My Budgie died of old age :( Should I get another one?

Question

Last night, I went to the cage of my two female budgies and found my 7 year old female on the floor of the cage, she was dead :( She wasn't ill, she was quite healthy, regular vet checks etc. She just died of old age. Now my other female, Darla, is alone. I lifted her cover off her cage this morning and she was sitting on her swing, looking at her friend's empty swing. She didn't sing, she didn't have her morning bath when I gave her the basin of water, she just sat on her swing and looked pitiful. I swear she's mourning her companion's death. I know the cause of death isn't illness, so would it be safe to introduce a new budgie to her? I'm worried she won't accept the new budgie, maybe it's too soon? Should I wait for her to acknowledge that her friend isn't coming back and let her have some alone time before introducing a new friend? Please only answers from "bird" people who understand that budgies have feelings too. I am very attached to my birds and want them to be happy.

Answer 1

I have a Budgie (Boo) who just lost its Budgie Friend too. I do plan to get another one as soon as I can. I would like to get another baby hand fed one because the one I lost was and he got use to me very much sooner then the Other one who was older and Not hand Fed. And I think a Baby Bird will more easily integrate with the Older one then a older one who may be a bit more set in its ways.

If you are considering this and you really want another one- then I would think the sooner the better. I called places to find where they carried them and when they would get some in. At first they don t have many feathers (I think they send them to the stores when there around 13 wks old and after the store has them for about a week they start growing their feathers and you can tell more what they look like. Usually you can pick one out and they will mark it in someway and save it for you. And you can come in and play with it anytime you want. And within about a two week period they will let you take it home. They hand feed it and watch for health and maturity issues. I would think that the best thing to do for your budgie while your waiting is to have him where you are as much as possible-so he would be less alone.


The most important thing is to find out how much time for health reasons-you should keep them separated. So even if you get another one - after picking it up you will spend that separation time getting the new bird use to you and continuing to pamper the other one. And once the separation period for the health is over you can do the below at the pace that seems to work for the birds.

1. Put the bird in the same room but in different cages 2. Let one out and let it explore from the outside of the cage with the other one. 3 open the doors of the cages and let them visit each other for a bit- Only do it as long as they seem fine with. 4 They can then share the Large cage together.

Answer 2

If you get a new one, I would also get another (maybe a small one) cage for the new one. Put them side by side, so they can get to know each other, yet not get in each others way. Introduce them slowly. In a few weeks you may be able to put them together. If you get a smaller cage, you can use it as a transport cage, or one to put them in while cleaning their cage.
It doesn't have to be a waste of money!
Good luck!

If it was a younger bird, I would tell you to totally clean out the cage & put the new one in first, with all new toys, leaving only a favorite from the first bird. Then introduce the older bird to the 'new' cage with the new bird. But, that shouldn't be done this time.

Answer 3

I can relate to what you are going through my daughter lost one of her scaley breasted lorrikeets she was so upset the other one squarky was in a state you could hear the difference in the voice of the bird they were such active birds they followed each other in everything that they did and Dorkey the one that died was the freindliest out of the two now Squarkey seems to be going in to his shell They do have their own personalities and are quite little characters I am sad for your lose I hope that you will introduce her to a new friend for both of you good luck in whatever you do

Answer 4

From my experience, I would spend some extra time with the one bird and start looking for another right away. Like humans, once an animal has a friend/mate and this is other is gone (no matter what the reasons), they are lonely and have to adjust. Since it was use to having another around, I would suggest getting another one. Good luck

Answer 5

Maybe you should get Darla another playmate, try introducing them through the cage to see if she likes the new one. I don't have budgies,but I love animals.

Answer 6

I would go to a budgie site with a discussion board. There are lots of them, some are very very big with lots of information! Around here you may get a lot of folks who suggest based on no real knowledge, or their one time their pet died...you know what I mean? You need information from a big group, based on 'most birds' not just one owner.

I'm so sorry about your bird. :(

Answer 7

Budgies can live as long as 15 years. She may not have died of old age.
I would make absolutely sure there is nothing wrong with the other one.
Once you are sure the other one is O.K., go ahead and get another one. Budgies are social creatures. I'm sure she misses her friend.
GOOD LUCK!!

Answer 8

That sucks! I'm so sorry. I think u should get another before the other one dies of loneliness

Answer 9

old age? do nt think so my cat lived for 1 years and she could have lived more had she not fell sick!
hope your other cat does not get what your dead one got .. get her checked by the vet

Answer 10

thats sad =( i think you should get another one and introduce them together slowly?