My hen, Jaz, her partner Blue boy passed away yesterday. I was wondering when should I intoduce a new partner for her. She is on heat and wants to start laying. I know that she was friendly with the other males in the aviary, can I intoduce one of them to her or should I wait? she has wanted to breed now for a while, but I havent allowed her to, now I would like her to breed.

I am sorry to hear about the loss of your male . I am sure others will come on but if it were me personally I would wait to ensure she is in good health. Do you know why her partner passed? If he was sick she could be sick too and could pass it in to any new bird you put in with her. I would let her rest and make sure again she is not sick herself. Again I am sorry for your loss.

Budgies dont come on "heat" like dogs or cats. They can actually breed all year round if conditions are right although no more than two clutches in a year is better for them....for their health and longevity.

Budgies, despite our feelings about life partners for them, are not faithful to only one partner. She would be ready to pair up with another bird when she sees the time is right and when she is in breeding condition. Only you can judge her state of health by seeing her and we can if you post pictures

the male that passed away had escaped from my breeding cage, and was found in my neighbours yard, he must have hurt his leg or had a stroke.

The hen is fine, she has been plucked of some feathers from one of the other hens in the aviary but apart from that she is in good health.

I brought in one of the other males that she was close to and she is happy as can be. I havent seen any signs of rejection from either of them so fingers crossed that in the coming month she will start laying.