Hello all.

 

I know this seems so sudden to even think about, but after our sweet little Sunny's death, poor Oscar is left all alone. He sits in the same place in his cage and occasionally sings to himself, but is puffed out or sleeping most of the time. He still eats and drinks, and as far as I can see, certaintly isn't sick. Its hard to tell whether he is grieving or not, but I hate seeing him alone in his cage, and I am really tempted to get him a new mate at some point. Only..I can't decide on a male, or a female..

 

I know that with a female there is a possibility that they may breed, but is it likely to happen without a nestbox? I was actually considering breeding them when the time is right and I know enough information, and I have never had a female bird before. Perhaps it would be an exciting experience. Other than my interests, what would be best for Oscar? Would he be happier with a male? Or female? What are some things about female budgies that I should be aware of? Are they moodier? Less tameable? Should I worry about egg binding even if they aren't breeding, and what should be done to prevent it? Etc..

 

Thanks for your input in advance.

I missed this somehow, sorry no one else has responded yet. I'm sorry for your loss.

 

Birds do grieve. When Rainbow died it took about 2 months before the flock was acting what I would call normal. Oscar will probably perk up a little bit at a time, but depending upon how long he had a partner could in part determine how long he will act depressed. His whole routine has been disrupted, and he is alone for the first time in probably awhile. How is he doing now? Did you decide to get him a friend? If you are still thinking about getting a female budgie in the future, I can tell you what I know about them. :ausb:

Hi, sorry to hear about your Sunny's death, poor Oscar all alone now, I think you should definately get him a friend! I know birds who have lived without another bird their whole lives and were extremely happy with their humans but for a bird that has had another bird in it's life I think it would be awfully lonely. My birds love their little community....flock...budgies in the wild live in huge flocks and are very social, at least the ones I have seen were, as for whether to get a male or female it is pretty much up to if you want to breed them or not. I'm sure Oscar will like a male or female friend.....he may prefer a female purely because he has had a female companion before, good luck and I hope Oscar gets his new friend soon!