Should I buy another budgie?

Most birds and animals like a companion, so yes I would get another one.😃

I agree.

Can you look after one from a shelter to see if they "gel"?

I think if you explain your situation they may be happy to do a trial? I am only guessing but that's what I'd do.

As the parakeet is missing the late budgie, I would definitely get a new one, but keep it in its own cage, until you see if the two birds get on.

Unless, of course, you feel that looking after two birds is too much work for you now. The parakeet will get over the loss, but I have no idea how soon that will happen.

My tom cat looked at the empty sofa yesterday, as if to say, "Master should be sitting there." It is now nearly a year and a half since my husband died, and I honestly thought both cats had stopped missing him, but apparently not.

On the other hand, when the first of our previous pair of cats died, it only took nine weeks before his brother resumed hunting mice in the garden, and growling at dogs walking past the garden fence - he had apparently not felt either activity suitable while he was mourning his brother.

Would another parakeet be a good idea or do you think a replacement budgie would be better as that is what the parakeet is used to?

Loads and loads in rescue. Parrots of all shapes and sizes. Rescue centre often have offered a space to “pet” birds. Ideally all birds should be as nature intendedie free then if not an option an aviary then lastly a cage. Try rspca or birdline

Good luck with whatever you decide. I don't know much about birds, (certainly not caged ones !! ) other than the ones that visit my garden . A rescue bird would seem the best option.

I believe they are birds that usually gather in flocks, so I would get a companion if he is used to having one.

Silly, but I thought budgie and parakeet were interchangeable terms for the same bird. Can you explain the difference?

Message deleted by Gransnet for breaking our forum guidelines. Replies may also be deleted.

I had a cockatiel called Wiggy for many years, until she died a couple of years ago. I would love another bird but cannot reconcile myself now to keeping birds in cages.
But, yes, I think your parakeet would like some company. There is just a chance that they may not bond though.
I didn't realise budgies were parakeets.

PS. I just googled it. Yes, they are.

CanadianGran

I believe they are birds that usually gather in flocks, so I would get a companion if he is used to having one.

Silly, but I thought budgie and parakeet were interchangeable terms for the same bird. Can you explain the difference?

Budgerigars are a type of parakeet but there are other types, some are larger.

If you are considering getting another budgie, it's generally recommended to do so as budgies are highly social birds and thrive in pairs, meaning a second budgie can significantly improve your single bird's happiness and well-being; however, be sure to factor in your available time and space to properly care for two birds, and to introduce them slowly to ensure compatibility.

Thanks all for your responses. Firstly, I would like to state that my birds are not kept in cages. They have the freedom of my flat, but choose to stay in whichever room I'm sitting in.
I did get another budgie. As soon as I walked in with it, the parakeet perked up and started 'talking' to it. They are now a 'pair'. So I made the right decision.

Thanks for the update.

So pleased to hear your birds are free to roam as I don’t like thinking about caged birds (although the thought of the poops horrifies me or have you trained them?)
It’s amazing what we can get used to my friends daughter has a big African snail that’s she’s had for literally years it goes everywhere with her and has such a personality they have so much respect and fun with each other she will be completely lost if/when anything happens but I think they live to a good age ! I could not imagine a snail with a personality but this one does have one
Glad you made the right decision and everyone is happy

Perhaps you could get a rescue one?

No! Dreadful putting a bird in a cage.

Birds are meant to fly free!

I've been only just seen this thread for the first time today.
So pleased you now have a companion for your parakeet and that the parakeet is happy again.
Thank you for updating the thread.
BlueBell what an interesting story about the African Snail.