I have some parakeet concerns - please help!!?

Question

I had 2 male keets. One died yesterday of unknown causes - old age? He was 7 or 8. I am aware of birds' hiding their illnesses to the last, but this is not the case. Feeding, behavior, droppings, environment normal and unchanged. Fine in the AM, gone by 4. Does anyone have an opinion on this? What is a "long-lived" parakeet? How old would it have to be? Another question - when and how should I introduce another bird friend for my remaining parakeet? It's been less than 24 hrs, and he is normal and active today, not "depressed". Thanks

Answer 1

If nothing was wrong with him and he wasnt acting strange, guess it was his time to go. Anyways that happend to me too, but my bird was sick and i noticed it too late. Though my two other birds didnt even notice that fact it wasnt they're anymore or didn't seem to care. Parakeets live up to 5-7years. 10-15years if they're healthy. Now i have 4parakeets, and they all seem more happier. Though you should buy another parakeet if your not home most of the time, so he doesnt get lonely. Hope that helped.

Answer 2

I would put a new bird in a cage next to him for a few days then try them together. Just watch them closly to make sure they don't fight. But parakeets are generally a very accepting bird and tend to not mind new additions to there cages. As far as the other male you are right they do hide thier ailments as a natural defense. I am sure he was just old and weak. He was old for a parakeet. And I am sure you took it harder then the remaining parakeet. But remember it is the cycle of life and soon you and the other parakeet will have a new friend to love.