Budgies

[Peghead]

I've taken on a friend's budgie as she's moving abroad and can't take him with her. Can anyone tell me whether it would be ok to get him a companion? He's about a year old and has been on his own since he was bought.

I worry that he's lonely as he sometimes pulls his feathers out, although it could be down to stress from being in a new environment (I've only had him for a month).

Any budgie advice would be welcomed!

[rio116]

Hi,I have two male budgies,I started off with one on his own,had him about a year and was given a friends male budgie who now lives with my other one and they are the best of friends!!! Budgies love company as in the wild they live in large flocks,it would be fine for you to get another budgie,I would go for another male unless you want to breed of course? When you bring the new bird home don't put them together straight away as they will probably fight,put the new bird in a seperate cage next to the other bird cage,this way they can get used to each other by sight and sound. Do this for about a week,the new bird will be able to use that time to adjust to its new surroundings too. After about a week start putting the new bird into the other cage and keep him in there for about 10 mins,keep an eye out for fighting which they will do,let them get on with it but be there in case it turns nasty!! Every day put them together increasing the time every day,when they are together for more than an hour without any nasty scraps just leave them in the same cage,they will fight fo a few days as they will have to sort out who is dominant,mine did the same,but they will soon sort it out and will love each others company. Put a couple of perches in so they are able to have their own space if they need it,have fun!!

[Peghead]

Thank you so much for your advice - thats exactly the info I was after. I'll look into getting him a friend this weekend.

I'm so pleased because I really didn't want him to be on his own! Thanks again!!!

[cook_melisa]

ive always kept budgies and it is fine to introduce another one to your one it would proberly be happy for the company so go ahead and make him happy.
xxxx