Nearly 3 years ago I purchased my first baby budgies, Chip and Dale. 2 brothers from a local show breeder. A few weeks ago Dale stopped using one of his feet. The vet could not identify what was wrong but said it might get better or might not. He has been getting around fine with the one leg and seemed happy. I found him yesterday with his bad leg stuck in the bars. I quickly rushed him to the vet but his leg was broken. He was very weak and the other leg was also not very good. The vet said it was best to put him to sleep.

 

This was last night and my other budgie seems lonely. He is chirping a little but seems to be looking around for Dale all the time doesn't understand where he’s gone.

 

I don't want to leave him on his own but am unsure of how he will react to a new baby budgie. Will it be okay to put a new baby male budgie in with him now? Or shall I wait for a bit?

 

Any advice would be much appreciated.

 

Lyndsay

Oh dear, what awful news. As for getting a new budgie - firstly, a new budgie would need to be quarantined for a month, so it's not a quick fix solution. Secondly, there is no guarantee that a new budgie will necesarily get along with your existing budgie. It doesn't happen that often, but sometimes some birds just don't get along, and before you choose to get a second bird you need to make sure you can house them seperately if you need to.

Your budgie will get over the loss, quicker than you will. Whether he needs a friend or not, only you can tell. Depends how much time you have to spend with him, whether someone is home most of the day etc. Good luck with whatever you choose

Oh dear, what awful news. As for getting a new budgie - firstly, a new budgie would need to be quarantined for a month, so it's not a quick fix solution. Secondly, there is no guarantee that a new budgie will necesarily get along with your existing budgie. It doesn't happen that often, but sometimes some birds just don't get along, and before you choose to get a second bird you need to make sure you can house them seperately if you need to.

Your budgie will get over the loss, quicker than you will. Whether he needs a friend or not, only you can tell. Depends how much time you have to spend with him, whether someone is home most of the day etc. Good luck with whatever you choose

 

Thanks Lin for your reply

 

My husband and I are both at work so I really do want to get another friend for Chip. I will go to the same breeder I originally purchased them from. I am happy getting another cage for the new one and keeping them apart for a while. Chip is not tame but he was very friendly with Dale.

Yes, if your out all day, sounds like it might be an idea to get another one. In the meantime, leave the tv or a radio on low for some noise for the one you have

I understand I need to quarantine a new bird for 30 days but can I leave the new cage in the same room as my current bird or do I need to have the cage in another room?

Okay, ideal scenario is a seperate room. If you think about the reason for quarantine, to ensure no diseases are passed to the existing bird, and that a lot of viruses are airborne, you'll understand why. Reality is that sometimes you just can't do that and so as far apart as possible has to suffice. When you are letting one bird out for free flight time, cover the other cage completely, so that they can't interact at all. Sounds easy? Trust me, they know the other one is there and it is sooooo hard to not cut quarantine short, but so important that you are strong about it. If at all possible, a seperate room is best.

read your post, I am sorry about your loss, so very sad . Lin gave you good advice, so I would follow it. Of course I second the quarentine, keep them in separate rooms for sure, and time will go by fast. We look forward to seeing pictures of your present budgie and your future one , if you decide.

I'm going to pick up my new budgie on Friday from a local breeder in Basingstoke. Not sure what colour he will be yet but maybe yellow with red eyes. The breeder man mentioned this colour on the phone.

 

He has around 100 birds in an indoor aviary. Do I still need to follow the quarantine rules if I purchase my budgie from him instead of a pet shop?

 

I purchased loads of new toys today with mirrors and bells. A new branch perch and a rope one. A new mist bottle and a little carry box for the new guy! I don't think he will be a baby, about a year old I think.

 

It’s all so exciting!!! I just hope my current budgie Chip gets along with him!

 

It is yellow with red eyes, it is most likely a Lutino

Yes, you need to do quarantine no matter where you purchase the bird, better be safe then sorry for sure . Time will fly and before you know it your little ones will be together playing. When introducing Chip, I would keep them both in their cages and place them side by side for the first day too see if they get along (this is of course after the quarantine)

 

Good luck, post pictures if you can

100 birds in an indoor aviary? I wouldn't support a breeder who has so many birds. There is no way the birds are getting specialized attention. Might as well go to a pet store. I could be wrong, but vet care for that many birds would be astronomical. Look for a small scale breeder. They are less likely to be out for money and more likely to be in it for the birds.