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Post by tleighs on Nov 23, 2013 22:00:00 GMT
Hi all,
I was happy to find this forum! I am a new bird owner - have had my two male budgies for 3 months. I am wondering what people's thoughts are on the importance of room in the cage versus having additional flock mates. I have a bit of a weird cage, it is meant more for a parrot than budgies, but I needed a wrought iron cage because I have cats. I think it likely fits minimum standards for length (22"L x 17"W x 30"H) and is more than enough otherwise, but I'm not sure what's acceptable/ideal for number of budgies for this space. Of course, part of me wants more, but I want what's best for the birds and don't want them to be stressed either. I keep reading how important the flock is for budgies, and so I wonder whether they would be happier with another pair? I have read that even numbers are important, as well as not having mismatched numbers of males and females.
So, my overall question is given the cage I have (I'm going to try an attach a picture or two), would my budgies be better off just the two of them, or would they be happier with a flock of four?
I'd appreciate the advice!
Terri
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Post by tleighs on Nov 23, 2013 22:13:19 GMT
I should mention, I do try to give them an opportunity to come out of their cage a couple of times per week (when the cats and dogs are confined in a separate room of course!) so they can get some flying exercise, but they are still building confidence and trust and only come out occasionally. I hope that will increase over time, but realistically I am unlikely to be able to let them out every day. I give them attention every day, but given my "zoo", I just don't have the time to let them out every day. I understand that a smaller cage could potentially be acceptable if they had lots of time out, but it will be limited.
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Post by Sarah on Nov 23, 2013 22:33:24 GMT
This cage is a bit unusual in terms of dimensions. It is usually better to have a cage that is longer than it is tall, unless it is so large that a budgie has enough room to fly at an upward angle. If I am imagining it as it is, it should be enough for two. But, without being able to visualize it, I am a bit wary of telling you it is safe to have more birds in it or not. When it comes down to it, the more room a bird has to move, play and exercise in, the more healthy that animal is going to be. This is why we say that smaller cages are only okay for people who are able to safely exercise their birds in the house each day. Before you consider purchasing new birds, I would strongly recommend considering saving up the money for a proper flight cage. 100-150 dollars will buy you the biggest cage you could possibly need, and you could have four very happy budgies or up to ten comfortable budgies in it. This cage, for instance, is a better option for birds with only limited access to out of cage exercise. www.amazon.com/Prevue-Products-Wrought-F040-31-Inch/dp/B00176F5L0 |
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Post by tleighs on Nov 23, 2013 22:51:52 GMT
Thanks Sarah! I couldn't figure out how to attach a picture - maybe because I'm working on my iPad it's not as obvious.
If the space is more important than having additional flock mates, I'm okay with that. I would definitely rather have two happy, healthy birds than four stressed, unhealthy ones. I appreciate the link. Unfortunately I live in Canada and I had to look for quite a while before I found the one I got. I paid about $180 for it (did end up ordering it from the US) - anything near the size of the one I already have cost around $500+! I could potentially order the one you suggested, but I think the shipping is pretty outrageous.
If I find a better cage for a reasonable price in the future, I may get one then. I'm more focused on making these two (Bob and Kicks) as happy and healthy as I can. I will have to control my urge to get more birds until I can get a different cage.
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Post by Pammy on Nov 23, 2013 23:45:09 GMT
Hello, and welcome to the forum! We are thrilled to have you and Bob and Kicks.  I second everything Sarah said. Don't worry about your budgies being unhappy without a flock. Yes, a flock is wonderful, but 2 budgies are usually fulfilled and live happy lives together. They don't seem to pine away, wishing for a larger flock. If you really have a strong desire to increase your flock to four, check with Amazon and find out for sure how much they would charge to ship the cage. You can also find the same cage on eBay. It can't hurt to ask how much shipping would be. You may find it's worth the money to get the bigger cage and be able to increase your flock. Another idea is to constantly watch on local secondhand sites. There's always somebody who got tired of having birds and wants to sell their setup. |
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Post by tleighs on Nov 24, 2013 3:42:24 GMT
Thanks for the welcome and advice Pammy! Bob and Kicks have bonded (they preen and feed each other) and they jabber away a lot, play, eat well, and exercise, etc. so they seem like they are pretty happy and healthy. I have yet to be able to get them to eat fruit or veggies, take a bath, and they need more work on taming, so there is more to do, but I'm working on it!
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Post by luvsanimals2 on Nov 24, 2013 3:47:01 GMT
just keep it up  they need to build that trust with you |
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Post by lisamarie on Nov 24, 2013 14:42:10 GMT
The flight cage I have was only $40 and I got it from Petco but I'm not sure how shipping would work in your situation. I only have 2 budgies but I believe I could comfortably fit 4. However I think it's best to start with less and get more later on. But if you tame these two and then add two more, they may revert to being "untamed"
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they need to build that trust with you
