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Budgies, canaries and similar birds are grateful living companions, and not only for animal lovers with little time or space. However, you should be aware that these charming birds should be at least kept in pairs, rather than on their own.
The age-old image of a lone canary singing in an empty cage or of an eloquent parrot resting on a perch is now outdated – birds are family animals, flying in flocks in the wild and feeling most comfortable with other birds when kept as pets. Here they can play together, clean up and eat as a group, all experiences that cannot be replaced by human affection. Despite this, many caged birds do end up living their lives not only in cramped cages but also alone…
Keeping exotic birds on their own holds no real advantages. It can cause mental illness, as well as resulting in feelings of loneliness and desolation, with general opinion being that it does not make them any tamer. The aggressive game that “lively” birds play with toys, mirrors and food bowls is, in fact, misdirected courtship behaviour.
The best remedy for loneliness is always to bring a second bird into the home. After slowly and cautiously adapting to the presence of another bird, even long-time singletons will flourish! As well as keeping more than one bird of the same species, you can also mix different species of exotic birds. However, it is important to bear in mind that not all species are compatible. First of all, it is vital to consider the size of the birds, as smaller exotic birds could be seriously injured by larger ones if there are any disputes. The aviary should also be large enough that the birds can keep out of one another’s way when they want space. Before deciding on the species you are going to keep together, make sure you are fully informed.
It is important to introduce the changes slowly. A neutral space such as a new, larger cage can also help to make pairing easier, as neither bird is given the home advantage! After a few days in separate cages, your birds can begin their tentative first steps into a new and happy life together.
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