introducing a second budgie

Question
Hi!
I have a female budgie about 4 years old. Her partner died early on (due to a horrific accident with an Alaskan Malamute...I havent made that mistake again). She is very playful and seems happy, but I have read that they are very social birds and am afraid she might get lonely.
Is it safe to introdue another budgie into her environment, or is it better to leave her be?

Thanks for your input,
Cyndi

Answer
Hello Cyndi! It is best for her to get another bird. Like you read keets are very social animals and are always happier with a companion to preen and chirp to. A bird that has suffered a loss to a companion will gladly accept another bird. I have had my share of companion keets die and the new ones fit right in. Its so funny because one keet is less likely to try new things such as food, however, when there are about 4 or 5 budgies, once one tries it they all want to! A bird by itself has to learn to approach new things on its own, certainly a buddy will help the other one become less shy. Im sorry to hear what happened to her partner. I wish you the best of luck for you and your keet