Parakeets are social creatures who enjoy the company of people and other birds. Keep a parakeet from getting lonely by spending lots of one-on-one time with him or by getting your budgie a companion bird.
The main reason why you might prefer to have just one parakeet is that a solo bird generally is more affectionate toward his owner. When kept alone, a parakeet will come to see you as together in a flock. The parakeet is a social creature, though, so it will be lonely if alone all day. If you work full-time are are unsure whether you can give your bird adequate attention after work because your schedule is busy, you should get two birds to be fair to your pet.
When you aren't around to provide your budgie with stimulation and social time, a second bird can perform that role for you. And when you are home, you'll enjoy the antics that two parakeets will cook up. If you socialize one bird before getting your second bird, the birds will both be more likely to bond with you and enjoy human companionship. If you get both parakeets at the same time, they will look to one another for companionship and rely less on your attention.
Females are the dominant parakeet gender, so avoid getting two female birds. They would likely squabble. Male parakeets tend to get along well together, so if you have a male bird you may get him a same-gender friend. If you want a male parakeet and a female one, you'll need a large cage that offers the male room to escape the female should she reject his ardor. A male and female could mate, so consider whether you want to raise bird babies before you get an opposite-gender pair of 'keets.
Whether you opt for one bird or two, choose a cage with ample space. For one bird, look for a cage that is 24 inches in length, width and height. For two birds, look for a taller cage that has plenty of perch room -- especially if you choose to keep a male and female bird together. Your bird should be able to fly from one side of the cage to the other to enjoy a sense of freedom.
- "Parakeet: Your Happy Healthy Pet"; Julie Rach Mancini
- Bird Channel: Keeping a Pair of Pet Budgies/Parakeets
- "A Beginners Guide to Parakeets"; Nikki Moustaki et al.
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