Adding a second parrot-- advice welcome

[cnyguy]

It looks like I may be suddenly and unexpectedly adopting a female CAG very soon. A friend whose husband is suffering with cancer needs to rehome her parrot, and has asked me to take her in. Though I have 46 years of parrot experience, it's only been with one parrot at a time, so this is new to me. I've read what the parrot books have to say on the subject, but would welcome suggestions and advice from anyone who has added a second (or third, etc.) parrot to their flock. Any suggestions on how to make the new parrot feel welcome and adjust to a new home? Any recommendations on helping the existing parrot (in this case, Ralph the Quaker parrot, who has been an "only parrot" for 6 years) get used to having another parrot in the house? I'd appreciate hearing from those of you who have "been there and done that."

 

[itchyfeet]

Are you able to find our more about this particular parrots nature? Is Ralph quite independent, super cuddly etc? How does her routine fit in with Ralph's routine?

I got lucky with Marley and Henry I think. It worked out for us that Marley hated anything too new, so Henry got his time out during the day, chilling on my shoulder as I went about work, housework etc. At night, Marley and I would chill out on the couch when it wasn't as busy and he felt more confident, and henry coped with that really well. If we go out in the car, it's normally Henry who comes, and if I'm got work down in the office, I'll take Marley because he's quieter Play to the strengths in their individual personalities as much as possible. I also left all 3 fully flighted, and there has been no aggression or territorial issues, because as soon as one is slightly bugged by another they just take off.

 

[Allee]

Gary, I'm very sorry to hear about your friend, very sad circumstances. She couldn't have chosen a better guardian for her feathered companion.

Harry was an only bird when I added the others, as nasty as she can be to me, she readily accepted all her new flock members. Far be it from me to predict a quaker's personal opinions on any subject though. Ralph has been an only for a while, he may not want to share his dad at first. Ralph's a pretty calm well mannered quaker, I think with your help he will adapt just fine.

If you quarantine the grey in a different area of your house that will give them a chance to call to each other before they actually meet. I'm sure our grey experts can tell you more about grey characteristics.

I'm looking forward to hearing lots more about your coming addition.

 

[Piasa]

Sorry to hear about your friends' trouble. I am sure they both are relieved to know that their beloved bird can be with someone who will take good care of her.

My small gcc was the one and only for several years and used to being the boss. That dynamic hasn't changed, even when I visited my childhood parrot who lived with my parents, Beau GCC assumed the dominant role.

He mostly ignores other birds unless they try to interact with him, then he ranges from crabby to hostile. He doesn't seem to mind when I hang out with other birds, but he doesn't want them around him.

I have 2 birds right now who hate each other and actively try to fight (serious death fight). But we have a happy system down. They each have times they know are just for them, and activities away from the other bird. We all eat together and sleep in close proximity. I figure this is probably the worst case scenario, but it is doable and once you have a routine, it is pretty low stress for everyone.

 

[thewandererw]

I have four birds but they are small two tiels & two budgies the tiels stay together and leave the budgies alone and the budgies stay together and leave the budgies alone.

linda

 

[cnyguy]

Thanks, everyone. Scooter the CAG arrived this afternoon, complete with her big cage, food and toys. She's naturally rather nervous and confused at this point. She's about 12 years old, and is a mild plucker. Her feathers in general aren't in ideal condition. I'm told she dislikes baths, so that's something we'll be working on. Her diet is susceptible to improvement too-- mainly a seed mix that contains a few pellets. We'll be working on that too; she'll be offered the same variety of vegetables that Ralph eats, and more pellets too.

A full quarantine is nearly impossible in this small place, so Scooter and Ralph can see and hear each other, from a distance. Ralph is curious about her, but unconcerned. His attitude seems to be "Another parrot? Big deal." I talked with him about Scooter yesterday and we looked at pictures of CAGs, and Ralph nodded his approval. We're sticking with our normal routine as much as possible, hoping that Scooter will adapt to it readily.

It's possible this may turn out to be a short-term foster, depending on how things work out for my friend and her family.

 

[Brittany741]

Quarantine will really help with the adjustment. I have two in quarantine right now and they can all see each other. The baby is actually smack dab in the middle of the room! Do what you have to do with the space you have but definitely give it the full month.

Sounds like the CAG diet isn't great. I recommend a transition to a high quality pellet and if you must feed seeds, only feed sprouted seeds. I feed my entire flock Goldenfeast Golden'Obles, as the most demanding dietary needs of my two Eclectus dictate which pellet I buy. Our CAG readily switched over to them cold turkey because they taste so much better than the Roudybush and Harrison's I was feeding. Years of not having Eclectus had me believing both of those brands were the top pellets, but I got an education on ingredients quickly when taking in my Ekkies. I'm glad I did as the health of my entire flock has improved greatly.

The best time to feed sprouted seeds is when they have 1/4" of tail showing. This is the prime nutrient stage for seed. You can get a quality sprouting seed mix off amazon.

In addition to the high quality pellet, fresh vegetables and fruit should make up at least 20-30% of what you're offering. A small drizzle of coconut oil will make it irresistible!

 

[cnyguy]

Here's a picture of Scooter:

 

[RavensGryf]

Good luck with Scooter !

In the 20+ years I've had Robin, he's been an only bird at several different points in his life. He's an exceptionally easy going 'go with the flow' bird, so he got used to it either way. I think all parrots will eventually adjust. Whether they get along or not is another story.

Keeping two parrots is easy. IMO, more than two and it starts feeling a little more like juggling lol.

 

[Allee]

Welcome Scooter! Gary, I know you will make Scooter as comfortable as possible for as long as she's with you. I'm glad Ralph is taking the new arrival in typical Ralph fashion, he's a happy guy, I doubt Scooter will change Ralph's world too much.

I wish Scooter the very best, I hope she has a happy future with you and Ralph or elsewhere according to what her family decides is best for her. Please keep us updated.

 

[cnyguy]

Scooter seems to be starting to feel more at home. She was much less jittery today, and has started making the same clicking sound that Ralph and I use for contact calls. She's eating more of the vegetables I'm offering, and a few of the pellets. For Ralph, everything is "business as usual;" no problem at all about having another parrot around.