Should budgies be kept in pairs?
Parakeets do best when kept in pairs or small flocks. A single budgie lacks interaction with other budgies, something that is essential to their emotional well-being.
A happy parakeet lives in the most natural way possible. Nothing is more natural to them than bonding with their own kind. Find out how many friends your pet needs, and it’s not always just one!
This Is Why Budgies Need Other Budgies
These little parrots are programmed to be social. In nature, they spend their lives in large flocks: they raise chicks, fight and constantly groom each other. This nurtures their intelligence and makes them feel safe. When a budgie feels safe, their stress levels drop and their health flourishes.
What genres are best?
All parakeets have their own unique personalities. Because of this, not all birds will conform to the norm. So what is the norm? Well, the males are generally more social and friendly. Chickens are considered more aggressive. Let’s see all the possible combinations and the benefits or drawbacks of each one.
A male and female pair
This is the most popular combination when pet owners choose a pair of budgies. It makes sense because parakeets love to have a partner. As a close pair, a male and female are constantly grooming and feeding. You can be sure that this combination is healthy and the chances of aggression are very low.
You can even keep two males and one female together.
a couple of men
Keeping two males together usually does not cause problems. As mentioned a bit earlier, youngsters are naturally less aggressive and more social with other parakeets. This is also a good combination if you don’t want to breed and just want two birds that get along.
You can also keep several males together in a small flock.
a couple of women
As the most aggressive genus, keeping two females together in the same cage is not a good idea. While there are exceptions, it is common for a hen to focus most of her aggression on other females.
How do I introduce two parakeets to each other?
Let’s say you already have a parakeet and have decided to get him a friend. If this is your first time facing a presentation, it’s totally normal to feel a bit apprehensive. After all, you want things to go well.
The good news is that these birds rarely have serious arguments when they are first introduced. But play it safe and place the cage in a place that is quiet (to reduce your stress) but also gives you an opportunity to monitor how the two birds get along.
It is normal for new budgies to peck one or two at each other. These pecks rarely hit the mark and are just for show. You know, in parakeet language it would translate to “I’m still not sure who you are, so keep your distance!” However, any tiredness usually goes away in a few days.
How do I treat persistent aggression?
In the rare case that one or both budgies act like ruthless bandits, you should move one of them to another cage. If you don’t have a second cage, all is not lost. It just requires more vigilance on your part. They will most likely calm down after a few days.
You can reduce the chances of aggression between them by making sure the cage has enough space. A tiny cage doesn’t allow two birds to examine each other from what they think is a safe distance. A small cage also doesn’t allow enough exercise, which means the birds can’t expend their energy. For highly intelligent birds like budgies, the lack of exercise and space goes to their heads. The result? More cage stress and aggressive behavior.
A quick summary
- Parakeets are happiest in pairs or in flocks.
- Females tend to be more aggressive than males.
- A good choice for cage mates is a male/female or male/male combination.
- When first introduced, two budgies are usually established and accepted within a few hours to a few days.
This article is accurate and true to the best knowledge and belief of the author. It is not intended to replace the formal and individualized diagnosis, prognosis, treatment, prescription or advice of a veterinary medical professional. Animals showing signs and symptoms of distress should be seen by a veterinarian immediately.