Getting another bird

Sweety's mom said:

I guess it is a personal choice! My little guy is fine without a budgie friend, however that is only because I can spend a lot of time with him. I do work outside the home, but it is only a few blocks from my place. So I come home for lunch every day and spend an extra hour with him, plus I spend so much time in the morning and after work with him because I don't have any commute time. I also pop home just to refresh his food or water in the middle of the day sometimes.

If I was out of the home for 8-9 hours straight each day, I would probably get him a budgie friend. Because I know he just would not get enough interaction from me alone in that case. I always play music or shows he loves while I am gone, but if it was just that for 8 hours every day I don't think he would be happy about that.

The other thing to consider is that sometimes you get them a companion but the two don't get along and then you've got a new problem. So you may have to be prepared to re-home the new one if they can't get along.

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FaeryBee said:

How much time are you spending with Brie on a regular and consistent basis when you are home from work?
Are you playing the radio or TV for her when you are out?

There are many things to take into consideration before getting another bird.
Do you really want another pet

1. If you decide to get another budgie in the future, please be sure to observe quarantine for the new budgie.
Quarantine means housing the new bird in a different cage in a different room than the current bird (as far away from the room the current bird is in as possible) for a period of 35-45 days.
Budgies mask symptoms when they are ill. Symptoms may not show up for over two weeks.
Often you will not even realize your bird is not well. Many budgie illnesses are airborne which is why you need to quarantine your new bird in a completely different room.
Quarantine your new bird!
Yes - Quarantine IS necessary

It is also a good idea to always take a new budgie in to see an Avian Vet for a "well-birdie" check-up. This allows you to develop a good relationship with the vet and the vet can establish a baseline for your bird in case of any future illnesses or injuries.
If there are no Avian Vets in your area, then finding an Exotic Pet Veterinarian who has experience in dealing with small birds is the next best option.
Locating an Avian Veterinarian

2. Introducing the new bird to the current bird
Introducing Two Budgies

3. Flock Dynamics
Differences and Dynamics in Flocks
Your Harmonious Flock

4. Where do you plan to get the new bird?
If the time comes when you decide to get your budgie a friend, I highly recommend considering getting a bird of the same gender from either a bird rescue organization or a shelter.
These budgies need a good, safe and loving forever home.

Why you should buy from a Reputable/Ethical Breeder rather than a Big Box Pet Store

5. Vet Expense and Housing
Do you have the time, finances, etc to devote to another bird?
Are you ready, willing and able to house the new budgie separately on a permanent basis if it does not get along with your current bird after quarantine?
Be Prepared for Veterinary Expense

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FaeryBee said:

I would advise that you play music or the TV for your budgie when you are not with her during the day.

If you are able to get a second budgie and house them in the same room in separate cages after quarantine, they will both enjoy having the company.
I would get another female in case you decide, in the future, that you wish to house them in the same cage.
This could easily happen if you establish a strong bond with the second budgie as well.


The purpose of this forum is to promote the BEST PRACTICES in the care of budgies for their optimal Health and Well-Being
Locating an Avian Veterinarian

Please take the time to read through the Site Guidelines, the FAQs, the Budgie Articles and all of the Stickies located at the top of each section of the forum.
Additionally, please be sure to read the thread "Posting on the Forums" which is linked below.

Truly, the very BEST advice anyone can offer you is to take the time to read ALL of the stickies throughout the various Talk Budgie forums as well as the Budgie Articles we have posted.
(Stickies are threads “stuck” at the top of each forum sub-section)
These are great resources for Talk Budgie members and have a wealth of reliable information which will assist you to learn the best practices in caring for your budgies for their optimal health and well-being.

Navigating the Forums
SITE GUIDELINES
Posting on the Forums
Let's Talk Budgies!
FAQ
Articles

When you have mixed genders, it is very important to do everything necessary to prevent breeding.
Budgies are much healthier and happier when they are never bred.

A Heartfelt Plea to All Members
Tips For Discouraging Breeding
Before You Ever Consider Breeding Your Budgies
Guidance for Breeding Advice Threads

A Healthy Diet for your Budgie
Quality Seed Mix
CuttleBones, Mineral Blocks and Manu Clay Roses
Safe Foods for Budgies
The Truth about GRIT

Be Prepared for Veterinary Care Expense
Avian First Aid
Quarantine - Is it Really that Important?
Quarantine Your Birds

Essentials to a Great Cage
Cage sizes.
Dangers to Pet Birds
Resource Directory

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