Dominique
New member
Hi and Welcome! This is going to be long, so prepare yourself
It is great that your busgie is tame, that can make all the difference when getting a second bird. Because she has been the only bird for as long as she can remember, adding another to the flock will mean restablishing the pecking order. Now, if you have any hope of them being able to get along, it is probably best to get a small parrot. My first thought was a Green cheek Conure. Don't let the size fool you, these are wonderful bird. Very docile and calm and typically get along very well with other birds. Yes, they are bigger than budgies, most parrots will be. However, they are quieter and much less demanding than the larger birds, yet still enjoyable. I would definatly look into these birds more for a possible addition.
My second thought is parrotlets. These are among the smallest parrots avalibe on the pet trade and are becomming more and more avalible and popular. Once again, don't let size fool you; these are little cannons ready to explode with energy! They are small enough to the point that they could get along with your budgie, and they don't take up too much space. I think this is up there on the top of the list as far as suggestions goes. They don't have any special dietary needs but it is recommended that they are fed non-colored pellets. They thrive on a quality seed mix with these pellets and a variety of fruits and vegetables.
Although Lovebirds come to mind, they probably aren't going to be the best choice because it is very hard to find on that will get along with other birds. They can get very territorial and will fight/kill (especially Peachfaced) other birds if they feel threatened. But, having owned these birds myself, I found that they do have a wonderful pet potential if well socialized and handled consistantly. However, if you do want one, I would go with one that is young and can be socialized with your budgie (supervized, of course). Ask the breeder, if you choose to get one from there, if they can sociale them with other babies of the same or another species as well.
Conures tend to be the next choice for me. There are many varieties to choos from; different sizes, colors, personalities, and prices. Sun Conures come to mind... They are firendly, energetic little things who have brought much joy into housholds. They are popular and easy to find. But, they are loud! They shreik and do it often. Perhaps that is the reason I do not own one.
Pionus are another bird to look into. They are like the undiscovered treasures of the bird world. Although not very well known, they are known to make excellent companions and have a laid back temperment. Perfect for the bird owner who is just getting into larger birds yet want one that will not bore. Beauty meets brains equals fun. I don't know how once would react to a budgie, as they are much bigger and stronger, but I thought I would toss that out there.
Caiques are becomming more and more well known throughout the avian world. They are the circus clowns of birds and have the most energy out of all birds, I think Nothing is like being surfed by a Caique. They will wrap you around their little foot before you can blink. Just love them! There are two varieties: Black capped and white bellied. They look exactly alike except the black capped has a 'cap' on the top of it's head. Personalities are exact too, it's jsut whichever color you prefer. Lots and Lots of energy mean that they will need a large cage will plenty of toys. If you decide to get one, be sure that you can provide a constant supply of toys because even though they are not desstructive, they play hard and need lots of mental stimulation.
Hahns macaws might also be another bird you may want to check out. Once again, much bigger than your budgie, but sweet birds. If you like the personality of macaws but not the size, this is your bird. They are a big bird in a small package. Very sweet; you get that same cuddly/ playful personality that you would find in a B&G or Scarlett but in a small bird. The are about 12 inches long from their head to the tip of their tail. They are known to be good talkers but make far less noise than their bigger cousins.
Senegals, however, are once again in the tops. Small enough for the not-so-new-yet-not-too-experianced bird owner. Sweet personalities, I cannot say anything bad about them really. I havn't spent much time with their close reletive, the Meyer's parrot, but I have been told they are a lot alike. They are about 9-10 inches long from head to tail. They are active and energetic and love to interact with people. No unusual dietary needs- just a pelleted (preferably) and fruit and veggie rich diet. While there are exceptions, they are not know to become feather pluckers or screamers but, without consistant handling, can become nippy.
These are would be my personal preferances as none are too big yet are wonderful birds. Be sure to do lots of research and spend time with some babies and adults before you mak a final decision.
It is great that your busgie is tame, that can make all the difference when getting a second bird. Because she has been the only bird for as long as she can remember, adding another to the flock will mean restablishing the pecking order. Now, if you have any hope of them being able to get along, it is probably best to get a small parrot. My first thought was a Green cheek Conure. Don't let the size fool you, these are wonderful bird. Very docile and calm and typically get along very well with other birds. Yes, they are bigger than budgies, most parrots will be. However, they are quieter and much less demanding than the larger birds, yet still enjoyable. I would definatly look into these birds more for a possible addition.
My second thought is parrotlets. These are among the smallest parrots avalibe on the pet trade and are becomming more and more avalible and popular. Once again, don't let size fool you; these are little cannons ready to explode with energy! They are small enough to the point that they could get along with your budgie, and they don't take up too much space. I think this is up there on the top of the list as far as suggestions goes. They don't have any special dietary needs but it is recommended that they are fed non-colored pellets. They thrive on a quality seed mix with these pellets and a variety of fruits and vegetables.
Although Lovebirds come to mind, they probably aren't going to be the best choice because it is very hard to find on that will get along with other birds. They can get very territorial and will fight/kill (especially Peachfaced) other birds if they feel threatened. But, having owned these birds myself, I found that they do have a wonderful pet potential if well socialized and handled consistantly. However, if you do want one, I would go with one that is young and can be socialized with your budgie (supervized, of course). Ask the breeder, if you choose to get one from there, if they can sociale them with other babies of the same or another species as well.
Conures tend to be the next choice for me. There are many varieties to choos from; different sizes, colors, personalities, and prices. Sun Conures come to mind... They are firendly, energetic little things who have brought much joy into housholds. They are popular and easy to find. But, they are loud! They shreik and do it often. Perhaps that is the reason I do not own one.
Pionus are another bird to look into. They are like the undiscovered treasures of the bird world. Although not very well known, they are known to make excellent companions and have a laid back temperment. Perfect for the bird owner who is just getting into larger birds yet want one that will not bore. Beauty meets brains equals fun. I don't know how once would react to a budgie, as they are much bigger and stronger, but I thought I would toss that out there.
Caiques are becomming more and more well known throughout the avian world. They are the circus clowns of birds and have the most energy out of all birds, I think Nothing is like being surfed by a Caique. They will wrap you around their little foot before you can blink. Just love them! There are two varieties: Black capped and white bellied. They look exactly alike except the black capped has a 'cap' on the top of it's head. Personalities are exact too, it's jsut whichever color you prefer. Lots and Lots of energy mean that they will need a large cage will plenty of toys. If you decide to get one, be sure that you can provide a constant supply of toys because even though they are not desstructive, they play hard and need lots of mental stimulation.
Hahns macaws might also be another bird you may want to check out. Once again, much bigger than your budgie, but sweet birds. If you like the personality of macaws but not the size, this is your bird. They are a big bird in a small package. Very sweet; you get that same cuddly/ playful personality that you would find in a B&G or Scarlett but in a small bird. The are about 12 inches long from their head to the tip of their tail. They are known to be good talkers but make far less noise than their bigger cousins.
Senegals, however, are once again in the tops. Small enough for the not-so-new-yet-not-too-experianced bird owner. Sweet personalities, I cannot say anything bad about them really. I havn't spent much time with their close reletive, the Meyer's parrot, but I have been told they are a lot alike. They are about 9-10 inches long from head to tail. They are active and energetic and love to interact with people. No unusual dietary needs- just a pelleted (preferably) and fruit and veggie rich diet. While there are exceptions, they are not know to become feather pluckers or screamers but, without consistant handling, can become nippy.
These are would be my personal preferances as none are too big yet are wonderful birds. Be sure to do lots of research and spend time with some babies and adults before you mak a final decision.