Advice

[Sgittyup]

Hi I’m looking for advice on how to set my sister-in-law up for success with her first bird.
None of my birds need a new home….
I have three beautiful six month old sister parakeets that have lived together since birth. Soooo I’m a bit worried about splitting them up and to make matters worse the parakeet that my sister in law fell in love with is very attached to her sisters. I have one that I don’t think would mind being alone.
Any advice…. I know single birds bond with humans easier. But she enjoys the “easy maintenance” and bonded birds can be hard to deal with because they always want to be with you.
I’m thinking of starting her with 2 parakeets…. Hoping they will continue to play, sing, and interact with their human, occasionally delighting us with a fly by lol. While remaining lower maintenance for her (mess stays confined to one area birds live uncaged in the living room) Only need to be feed watered and praised when they are ready to show off for their human. They would prefer to never be held but no longer fear it.
Any advice??? Or thoughts??? Am I just worrying about nothing???

 

[Zara]

Don't split up and pairs or friends. If you don't need to rehome them, then don't. If your birds are happy together, think how it might change the dynamics when one or two are gone.
You sister in law could adopt a little one from a shelter who does need a new home.

Only need to be feed watered and praised when they are ready to show off for their human.

Birds need a lot more than that.
Have a read around some threads here and you will learn, those little budgies need a lot more than just bare minimum.
Maybe have your sister in law join here to learn about bird care?

 

[Sgittyup]

Don't split up and pairs or friends. If you don't need to rehome them, then don't. If your birds are happy together, think how it might change the dynamics when one or two are gone.
You sister in law could adopt a little one from a shelter who does need a new home.


Birds need a lot more than that.
Have a read around some threads here and you will learn, those little budgies need a lot more than just bare minimum.
Maybe have your sister in law join here to learn about bird care?

What is hard work to some is just part of the daily routine to others. They don’t get stuck and poop all over the house( chirp “look at me”do a fly by/ sometimes landing in lap for an extended hello) they don’t climb all over you and in your food(my conure is extremely high maintenance) they aren’t constantly getting into trouble, just sing and play all day long putting up with their human always futsing around offering things or moving them out to the aviary. To me easy They are happy being watched talked to and feed. Keep their mess contained in and around the feeding area
Aside from normal cleaning and maintenance my birds have constant human interaction…. I just don’t push them to like being held, Handling them for a minute a few times a day as part of our routine has gotten them over their fear of hands. They are very happy singing and showing off, they needed to be locked out of their cage to encourage more interaction with us. Lol I’ll watch them “practice” the obstacle course they plan to run. When ready they chirp “look at me” and race. It’s adorable
As far as my sister in law goes while staying with us a few days she got attached…. I am close and it’s more of a try it out situation. It would make me happy to see her recent trauma healed with some birdy love it’s not like I’ll never see them again. I guess I’m being selfish wanting to keep Mo. we have only had them 3 months(6 months old now) We just finished making upgrades for the birds.
I enclosed a pic just because

 

[Aestatis]

Since Mo is attached to the others I would keep them together. After all, you have quite the nice setup, would being with your sister in law be a 'downgrade'? Especially since budgies seem to love having friends. I suppose it would be one thing if it seemed like Mo desperately wanted to go with her, but it sounds like it's a one-sided love from your sister in law. It's unfortunate, but sometimes the bird you love isn't the one you get to go home with.

Or, maybe I am misunderstanding and you are saying you are considering giving your sister-in-law the whole group and the setup since you guys live close to each other? I suppose it could work in theory, but you know your sister-in-law better if that's something she can take on. It also could put some strain on your relationship if something were to happen, so that's one thing to consider.

Is your sister-in-law a patient/sensitive person? Does she love birds or other sensitive animals? If so, she might do just fine with a bonded pair (usually rescues have tons of budgies). I see you mentioned trauma. Sometimes it can be very rewarding to earn the trust of an untame and sensitive animal. It can also be frustrating instead of healing, so it depends on how your sister-in-law is.

 

[sunnysmom]

I agree with not splitting up bonded birds. If that makes not giving her a pair feasible, I suggest contacting a rescue. At any given time, the rescue I help with has at least 30. Seriously. So many budgies need good homes.