We are seriously considering getting a Budgie soon. Just was wondering if anyone else has one and could give me some general advice on what to look for when we pick one. We know we want a male, are not particular about color, but are concerned with what Porky will think of the "invader". LOL! Obviously, our Budgie will kept away from Porky in a cage out of reach, and Porky will be in his crate when we let the Budgie out of it cage for exercise. Also need recommendations on the best food, etc. for them. I have done some research online, but my knowledge of birds is very limited,so we will wait until I feel VERY informed before we add the little one to our home. We are considering a canary too, but think a Budgie would be a better fit for us until we move to a place where we can buy a bigger flying cage for a canary.
We have one at our house now. It was Randy's mom and came here when his dad moved in. It was quite interesting. When we had it here for a week or two last year, while Harold was in the hospital, Schatzi was constantly in the room it was in checking it out. I was really concerned about what she would do once it was here all the time. She totally ignores it, Meghan seems to think it is because the bird is in Harold's space and not our space, but they are all connected. Who knows?
This bird isn't very tame, and I think it is because Joyce had gotten two of them together at first. They were more interested in each other than human contact. I would start with one and make sure it is you g and has been hand fed if possible. I see the ones at the pet stores climbing through the plastic rings, etc, and this one doesn't do that. He does enjoy talking to the birdie in the mirror! We do not give him flight time, mainly because it isn't something he is used to. I think it is all in how you start them out, there are some great forums and message boards online and you can find out lots of info about treats you can give them etc. I would love to get another younger one when we no longer have this one, with a larger cage, but I am not sure Randy will go for it! I think you will have a blast and porky should be find. I will have to find the video of when Schatzi first saw the birds at Randy's mom's house, it is hilarious, she literally danced around the cage and Joyce laughed so hard. It is one of our great memories of his mom's last months.
I can't wait to see pictures. Be sure to put them on here or Facebook.
Thanks Teresa!! We are trying to find a young budgie that is hand fed or at least very comfortable with being handled. We don't want a nipper if at all possible. I'm not sure how much flying time we will give ours, since we rent right now, that's probably not an option. We haven't found the perfect one yet, but I'll be sure to share pictures when we do. For both of their protection, the cage will be well above Porky's reach. :2funny: His curiousity would likely get him pecked or the budgie murdered, and we DO NOT want that! We did find a very playful, funny little male at Petco, but once we held him he acted very uncomfortable and pecked at our hands. I was really disappointed he was so uncomfortable, because he sure was fun to watch and already did lots of mimics and a few words. He was "barking" back at dogs walking by and did a perfect cat "meow" sound. And he loved giving all the other birds kisses. So adorable, but I'm sure we will find the perfect one soon.