Parakeet question -

[Mish19]

MeanLaureen or any other parakeet expert out there?

I had two parakeets and one unfortunately died. The remaining parakeet is 10 years old and lately he seems lonesome. He snuggles and plays with the plastic toy bird in his cage. He has many toys and we interact with him but I'm wondering if he could benefit from us getting another parakeet.

I am most worried of the age difference, will an almost 11 year old parakeet be too overwhelmed by a younger bird? Is there something we should look for when purchasing another bird to make it a good match for "Chirpy".

 

[PixieDust32]

Well, we had 2 of them for like 2 years, then one of them die and my DH got me another one, at first they argue, and the old one didn't let him eat, but after a couple days they were fine.
Then a couple months ago, the old one die and the other one is fine so far, he plays with his toys and makes a lots of noise, so I don't know if we need another one!

 

[mommytotwo]

We have had several parakeets and other birds.
Birds are just like other animals. When their mate or friend dies, they get lonely so another bird might make your parakeet happy. But on the other hand, it could be irritated by it with it having so much spunk.

 

[Sparx]

I've had parakeets for years. I think he is mourning. A young bird, specifically MALE might hurt him. (I had a young bird that we thought female reach sexual maturity and killed our older male) If you do get another bird, get an OLDER female. to your birdie.

 

[jedi_librarian]

I think it could benefit from having a companion again, as he very well may get lonely. They might have to adjust to each other, but believe me, they do. If they really don't get along, you could always separate them and keep them in separate cages. I know, it's more work. But that's only if they're really "beating" each other up! I have 5 lovebirds and an African grey parrot, so I know all about birdie "riots"!

 

[Aurora63]

I agree with the others on this one. My parakeet was like that when his friend died (after three years together).

I'd get another older parakeet and keep them in separate cages, but close to each other, for awhile. Maybe let them out at the same time. Good luck whatever you do.

 

[solferino]

When our cockatiels cagemate died (a parakeet) she was miserable and was so noisy! When I finally realised that she missed her friend we got a new 'keet for her and she was happy again. I feel bad for not recognising it sooner.

 

[Rafiki Rafiki Rafiki]

Please check with petfinder.org--there are dozens available for adoption!

In addition to the regular search, there is a classifieds section that has new animals added every day!

 

[Mish19]

Thanks for the replies. Since my parakeet is almost 11 years old it would probably be a very difference in age so I'm just so torn when I see him snuggle up to the plastic toy bird in his cage.

 

[Nite0wl71]

We have a cockatiel (Baby) and a parakeet(Pickle). Baby is 14 years old and Pickle is almost 2. They are not in the same cage but their cages sit side by side. We had another parakeet(Sugar) who died and Baby was so lonesome that's when we got Pickle.

 

[hucifer]

Parakeets are social creatures, and they usually pick a family member or another bird to exclusively bond with. Sounds like your little guy is missing his buddy very much...I feel so bad for him!

I think it's a good idea to introduce another bird to him. Hopefully he will warm up to another parakeet. I wouldn't be concerned about the age difference at all...they will click by personality rather than age.

BTW, my screen name is what I used to call my parakeet Hugh when her mean streak came out. She died about 10 years ago and I still miss the little devil!