When to introduce a second bird, and how?

[dramanea]

Hi everyone!
In about a month I'm finally going to get a budgie! I think it would be fun to eventually get it a buddy, so they can keep each other company while I'm gone. A friend of mine has a pair, and they're always giving each other kisses-cuteness! I just have some questions:
How long should I have the first bird before I get a second, so that the original budgie will remain tame? Also, how should I introduce them?
Thank you very much.

 

[Sookiebird]

Hi there! I do bird fostering and had two sets of budgies that I introduced. The way I did it was to have their cages near each other for a few days or a week. Then I put a pair in with the other pair for an hour or so for the first day of meeting. Did the same but longer the second day. I observed their behavior closely and watched for any serious bullying behavior, etc. Then on the third day I put them in together and watched them on and off throughout the day. That night I let them spend the night together. Everything seemed to go well, and they have stayed together since! They've now been place in another foster home until they get adopted. Hope this helps.

 

[Sookiebird]

I also wanted to ask a similar question but for birds larger than parakeets. I have a Meyers Parrot (female) and want to get a male Caique who is about 4 years old. How should I introduce these two and what concerns should I have about the Caique since I'm new to the breed. Both these birds can do some damage with their beaks as compared to parakeets, so I want to be careful!

 

[Birdlover11]

i am at school the whole day and pepsi and sprite love each overs company ( not around food though lol ) if you want i would completly tame the first one then when you get the second one you could begin taming. i agree with the steps above

 

[Niner10Tango]

One thing I would make sure that you practice good quarantine techniques before placing the birds near each other.

How To Quarantine Your New Pet Bird

 

[MarciaLove]

before you get a new bird make absolutely certain yours is bonded to you so it wont be mean later on and do the same when you get the new one. they will bond to each other a bit but as long as they were both bonded to you before you introduce them to each other then they will still be nice to you. Here is a youtube video on how to introduce birds i know these are lovebirds but its the same with any bird really
[ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sh2FMhQn9ZQ]Introducing Lovebirds - YouTube[/ame]