Should I get one or two parakeets?

Question

I'm a first time bird owner and I'm 14 years old and I want to get a parakeet. I have been doing tons of research on them and I know that they are very social birds and need lots of play time and attention. I want to get one parakeet so that I can bond with it and maybe even teach to it say a few things. I have heard that when you have two parakeets, they bond with each other and want nothing to do with you. I don't want that, I want my bird and I to bond. I am willing to spend time with my bird everyday so that it doesn't get lonely, bored, or depressed. There's only one problem and I don't know if it is a big deal or not, so that is why I am asking. My parents are divorced and I live with my Mom most of the time and visit my Dad every other weekend. So for two days every other week, I wouldn't be with my bird. I don't know if this is really bad or not. Can my bird survive without me for two days every other week? By the way, my Mom would feed it while I'm gone and she may even be able to play with it a bit. Also I am getting my bird in a few days or a week and I don't go back to school until the beginning of September so I do have a couple of weeks for a lot of play time with my bird before I go back to school. Obviously I will still interact with my bird when I go to school, but since its summer now I have a lot more time. Anyways, please tell me whether I should get one bird or two. Thanks! :)

Anonym · Accepted Answer

I would get one bird for now. I work 50 hours a week and my birds are all okay with that. What you should do now before you go to school is get your parakeet used to spending certain times of the day with you. Like in the mornings before you would go to school give him some attention and around the time you're done with homework and such start playing with him again. This way he knows that he has his time 8am-5pm and can expect you to be around 5pm-9pm sorta thing. My birds expect me to play with them at certain times (like right now :D ) and they all want to go to bed at 9:30 every night. Scheduling now will help you and your bird handle you going back to school and stuff. But if it all fails and you see your parakeets miserable in a year, then its time to get him a buddy.Good job on doing research...the world needs more people like yourself!

Cold On Mars · Answer

Birds are individuals, just like people. If you are willing to put in that much work for one bird and are as dedicated as you say you are, it if possible to have both birds enjoy your company just as much as a single bird. Two birds is twice the work and time but they would play with each other and make each other happy (if they are compatible). It really is up to you.
I have a single bird because I am not ready for twice the work of money. I would love my bird to have that, but I cannot at this point (not to mention pionus are a bit rare). If I had everything under control and the money to spare, I would adopt a him a companion in a heartbeat. 
Speaking of which, I recommend you adopt your bird instead of a breeder. Birds are abandoned by owners very often. Because of their long life spans, the average bird changes homes 7 times. Not all of those birds have issues, they are often given up because of the responsibility or because they can't talk, too loud, ect. It would be very kind of you to adopt an abandoned parrot instead of supporting the breeding of more that will be abandoned.

Sorry for rambling on so much. Good luck :)

Harvey · Answer

I'm sure its fine with with just one. Yes, the bird will rely on you for attention so a additional bird is fine as well but with 2 birds, they tend to bond and play less attention to you. Its your choice.

Anonym · Answer

If you want your bird to bond with you, get one. It is true that if you get two, they will bond with each other and not with you. Now to address the gone every other weekend question. He will be completely fine as long as he has toys or something to keep himself busy with. I don't know if your parakeet would like bells, but mine LOVES them. So just get it some toys for him from the pet store and they have bird bells too, to keep himself busy with, but yes he will be completely fine. Have fun with your budgie!!!!!!

Should I get one or two parakeets?

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