Hello all...advice on introducing a new friend to grieving budgie

[lightning]

I have not been around in awhile, life gets busy. I came around a couple of years ago when I got my first 2 little budgies, Moody Blues and Bodhi.

Well, we lost Bodhi Friday morning. We are not sure what happened. I cleaned their cage Wednesday afternoon and an hour later he was on the bottom screaming and limping in a circle. I ran and got him out looked him over, and could not see anything wrong other than he wasn't able to perch or walk straight. Called the avian vet, left a message. She did not call back. called around and got ahold of another vet who wasn't too knowledgable on birds but did try his best to help. He seemed better aside from still not perching.

Thursday I had work and had to leave him with hubby. Hubby is not as into them as i am, bu he did make sure Bodhi was eating and drinking, and tried to call the avian vet again. No answer and no return calls, again...

Friday, had to go to work, hubby again left with Bodhi. Vet finally called back and apologizeed because her receptionist lost our numbers. I explained what was going on and she wanted us to bring him in. I called hubby to tell him and give him directions as she has moved and we could not find her office earlier. Bodhi passed while he was taking a shower about an hour before I called.

I've been a wreck over it all weekend, feeling like I failed him. I have no idea what could have possibly happened other than maybe a fall of some sort. Bodhi loved to hang from the top of the cage when in it. I had not let them out for the day yet because we'd had 2 snow days from school and the kids were in and out of the living room constantly all day; I didn't want them to end up out of the living room/hallway where they fly, or take the chance of our puppy or cat getting them. His appetite never wavered, he was drinking fine, flying fine, poops were same as always...I can't think of anything that could have possibly caused this.

Moody is lonely, and I found a budgie yesterday that I think would be a great match. He/she is very silly like Bodhi and actually had me giggling in the little pet store. I will be picking him/her up tomorrow afternoon. Any suggestions for introducing them to each other? I already have an extra cage to keep them seperated for a bit and I'm getting a new cage in a couple of weeks for them with a flat top instead of the angled top like we have now. I want them to be friendly and hope the new bird helps her heal some.

 

[ParrotLover2001]

I'm just going off based on what I've seen on tv, but sounds like something happened involving his brain.

I have introduced many birds in the past, I normally do it away from the cages, somewhere that's not familiar to them, that way they aren't territorial towards each other. After they seem to get along I move both cages into the same room. Moving the cages closer together every day.

But not all birds get along, even if they are the same species.

Sent from my Galaxy s8

 

[lightning]

Thanks. These were my first birds, and they were together when I got them so they were very close. I'm hoping she will take to this one because it is so much like Bodhi. Do you think allowing the play gym that they shared when I introduce them isa good idea, since they can be territorial and Moody might see that as belonging to he and Bodhi?

 

[ParrotLover2001]

Thanks. These were my first birds, and they were together when I got them so they were very close. I'm hoping she will take to this one because it is so much like Bodhi. Do you think allowing the play gym that they shared when I introduce them isa good idea, since they can be territorial and Moody might see that as belonging to he and Bodhi?

I would wait to use the play gym, at least until they are comfortable around each other.

Sent from my Galaxy s8

 

[lightning]

Yes. We've only had that particular one since Christmas ( it was their present), but I will keep it put away for awhile.

This whole thing has just been awful. Bodhi was the more people friendly of the two. Moody will hang out on your finger but that's about the extent of his people dealings lol. He has been more observant of my movements and attention over the weekend, so maybe that is going to change. I think we are both just still in shock over it all.