Should You Get Another Budgie Bird

Budgies are quite lovable birds – they are gentle, sociable, and attentive, willing to spend hours bonding with you. So it’s understandable that after taking care of one budgie for a while, you would want to get another.

But should you do it? Is it better to have two birds? Well, today we are going to answer these questions and tell you all you need to know about getting another budgie. So sit back and relax – we have all the answers you seek.

Do pet birds get lonely?

Yes, pet birds get lonely, especially those in the parrot family. These include budgies and cockatoos. So if you’re planning to keep these birds, ensure that you have enough time to spend with them. In some cases, you may even have to get them a bird companion. Some signs that your budgie is lonely are:

• Loss of appetite
• Feather plucking
• Increased irritability
• Vocalization change
• Hiding
• Biting
• Self-mutilation
• Stress bars run across their feathers
• Destructive behavior like tearing up toys and knocking over food bowls
• Changes in dropping consistency
• The bird stops singing

Is it better to have two birds?

If you are busy or spend most of your time at work, it is better to have two birds. This way, your bird will have a companion that can keep them occupied all day long, starving off loneliness and boredom.

Also, this move provides your bird with a friend that understands them and who can preen and sing with them. This will ease you of some pressure and provide you with cool tunes too. However, having two birds isn’t all fun and games – it has some disadvantages as well. These include:

• More mess and noise
• Additional costs
• Ultimately, you need to think long and hard before adding a second bird.

Do you have time to take care of another bird?

Even though two birds kept together will happily spend most of their time together, they still need to bond with you regularly. Usually, you need to spend at least one hour a day with them to bond effectively. And remember, you need some one-on-one time with each bird so that none feels favored or left out.

That’s why it’s important to have a lot of one-on-one time with a new bird before having them share a cage with another. Some experts even recommend keeping the birds in two separate cages for at least one month in the beginning then putting in the effort to bond with each individually.

So if you’re planning to add another bird, be ready to give up a good chunk of your time in the beginning.

Can you put two different birds in the same cage?

Yes, you can put two different birds in the same cage. But this isn’t always a good idea – you have to assess the situation before making a decision. Some things to consider before putting two different birds in the same cage include:

Usually, it is best to only put birds of the same species together

The canaries, cockatiels, lovebirds, and budgies appreciate the company of other birds, particularly those of the same species
Putting 2 parrots of different species together can lead to fighting and injuries. They do better when playing in neutral territory
Even if the two bird species usually get along, their ability to get along in a cage is dependent on their personalities and past experiences
Since birds are territorial creatures, putting two different birds in one cage will require you to get a big one
Adding a new different bird to your existing bird’s cage is something that should be done carefully and patiently
It may be easier to add a baby bird to a cage with another bird as the adult one may feel obliged to take care of the baby and bond with it

How to introduce a new bird to your budgie

Before you introduce a new bird to your budgie, you need to quarantine it for two weeks first. This will ensure that your budgie doesn’t get any new communicable diseases or face a sudden life change. Ultimately, ensuring that both birds are in great health before their introduction will be beneficial for both.

As far as introductions go, always start with simply putting the two birds in different cages and placing them side by side. This way, the two birds can chat and get to know each other without any of the anxiety associated with having a stranger breach their territory.

Once they are comfortable with this, you can then let them out of their cages so that they can hang out freely in a neutral area of your house. You should stay in the room to supervise them though. You can even introduce snacks at this point – eating together is a great way for birds to bond.

Ensure you keep an eye on the birds for a while before you consider placing them in the same cage. While some spunky behavior between them is normal, consistent scuffling is a red flag and should warrant separation, even if it’s just temporary.

Consider other approaches

If your bird is lonely, there are other approaches you can use before opting to get another bird. These include:
Watch Netflix with them – no matter how busy your schedule is, you can find some time at the end of the day to unwind while watching a movie with your bird

Turn the TV on and place your bird’s cage in front of it before you leave for work. This can keep them entertained while you’re away

Get them enough toys. Since birds love toys, ensure yours has them in a variety of colors, shapes, and sizes – these will keep them entertained all through the day

Get your bird on a strict routine. A bird is less likely to get lonely if it has set bathing, feeding, and playing times
Ultimately, it is up to you to decide whether getting another bird is worth it or you would be better off with the above-mentioned approaches. Only you understand what’s best for you and your bird!