What type?

[cheesecakethebudgie]

I have owned my budgie Cheesecake for a couple of years now, and after looking at the care I began to wonder how happy he really was. I did a ton of research and found I was doing many things wrong, so I planned to get him a bigger, more enriching cage, a better diet etc. 

Then I began to look at getting him a friend, He has lived alone since he first arrived at the pet store I believe, but I haven't really bonded with him at all and he spends most of his day looking a bit bored on his perch. I would be happy to try to bond and tame him properly, and see how it goes, but many sources I have looked at do say that they probably benefit more from a bird companion. I just want him to be happy really, I don't mind how.   What do you suppose would be the better option? 


If I did decide on a friend, I would also be stuck on the type. Do two males or a male and a female work better? And would I be right in saying that they do not breed unless you have a nestbox? I do not want babies! He is one of the smaller ones rather than the big, show budgies, would one his own size be more likely to work out (when bonded correctly) than one bigger than him?

Thanks for reading and I apologise for my dodgy budgie terminology and knowledge!

[Hezz]

Most budgies are receptive to another bird in the house, and most budgies, regardless of gender, get along well with another male. Occasionally it does happen that two birds aren't compatible, but that's the exception rather than the rule. If you are willing to get him a birdy friend, by all means do so, but remember to quarantine your new bird for 4 weeks before introducing the two to each other. That needs to be done slowly and with supervision, but more on that if you need it.

[BloomCountyLover]

I think after a few years that you would be best to get him a buddy. And yes another male would solve the problem of unwanted breeding. I would wager that your little guy would perk up tremendously if a friend were introduced. Quarantine the new guy of course for a month but I'd bet just hearing another budgie in the house will make a huge difference in his personality.