If I'm going to get a parakeet, is it better to get two?

Question

May seem like a rhetorical question, but what I mean by 'better' is 'pretty much necessary.' I've been doing research on parakeets, since I'm thinking about getting one, but I've read that parakeets like to be with another parakeet. Do they just LIKE to be with another parakeet, or do they NEED to be with another parakeet?

Answer 1

It's better to start with one.  You can let it get adapted to your house and you.  If it starts to act like it's lonely or acts differently then you should get another one.

Answer 2

Possibly one is better because then they bond with their human(s).  If you get two, they probably will bond with eachother more than you.

Answer 3

I agree with Bluemoose. And also, some birds don't like being with other birds - especially if they're 'bonded' to you.  I had a parakeet who was bonded to me. I got him a friend because I felt guilty he was alone while I was at work. Well the new bird beat him up! I had to separate them.  A few years later, I tried again - and the second bird beat him up too!  :)  so it's not always necessary to have 2 birds (it depends on that particular bird's personality).  But I'd say if you want the bird to be your buddy, just have one, and spend some quality time with him most every day, and give him toys to play with (and music is nice too) while you're gone, and he'll be fine :)

Answer 4

It depends on how much time your planning to spend with your bird(s). If you want to have a strong bond with the bird I would recommend getting one because the birds will probably bond with each other if you get two. If your not going to have much time to interact with the bird you should get two so they can entertain each other.

Answer 5

You could get one first then wait until you are fully bonding then when you feel the time is right by another one but that also could run a risk because she/he might feel jealous and fight with the other bird.

But i suggest you get two at first then bond with them at the same time

Thats what i did. So get two not one

GOOD LUCK