My parakeet's friend died. She's not eating. Does she need a friend?

It's hard to tell if this is a psychological issue or a physical condition, i'm not sure what his companion died from but it could have been something contagious that Bessie has contracted. because of this possibility i strongly recommend taking her to an avian vet specialist and get her checked. if this is a psychological issue he will get over it.

Poor Greenie, though bonded birds do often show signs of grief after losing a mate, not all do. While you are not seeing signs of grief in Greenie, it can be extremely difficult to determine whether a bird might be interested in another cage mate. In the wild, birds often do pair up and many of them live in large flocks so it makes sense that many house birds would want a friend, however, in the wild birds (even bonded mating pairs) do not live in such close quarters as they do in cages in our homes. Because of this, I always tell my bird owners that if they are considering adding another bird to their family, prepare for what you might do if the two do not end up getting along (you may need space for two cages, as well as twice the number of cages, bowls, toys, etc.). Even if two birds will ultimately get along I recommend owners introduce their birds on neutral territory (do not stick the new bird immediately into your other bird's cage). Spend a few days with the two birds getting to know each other outside of a cage, try different scenarios (feeding, toys, bathing, etc.) and always be on hand to make sure if they do not get along, you can be available to keep everyone safe. If things go well you can introduce them into a more neutral cage, such as the one the new bird has been in for only a few days, for short periods of supervised time, separating them at night. After a few days, if this goes well you can try them in the cage you want them to be in together long term. The key is slow a introduction, patience, and lots of praise and rewards for good behavior. Good luck, I hope this helps!

Thanks for reaching out about Tweety. Many bird owners have only one budgie, and the vast majority do well as long as there is mental stimulation. These parrots don't like to be along, so either bird or human company. The problem with adding another bird, is not all birds get along and in a cage there is no escaping aggression. If you have a return policy and get the birds as a trial run, that could work. Also, new birds should be quarantined to limit transmission of infectious agents. Good luck.

I think Jim may be enough so you're not overcrowding the cage for now. Birds, like people, can experience grief, so Jolly is likely missing her friend Joy. You are doing the right thing by keeping her company and giving her a little extra love an attention. If she doesn't perk up, or seems lonely, even with your other bird there, adding a new friend may be a consideration, but it may be best to give her some time first.

That is a lot of questions! And one I don't really have a good answer to. Sudden death can be caused by a number of things including illness, parasites, infections, nutritional issues, etc. It's always a good idea to first make sure the environment your birds are in is kept clean, and that they have access to a balanced diet and fresh water at all times. It is also a good idea to quarantine any new birds for a few days before introducing them to the other birds you own in order to prevent the spread of any illness. Stress from being put with strange birds, recently re-homed, switched to a new cage, etc can also cause a bird to act ill. Making sure they are in an environment that is free from harassment by other pets or people, is in a warm-draft free area, and that all birds can easily access food, water, perches and sleeping space is best. If you suspect one or more birds are ill it is best to separate them immediately into a hospital cage that is kept warm and with easy access to food and water to prevent the spread of illness and to keep any sick birds from being picked on. Seeking veterinary care to check for the cause of their illness is also a good idea.

I'm sorry to hear about your loss! It is very normal for birds to mourn the loss of their friend, just as people do, so spending a little extra time together or offering up a favorite treat may help. Birds are extremely good at hiding illness, and if you suspect your other bird was ill at all, thoroughly cleaning the cage/shared dishes/etc can help prevent the spread of illness. Signs of illness to watch out for include listless behavior, sleeping all the time, fluffed feathers, difficulty breathing, changes in weight, appetite changes, drinking changes, feather loss, etc. If you do see these signs, or suspect Cameron may have caught something from your other bird, seeking out an exam in person is always best. If you're having trouble coping with the loss of Barney, I highly recommend checking out some resources such as The Rainbow Bridge where you can talk to other owners and even make a virtual pet memorial.

If Harley is used to having a friend I think it would be a good idea to introduce a new buddy for him. Budgies are social birds and having a friend may help with his depression over the loss of his previous one. Make sure to introduce the birds slowly, and that both will have access to food, water, perch spaces, etc without competition to ensure it goes smoothly.