How Do I Introduce a New Budgie With Clipped Wings?

Last Updated on October 1, 2020 by Mitch Rezman

Joyce D. is seeking:

I’m looking for a cagemate for my female budgie after the recent loss of her male partner.

One likely young bird has had the long feathers on his sides clipped by Petsmart.

Will he be able to fly normally again and would this affect the two birds’ getting acquainted?

How long will it take his feathers to grow out again?

Dear Joyce

When introducing a new bird to the cage you want to equalize the playing field.

A new young bird that is clipped put into an established bird’s cage could be problematic.
Remove the older bird from the cage and move the toys, perches around some so the cage appears new.
Then put the new bird in, followed by the older bird. They should be equal now.

Since the new bird is clipped, you may want to clip your bird as well so you don’t have the older bird being aggressive and chasing the new one around.

But you can decide after they are together a bit and see if there is a real need.

Make sure you have lots of perches and ways for the clipped bird(s) to get to food and water.

Otherwise, everything should be fine.

Replacement of the clipped feathers can take weeks to a year before they are molted and regrown in.

I hope this helps.

Catherine