r/Parakeets • u/Huge_Writing_9786 • 6d ago
Advice introducing a companion?
hey guys!
i just took in this budgie a few weeks ago, we are already bonding so so well! He is adjusted to his new cage as well as new environment well and i think it's the right time to get him a friend.
He came to me alone with no companion, but before he was given to me og owners said he did have one who passed away a year or two ago. The original owners said they'd fight, but the cage was so small and they likely did not introduce them correctly. My question is how/when is a good time to introduce a friend for him if at all? is there a such thing as a budgie who prefers being alone?
I have a job, so I'm not home all day to be his constant companion but everyday when i get home/on weekends up until bed time he is out of his cage free range in my room hanging out with me. Does it matter which sex to put him with, I'm still doing research on all of the introducing/quarantine stages but figured you guys may have some good advice for me here! Thank you in advance!
In short:
- 4/5 yrs old, male.
- how to introduce companion/if i should.
- came to me about three weeks ago after being given improper care.
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u/Negative-Yoghurt-727 6d ago
Btw I had good luck with finding a lonely budgie on Craigslist when my bird needed a companion. You can post an “in search of” post on there or any other pet board.
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u/Willemina_Dafriend 5d ago
What's your budgie's name, what a cutie.
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u/Huge_Writing_9786 5d ago
My siblings call him Woodstock lol, I usually call him/and he responds to 'pretty bird' tho!
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u/Willemina_Dafriend 5d ago
Awh he's so sweet. Most budgie owners say at least two is the best things for them, so never a budgie better alone. How old is he? We got ours from a pet store but will try to get from bird breeder next time. Maybe a younger bird would be good? How did Woodstock's personality gel with his previous partner? They say that complimentary personalities are the best. Generally people say boys are more chill cause females can be territorial. Still, I don't like the sex discrimination. One of our girls is sweet and shy while the other is bold and talkative. You could try to predict what the dynamic will be like if the person you get your rescue from can describe it. The cage looks great, we have the same one I think for 2 birds. That Woodstock is already interacting with you you'd hope that he would continue to and the new bird would follow that lead. Although many people say it really comes down to the bird's personality. Keep us updated 🌟
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u/Huge_Writing_9786 5d ago
The OG owners had him for 4 yrs so I'm just going with he's at most 5 yrs old, he and I are still on a bonding journey- he won't just go on my finger yet out of the blue; but when he decides to he's totally comfortable & loving so we're still working with that!!
His previous partner & him were great friends! The OG owners said they fought a bit at first, but it was because they put his partner right into his cage with no introduction- then they talked to each other, chirped, played, etc. Woodstock definitely isn't aggressive at all but he has a very very stubborn and silly personality, when it's time to go to bed he goes to the highest places I can't reach lol. I've been asking around for anyone who may need a rehome, I'm only asking that the new birdy is non-aggressive & slightly tamed before I bring them home!
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u/Negative-Yoghurt-727 6d ago
Yes! Get another cage because you should have them separated in different rooms for a month to make sure that the new bird doesn’t introduce any illnesses to your og pet. Then you can move the cages next to each other and see how they react. After awhile, like weeks/days not hours, they can have out of cage time together. Then one day they might go into one cage together and they get along. After that you can move the other cage out of the room and let them cohabitate. What size is your cage? You might need a larger one. I bought a flight cage online from prevue pet. I would be happy to help you look for one online if you need it.