

There is nothing better than listening to 2 budgies talk to each other. I have 2 and would not have it any other way. I do only have one Conure because he is my little spoiled brat. He takes up as much of my time as he can.

As for budgies My 2 are fun to watch and listen to. They love each other and I am nothing to them but the person that brings food. They are finger trained and really nice for the most part. Yes I , give them fresh water, clean the cage, give them toys, and let them out. They still don't love me the way my Sprinkles does. But I love them. They are so full of spunk and personality.

I have always had 2 budgies. No they are fine as an only if you give them enough attention and will bound to a human. For me I like to have 2.

If the 2 can be housed in the same cage I do not see 2 Budgies being that much more expensive.

 

[FlyBirdiesFly]

This is the thing, Bluebell isn't really bonded to me, but she's kinda sorta partially tame, meaning she steps up to come out of the cage, but then flies off to do her own thing and refuses to let me touch her. My other two, especially Ducky, are quite needy and demand my attention often, which means they're out whenever I'm home. They are companion birds that bond strongly with you and want to please you. Bluebell isn't the same. She tolerates stepping up, but then flies away and never sits on me. My other birds fly to me because they want to spend time with me. I would give Bluebell a lot of attention if she wanted it, but she doesn't enjoy scritches, or sit on me, or land on my head, or play with me, or do tricks like Ducky and Kermit. And when I got her, she was pretty tame. She would sit on my shoulder, step up, but she was never as interactive as Ducky or Kermit. She just kind of lost interest in me as she became mature. When I open her cage door, she comes out to fly around, sometimes to walk on the floor, and that's it. So since she doesn't really like me, I really think she might be lonely without a friend. Ducky and Kermit both show no interest in other birds, just humans. Bluebell, however, chirps to the birds outside and tries to get as close as possible to Ducky and Kermit without getting lunged at. So I'm looking at either Illinois Parrot Rescue or the same breeder I got Kermit from, cause she also has budgies.