Expert: Chrys Meatyard - 12/25/2007

Question
We've had a budgie for about 3 years since he flew into our backyard one day. At first he was standoffish, but now he likes people company. We have a parrot that he'd love to be friends with, but the parrot thinks he's a person and doesn't really see him as an equal.  :-)

We often think about getting him a companion.  I was curious about your thoughts on this. What are the odds that they'd get along (our budgie is pretty spoiled, has a huge cage full of toys, a play tree he flies to... ) and we're wondering if they'd fight or be best buddies.  Any ideas, suggestions?

Thank you!
Bill  

Answer
Hi, Bill,

Merry Christmas!

If you want your budgie to stay tame and the way he is, do not get a companion for your budgie.  YOU are your bird's companion!  Birds prefer other birds to humans and the best pet bird is a single bird in the home.  If you were to get another bird, there's a good chance these 2 birds would bond and then your good buddy won't be your good buddy any longer.  Now, this depends on the personalities of the individual birds involved, but based on my years of experience and my knowledge, do not purchase a companion for your budgie.  If you do decide to get another bird, no one can tell you how they will get along.  It just depends on the individual birds involved.  There are no guarantees.  If you were to get a female, then this could result in breeding/babies later on down the line.  If you were to get a male, some males fight and some don't...it just depends!  Regardless, you would be taking the chance of losing your tame friend...depends on what you want.

Chrys