Another budgie?

[Polliwog]

This is hard to explain without being wordy, so please bear with me. I appreciate any help my tormented mind can get over this.

I got Benu over a month ago and I love him dearly. But I feel something is missing. I once had a connection with a very sweet (and crazy) GCC whom I hand raised. The no fear attitude left a lot of room for fun for the both of us... It is this interaction I crave with a bird. Since I live in an apartment, a budgie seemed like a logical choice. I searched occasionally since I moved to FL over 6 months ago, but only gave up over 2 months ago to just 'settle' for a young parent raised pet shop budgie.

So a month after deciding that, I searched many pet stores many times over until I found Benu. I have no regrets getting him. He is unique and provides me with a different experience (and challenge), plus he doesn't even know how much he can hurt me with those beak of his...haha I am still working with him, but it makes me sad he rather stay in his cage then get up on my finger. And then he rejects any food offerings I give him outside his cage even though he is hungry and they are yummies he loves. Yes, I know, take it slow. But I also know there may be a chance he will never be completely comfortable with me. Maybe I want something that won't happen? or I am expecting too much???

So I thought if I could find a hand fed baby budgie, I would just on the chance... but then it brings up the issue of 2 birds. I understand they both can bond with each other (probably Benu to the new one) plus the problem of having opposite genders. Am I not being realistic? Would a 2nd bird who has no fear of people not give me what I crave? Would it be best to just have Benu and give up the craving?

Of course, assuming picky little me could even find a hand fed baby budgie in a color I desire... (I would love a blue opaline yellow face with clear wings, even heavily pied would be awesome...haha)

Anyone want to give me their opinion on this? Perhaps a kick in the rear is in order?

[jenseits]

It sounds like you don't want another budgie, and I wouldn't get another one unless that's what you really wanted. It does seem like budgies tend to bond very strongly with each other, so then it'll be even harder to make progress with Benu.

What about a cockatiel? I get the sense that budgies and cockatiels can get along pretty well (whereas GCCs are aggressive towards other species, I think?) and a cockatiel might be a better match for you personality wise, giving you some of what you're looking for in terms of affection and "spirit".

[Polliwog]

I considered the cockatiel and had 2 very long ago. The problem I found with them are the feather dust. If not for that, I sure would have considered them. I remember mine had night mares sometimes.

[jenseits]

Hmm, yes, dust is an issue. Have you looked into parrotlets?

[Polliwog]

Yup, definitely have checked out them out. From my research on them, their personality doesn't fit too much what I was looking for. I was tempted to get them though because they are small and easily found hand fed. I even found a store that regularly gets them in as babies and hand fed them while at the store so people who buy them can visit them until they are ready to go.

Basically, the only birds left to be considered were the budgies and finches. You can tell which one won that...lol