keeping_male_and_female_parakeets_together

Plan On Keeping Male And Female Parakeets Together? Read This First!

How many times have you been warned that it's not a good idea to keep male and female parakeets together? Well, we are on the fence about this one, and I will tell you why!

Male and female parakeets can get along really well and live in peace without any problems. The only thing is that they must be introduced properly. It's equally important for the owners to maintain a close eye on them during the initial days of introduction so there won't be any complications later on.

When we introduced Rio, our baby girl parakeet to our boy, Sparky – they got along swimmingly (as you will see in the images throughout this post).

The pet shop owner did not recommend keeping them separated at all – this may have been due to how they were raised and kept.

At any given time, there are always two to six little parakeets in the display cage so they are well socialized.

Keeping Male And Female Parakeets Together

It is no surpise, though, they are social birds, and are more inclined to get along than to fight.

In saying that, there are always a few caveats… this article will tell you everything you need to know about keeping male and female parakeets together and what to do if you have any complications.


Male And Female Parakeets

First thing's first, you want to make sure you know the difference between a male and a female parakeet.

We have written an article on how to distinguish them, here: What Is The Difference Between Male And Female Parakeets?

Knowing the differences between the two will help you to know for sure if you have a male and female parakeet and what behaviors you can expect from either.

How To Introduce Males And Females Parakeets To Each Other Properly

Not always, but introducing two parakeets of the opposite sex can sometimes be a tricky endeavor. It doesn't have to be difficult, though. These 7 steps for success will help you take the guess work out and ensure that you go about introducing your male and female properly.

1) Don't Put Them Together Immediately

When you bring them home from the store or breeder, don't put them in the cage together!

It's important that they get used to their new environment first before introducing them to one another. You'll want enough time for your birds' hormones (which will spike during this initial period) to return back towards normal levels as well so that they're less likely to fight with each other.

You can either keep them in seperate cages or simply delay the meet.


2) Give them Privacy

If you do decide to put your birds in the same cage right away, make sure you have a place for them to retreat (on opposite sides) if they start fighting.

Having the option of retreating will alleviate some of the stress and pressure for your birds to constantly have to be on their guard with each other.

In one cage, we kept our two parakeets apart by providing them with two seperate hanging nests on either side. They were able to see each other but if they didn't want to they didnt have to. They also had a flight cage with two levels of food and water, in case they didn't wish to share.

This was not necessary in the end but this was a precautionary measure.


3) Seperate Food & Water Dishes

As I already mentioned, if your cage is large enough and have space for multiple food and water dishes, you can put these in opposite sides of the cage.

This will help to avoid disputes over food and water which is one of the main causes for aggression between parakeets. You don't want them fighting over their basic needs!


4) Keep Enough Food For Both Birds

Cause you can't just have extra feeding dishes but not extra feed! Ensure there is adequate food and water supply so that they do not still end up fighting over the little they have.


5) Full Birds Are Happy Birds!

Make sure both of your birds are well-fed and taken care of before introducing them. It can help to have some treats or millet spray to hand, too. Feed them both before introduction to keep them in good spirits!


6) Adequate Air Space (In The Cage)

If you can, make sure there is more than enough space for them to fly around and get to know each other. This will reduce the likelihood of any aggressive behaviors in the cage.

This goes without saying but your cage needs to be large enough to house the two birds as they get to know each other. There will be times when they seem to be getting along and somebody literally steps on the other's toe and they need to fly away from each other for a bit.


7) Adequate Air Space (Out Of The Cage)

If your birds are free flyers and you do not intend on wing clipping your parakeets. Let them get to know each other in open space (in your designated room) before setting them up in a cage together.

It will make it easier for you to supervise them and also help them get to know each other better without the pressure of being in a cage. You'll want to do this for at least 2 days before letting them get into their new home.

What Should I Be Aware Of When Introducing Males And Females To One Another

Although male and female parakeets can get along well, it's important to introduce them properly. It is best to introduce them in a quiet space without any other animals or people around, such as a spare bedroom or bathroom. The two should be observed closely so there won't be any difficulties later on.

The only thing that will need to be done before introducing them is having a separate cage for each of the birds while they travel. If you are unable to keep the birds separated when not in their cages, make sure to have two separate cages or something that will keep them separated from one another while they're in transit (like a carrier).

This will help prevent your female parakeet from attacking your male while you're transporting him back and forth.

Why Would Someone Want To Keep Male And Female Parakeets Together

Some people want to keep male and female parakeets together for mating rituals and egg-laying. This is the most common reason you would put a male and female parakeet together.

Others may just want to observe the two interact with one another as they explore their cage and bond. Birds are very romantic creatures, so it's not uncommon to see them flying around together, feeding and preening each other. Males are especially romantic when it comes to females, so their relationship is definitely worth watching.

When Is It Not A Good Idea To Keep Male And Female Parakeets Together

If you do not plan on breeding your parakeets or putting them together for mating rituals, then I wouldn't recommend keeping male and female parakeets together. Or rather, getting a second male or second female parakeet. You might even consider getting a different breed altogether such as a cockatiel or finch.

Another reason you might decide against keeping a male and female parakeet together is if you have a small cage. While two males can live harmoniously in a smaller cage, a male and female will begin to fight.

The female parakeet is the more dominant one of the species and can also be quite territorial; a small space will present itself as an opportunity for her to take over and drive the male parakeet out which will leave to fighting.

While it isn't impossible for male and female parakeets to live in a smaller cage together, I would recommend that you get them something bigger if they're going to be living together.

If you do not plan on getting a larger cage, it is not recommended.

The Negatives Of Keeping Male And Female Parakeets Together

  • Fighting
  • Mating (if undesired)
  • Biting
  • Squabbling (every now and then)

Conclusion

Don't be fooled by the common misconception that male and female parakeets shouldn't live together. More often than not, you can put your young birds of the opposite sex straight in the cage and not have any issues. It depends on the individual birds. If you try putting your bird straight in and have a negative reaction, however, then take the newer bird out and try these tips to help the transition.

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