Parakeets are social birds and thrive on interaction. Owning one comes with many responsibilities and commitments for its well-being, as it requires plenty of stimulation and human presence to be happy and healthy. A parakeet needs to be provided for, its cage cleaned, and a lot of playtime with its owner. However, at times you may need to leave your bird alone, but how long can you leave a parakeet alone?
Parakeets can be left alone for 8–24 hours at the most. It’s OK to leave your bird alone for short periods as long as its basic needs are met and it has enough stimulation. Parakeets can become bored quickly, so you should not leave them alone for longer period of time.
The length of time you may leave your parakeet alone depends on several factors. They include:
1. The Age Of the Parakeet
Older parakeets can tolerate being alone for up to 24 hours. Young ones need frequent attention and should be checked every 3–4 hours.
If you are to leave your birds alone, ensure they have access to enough food and water, and the time away should not be frequent. You can use a timed feeder to ensure a regular supply of food.
2. Presence of Any Health Issues
If your parakeet has any health issues or is recovering from an illness, more attention and care are required, and your bird should not be left alone for long.
Always have someone check on them regularly if you have to leave, as you cannot use an automated feeder or water dispenser to administer medication.
3. The Bond That You Share
If a parakeet is used to interacting with you daily, it gets attached to you and can become stressed if left alone for long.
If you want to leave it alone, provide your bird with a conducive environment and enough toys to play with.
You can also train your bird to be independent by leaving it alone and gradually increasing your time away. Always offer treats to help your bird learn that being on its own is a good thing.
4. Presence of a Companion
If you own a pair of parakeets, they can keep each other company, play, and exercise together. Hence, they can be left alone without getting lonely or bored. Their basic needs should be met, and the birds should be provided with toys to play with.
5. Their Personalities
Parakeets have different personalities and, hence, different needs. One who is less social and prefers being alone can be left alone for a long time. However, those who enjoy the company of others or the owner should not be left alone.
How to Plan For Your Absence
It is not recommended to leave your parakeets alone for long, as they quickly become lonely and bored. But if you plan to leave your parakeets alone for some time, you must keep the following in place for their safety and comfort:
1. Food and Water
Parakeets can easily starve if they go without food for as little as 24 hours. Hence, before you leave, ensure that:
The food and water dishes are clean and filled with food and clean water. You can invest in a water dispenser for your bird to be continuously hydrated and a timed feeder so that your bird doesn’t starve from food running away or being spilt in case of accidents.
Avoid leaving fresh vegetables and fruits for your bird when leaving for a long time, as they can spoil quickly.
2. Secured Cage
Make sure that all doors and locks are well closed and that there are no gaps or holes that the bird can escape through. Place the cage securely away from cold, pets, or children for your bird’s safety.
3. Provide Plenty of Toys
Enough stimulation and entertainment should be provided for your parakeet. Provide several toys, ladders, swings, and perches for your parakeet to stay happy and healthy.
Change the toys more frequently to avoid boredom.
4. A large Cage
The cage should be large enough for the bird to play and fly in. Being active will help it exercise and reduce boredom.
5. Set Up Security Cameras
By setting up cameras, you will have peace of mind as you can check on your bird while away.
6. Create a Routine
Carefully create a routine for leaving your bird alone. This will help reduce anxiety, which will make it easy for your parakeet to adjust to the change if you have to leave it alone.
7. Play Calming Music
You can leave the TV turned on or play recorded words that you want your bird to learn. This will give the parakeet the feeling that someone is present at home. The music will provide a bit of stimulation for your bored bird.
8. An Emergency Contact
Have a family member or friend check on your bird at least once a day.
9. Take It to an Animal Boarding House
Here, your bird will be cared for by people who specialize in birds.
What To Avoid As You Plan To Leave Your Parakeet Alone
1. Never Use Ropes For Perches And Swings
Avoid using ropes in the cage, as the bird might get strangled by their strings.
The bird can also get entangled in the rope, and if no one is near to help, it can be traumatic for the bird.
2. Don’t Use Fresh Food
Fresh vegetables and fruits spoil quickly and should be removed after two hours. Hence, it should not be used as food for your bird when planning to leave for a prolonged period.
3. Never Let Your Bird Free
Your bird should be locked in the cage when you are not around, as household pets can prey on it.
Locking it in will also help prevent accidents. When free, the bird is prone to accidents and can be hurt or killed by flying into windows and walls.
Can I Leave My Budgie Alone For 8 Hours?
Yes, you can leave your budgies alone for 8 hours. By providing a conducive environment and keeping the bird entertained and well-fed, the bird will fare well without your presence.
So how long can two budgies be left alone?
You can leave two budgies alone for a weekend, as they will play and keep each other company. However, they need enough food and water while you are away. Various toys will be necessary to ensure that they are occupied as they will be exploring together.
Can I leave my budgie alone for the weekend?
Definitely yes; you can leave your budgie alone over the weekend.
It’s possible to be away from your bird for up to 3 days if you leave it with plenty of food and water, have someone check on them, and change their feeding station daily.
Can a Budgie Live Alone After One Dies?
Yes, a budgie can live alone after a companion dies, provided it gets lots of care and attention. Please don’t leave it alone in the cage, as it can easily get lonely and bored.
Use distractions, give the budgie treats and toys, and have quality play time together with your bird. Also, consider obtaining a companion for your budgie.
Signs of a Lonely Budgie
A lonely budgie may display physical and behavioral symptoms such as:
1. Feather Plucking
As being lonely can be stressful, a budgie will tend to engage in destructive behaviors like feather plucking, whereby it pulls out its feathers.
2. The Budgie Becomes Aggressive
You will notice your budgie pacing and climbing the cage bars. It will also attack you when you try to handle it.
3. Stops Eating
Loneliness can lead to a loss of appetite. The budgie will eat less or sometimes refuse to eat.
In some cases, the bird will tend to overeat, which is not good for its health.
4. Less Vocalization
A lonely budgie is an unhappy bird. Hence, it stops singing or talking when stressed
5. Self-mutilation
Due to boredom and a lack of stimulation, the bird resorts to chewing its skin when lonely.
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