Budgies are small, colorful parakeets that make lovely pets. They are very active and playful, and they love interacting with their owners. Some people believe that it is cruel to keep only one budgie, while others believe that it is perfectly fine. Being realistic and practical in a holistic view, is it cruel to keep one budgie?
Keeping one budgie is very cruel since they need the company of their kind, interacting and playing together like before in nature. Budgie is a social bird and would flourish better when they have a companion of the same species.
5 Reasons Why It’s Cruel to Keep One Budgie
Unless you have plenty of time to spend with your budgie and be its companion, it is not recommended to raise a single budgie. The following are five reasons you should avoid keeping one budgie unless the situation is unavoidable:
1. Budgie Can be Unhappy, lonely, and Depressed
Budgies that live alone can become depressed. This may lead to the budgie becoming withdrawn and inactive. Such behavior is not healthy for either the bird or its owner.
2. Your Budgie Can Develop Self-Hammering Behavior
Self-hammering is a condition where the budgie plucks out its feathers. This can be caused by boredom, stress, or anxiety.
3. Your Budgie Can Have Low Appetit
A budgie that is lonely may not eat as much as it should. This can lead to weight loss and malnutrition. Moreover, severe cases of loneliness can also cause your budgie to stop eating altogether, which can be fatal.
4. Your Budgie Can Experience Unhealthy Development
If your budgie is the only bird in its enclosure, it may not develop properly. This can lead to problems with posture, balance, and movement.
5. You Deny Your Budgie Opportunity to Procreate
One of the most natural things for any animal is to mate and have offspring. However, if you keep your budgie alone, it will not do this. Such a situation is cruel. It’s like someone else denying you the right to have children if that is your wish.
Can a Single Budgie Be Happy?
Yes, a single budgie can be happy. Even though it is cruel only to keep one budgie, it is still possible to have one budgie and make it feel like the most comfortable bird on the planet. With plenty of time to pet your new feathery friend, it is possible to make it happy.
How Can I Make My Single Budgie Happy?
In the instance, you decide to keep a single budgie for one reason or the other. Thus, you may desire to prevent your budgie from becoming lonely and depressed. The following are eleven ways to make your single budgie happy:
1. Use a Large Cage
A large cage will give your budgie plenty of space to move around and play.
2. Offer Your Pet a Variety of Toys
Budgies love to play, so be sure to provide them with plenty of toys to keep them occupied.
3. Give Your Budgie a Mirror
Budgies like to look at themselves in mirrors, which can help reduce stress levels.
4. Create a Play Area Outside the Cage
Set up a play area outside the cage where your budgie can fly around and explore. This will help keep it active and healthy.
5. Encourage Socialization With Other Budgies
If possible, encourage socialization between your budgie and other budgies. This will make your bird happy and content.
6. Provide Enough Food
Be sure to provide your budgie with enough food, treats, and water to keep it healthy and happy. Moreover, always offer a variety of food and keep changing, so it doesn’t get bored with one type of food.
7. Give Your Budgie Attention
Budgies love attention, so be sure to spend time with your bird every day. Pet it, play with the budgie, and allow the bird to climb on you. This will help it bond with you and reduce loneliness.
8. Never Leave Your Budgie Alone
Last but not least, never leave your budgie alone for long periods. This will only make it stressed and unhappy. If you travel, find someone to look after and better if that person has another budgie.
9. Have Sunshine Time Outside the Cage
Budgies love sunshine, so take it outside for some sun time every day. This will help it get the vitamin D it needs and make it happy.
10. Stick to a Routine
Having a routine will help your budgie know what to expect each day and make you happy.
11. Avoid Unnecessary Changing Cage Position Unless necessary, let the cage be in a fixed place the budgie is accustomed to. Changing the cage position now and then can be destructive. It’s like you are told to live in a new home every day. This can be frustrating. Thus, if you have to do it, move once, and the bird can adjust without feeling stressed.
How Do I Know If My Budgie Is Lonely?
The following are five signs to know if your budgie is unhappy and yearns for a companion or your attention:
- It stops eating.
- It pulls out its feathers.
- It becomes inactive and withdrawn.
- It becomes hyperactive and aggressive.
- It vocalizes more than usual or completely lacks the desire to vocalize.
- Presence of loose droppings.
Conclusion
While it’s cruel to keep a single budgie, it’s possible to make it happy. You can do this by giving it attention, plenty of toys and space to fly around. In addition, avoid leaving your budgie alone for long periods and never move the cage unnecessarily. Lastly, if you notice any behavior changes beyond your control no matter what you try, then it’s time to take your budgie to the vet immediately.