Sharing a cage.

Hi there, I might have a green cheek conure within a month from now and i already have a parrotlet. I'm going to have to buy a cage for my green cheek and it's a nice and big/roomy cage. I'm wondering if I were to put Peeps and the green cheek in the cage at the same time if they would have much aggression over territory. Since they both entered at the same time they wouldn't have had time to claim anything and defend it. I think Peeps would love the new cage, it's so much bigger. (btw, the bar spacing is just small enough for Peeps to be in, and big enough for a conure)

IMO, No....They may learn to play together outside the csge, but I think putting both in the same cage would be flirting with disaster.

Never place two birds in the same cage until you're completely convinced that they'll be okay; otherwise the end result could be ugly. It's a good thing you asked us.

I reccomend letting them play together outside of the cage, on a perch or playhouse. Always be in the same room, giving them close supervision. That way, you can safely observe how they act around each other.

Take things in baby steps; so you should just let one bird play on top of the cage while the other is inside. If you see any aggression, then don't even let them play outside-of-cage together. If you think it's safe to let them come out and play together, then remember to closely supervise them. Watch for 'warning' signs, such as flaring of the tail or hissing. If you see these behaviors I would advise separating the birds immediately.

Ok thanks guys. Good thing I asked first! btw what does IMO mean? Oh do you guys think it would be alright if their cages are both in the same room? I'm tight on space and I think if I were to put them closer together it would help. I sure hope they get along!!! One of the reasons i'm getting this bird is so Peeps can have a playmate. (but also because I REALLY want a "clowny" bird. )

IMO...In My Opinion...

Cages in the same room is fine. Freddie shares the sleep room with all my little guys. I think they actually like being together at bedtime.

Ok good, I was afraid that they might get distressed and start plucking feathers. Ugg I sure hope Peeps dosn't become jealous or anything. I will try to include them BOTH in all activities.

I assume you aren't forgetting quarantine?

Quarantine?

Yes, quarantine. They need to be kept separate (not only the cages but all bowls, toys, perches, boings, etc) for about two months or until the new bird has gone to the vet and you get negative results on all disease tests. And don't think that because the bird looks and acts healthy he actually is -because carriers never show any symptoms and will look the picture of health but they can still infect a healthy bird.

Birdamor said:

Yes, quarantine. They need to be kept separate (not only the cages but all bowls, toys, perches, boings, etc) for about two months or until the new bird has gone to the vet and you get negative results on all disease tests. And don't think that because the bird looks and acts healthy he actually is -because carriers never show any symptoms and will look the picture of health but they can still infect a healthy bird.

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Wow I never heard of that. Unfortunetaly I don't have any Vet's near me that are experts on birds. They know a little bit about them but they really only specialize in dogs and cats and horses and animals like that. How expensive is it to check for diseases? I'm going to be short on money as it is after I buy the bird(about 600$ once I have the bird, the cage, all the toys, and the food)

Checking birds for diseases includes blood work, which is expensive. Usually something like this costs anywhere from $300-$500. Birds aren't cheap.

If you can't do that, then you'll have to do the quarantine. If you can't do that, don't get another bird.

Well I think i'll just take the risk...........

I'm not going to pay 300-500$ just to get some silly test done, and i'm still going to get another bird....

Mrspy said:

Well I think i'll just take the risk...........

I'm not going to pay 300-500$ just to get some silly test done, and i'm still going to get another bird....

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I would advise you NOT to take the risk. Or you might have to pay even more money if both birds get sick. Quarantine the new bird and get it checked by a vet, much cheaper and healthier that way than if both get sick.

PS: Not to be mean, but I'd think twice before calling it a "silly test." These "silly tests" save the many lives of birds, and other animals that get sick.

And I forgot to mention, if you don't want to spend money on getting the bird to the vet, don't buy the bird then until you get the time and money.

Time isn't on my side. I found a perfect breeder who has only one left and I told her i'm very interested. So now I might reserve her. And if I don't hurry up and give her a good solid answer then the conure will go back up for anyone who wants her(which is very likely, she already has 3 people asking and I was(thank God)the first)

Well then, qurantine it and get it checked by a vet or wait for another bird to come around. That's all I can say. You can do whatever you want but those are your healthiest and cheapest choices.

First off even if you never have that bird vetted and I know some who do not vet
(not getting into the should and should nots)

but Still do Peeps and he new bird the favor of quarantining by keeping them in their own cages and rooms and washing hands between handling i even change shirts
This is the ONLY way to be certain your baby does not get sick
If that new one comes in sick and the stress of moving kicks it into high gear and it starts shedding him and peeps will be dead and you will be wishing you has listened believe me i am speaking from watching it happen Thankfully not my birds but a fellow rescuer who had to shut her doors and only work with sick birds.


Also having owned and bred parrotlets since 2008 ( i am thankful to say I belong to 3 of the BEST parrotlet groups there are with some of the best parrotlet folks out there) I have learned one thing
Parrotlets do NOT take kindly to other birds in their space
they are extremely territorial
when I brought Bingo home and Manny and him were placed near one another even though they were both still youngsters they were ready for battle and locked claws on my bed.

Parrotlets are so territorial that you can not leave a baby in the box alone or it will be killed You must also pull them shortly after they feather and wean or Dad will see them as intruders and kill them

With the new one being a conure he May just well kill the parrotlet I can assure you one thing the parrotlet will not back down
i have two Black capped conures and I can not have them and the parrotlets even babies out together

So PLEASE invest in a cage for each bird and spend that 30 days spending time bonding with the new one in another room That also is a good idea as it helps you have bond time without jealousy from the parrotlet and he will get jealous

As i said I belong to some wonderful Parrotlet groups we even have a gathering once a year
If you would like to learn more about them you are welcome to join us.
NOT mine you that you can not learn here too.
I have all new owners of my parrotlets be they my babies or a rescue join the groups

this is for one called Parrotlet Express
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ParrotletExpress/

and Parrotlet Plus
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ParrotletsPlus

Parrotlet Place this is a slower group
TheParrotletPlace : The Parrotlet Place

also there is a wonderful site for parrotlet info here
http://www.squidoo.com/landofthelittles


Hope this helps

You actually don't have to get tests done!!!! It is another safety precaution. You can just put them in separate cages and rooms, with sanitising in between for a month or two and watch for any sign or disease.
BUT... if you can't pay for a little testing by a vet, which may save their lives, you shouldn't be getting the bird right now. I speak by my experiences. Repeatedly, I have said that I have KILLED birds by NOT quarantining. I paid the price. Even if they are off reliable breeders they can be carriers of diseases which may resurface when introduced or under stress in a new environment. I HATE repeating all this, infact, I'll just go write up a topic on WHY we quarantine, if nobody has already.