His companion just died and I have no idea why. They both looked fine just the other night. I live in Temecula and the weather has been pretty cold lately. But the parakeets have been inside the house and they were fed with plenty of foods and water. I just don't know if I should set him free or get another parakeet for him. I really feel sorry for the little fellow, but would he be all right out there if I let him go?
2007-01-20 11:20:42 · 28 answers · asked by dn.dan_6575 1 in Pets ➔ Birds
No, he most certainly would not be alright if you let him go. He's been dependent on you for food, water, stimulation, a place to sleep and his safety for his entire life. If you set him free now, he'll die from the elements or starvation, or be killed by another animal in short order.
Get him another parakeet, and let him live the rest of his life out with you. It's only fair. You made the commitment to him by purchasing him, now you need to follow through with it by not kicking him out when he needs you the most.
2007-01-21 09:02:50 · answer #1 · answered by sdkramer76 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
No. He would die.
Budgies (parakeets) come from Australia. The centre of australia. We're talking hot, arid, dry Australia. They are also flock birds and can not survive in the wild without their flock. A flock is upwards of 20 birds, sometimes into the 100s.
Why would you let him go? Even if you don't get a friend for him, why can't you just keep him? If you can spend enouhg time with him every day then having only one budge is fine. If you can't, then get another one.
If you are unsure why your other bird died you might want to look at how you are taking care of them. Were they getting a varied diet of fruits, veggies, pasta etc every day as well as seed? Were they exercised with free flight time ever day, at least 2 hours? Were they in a large enough cage?
The one who died might also just have been sick. Birds hide their sickness pretty much right up until they die, so he may have been sick for a fair while and you didn't notice. If you think this is the case make sure you do not introcude a new bird too soon, as your old one may still be infected and both birds might die. Give it at least 30 days before you buy a new bird.
You might want to also consider taking your surviving bird to teh vet for a check up. But please, what ever you do, don't set him 'free' to certain death.
2007-01-20 15:56:11 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
parakeets don't fare well outside of homes, and he'll be killed off quickly by weather, a dog, another bird, a cat, a car, or flying into a window. get him another parakeet if he needs a companion, but only after you do a very thorough cleaning of the cage. and keep the 2 apart for at least a week in case the remaining parakeet has any underlying medical issues. a sort of quarantine, if you will.
2007-01-20 11:30:15 · answer #3 · answered by jadedgoldfish 2 · 4⤊ 0⤋
NO!!!... He'll die. Either find it a home, and you can, or try getting a baby one to add as a partner. Just don't wait too long for it to get used to being the head of the roost, so to speak.
My friend had the same problem. He went to a pet store that will let you return it if it doesn't work out and he bought one. He had to take it back, waited a while and got another and they are wonderful together.
Call around and find a shop that has a return policy and/or one that will take the one you have. Email me if you want more suggestions.
2007-01-20 12:03:47 · answer #4 · answered by pj 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
He won't live if you set him free, he isn't used to that environment and has almost definitely never lived outside a cage with food, water, and warmth provided for him. I had two parakeets also and when one died a couple months ago, we got another one for him and he's thrilled to have the company. They only cost about $10...get him a friend!
2007-01-20 11:43:11 · answer #5 · answered by Grace1228 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
A key thing about parakeets. Most die by 5 years old. However if they live past their 5th birthday, they may live up to 50 years!!! Do not, I repeat DO NOT set him free. A domesticated animal can never live in the wild or the city. Try getting another cage, and another few birds, place them side by side so they can talk and play. Eventually you will be able to put them in the same cage.
2007-01-20 15:27:43 · answer #6 · answered by EYoungmom88 3 · 0⤊ 2⤋
hi there. Since your sweet bird has been a captive all his life, he has not acquired the skills to survive in the wild. He can bond with you very well. If you need help with training, I'll be happy to help you. Single birds can really be a joy. You could buy another bird. Sanitize your cage and its contents (except the bird lol). They might bond with each other instead of you. I've seen couples also fight and have to be separated. The choice is yours. Use your good judgment and have a tweet year.
2007-01-20 11:37:04 · answer #7 · answered by firestarter 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
never let a parakeet in the wild. I got a parakeet on my b-day and my moms friends have birds and they stayed with use for about 2 weeks and then my parakeet got sad. for example he would sit in his cage for a long time. and not play.but then i convinced my parents to buy one more parakeet and now there playing having fun and they haven't ever spend a year with each other.
2007-01-21 01:31:53 · answer #8 · answered by *Rawr* 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
NO!!!! Don't free a pet bird. It does not belong out there with wild birds, it has no survival skills and will be in the wrong habitat, and it will most likely die...of starvation, it will freeze to death, or be eaten by a predator. If you don't want your pet bird than find a home for it. If you feel sorry for him, then don't send him to an early death by letting him go.
2007-01-20 15:51:32 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
NO! Do not set your bird free! It is not only illegal in most states, it is cruel. Most birds that are set free or escape die of starvation.
That said, I would not get another parakeet for a while. Birds are fine on their own.
If you decide you don't want it, call the humane society to see if they can take it, find a rescue, or advertise it in your local paper.
2007-01-20 11:56:31 · answer #10 · answered by Christie D 5 · 3⤊ 1⤋