Adding Birds

[forbey]

At present, we have one, male, Blue Fronted Amazon. I have been looking into other possible birds. Currently I'm looking at an African Grey and a Military Macaw. There have also been some potential Cockatoos.

The last thing I want to do is crash the current level of harmonious livnig.

How do I determine if Skittles is willing to accept new friends and determine how potential new friends will mix, or mash, with Skittles.

Thanks.

Forbey

 

[Grinder]

This is definitely a very common topic of discussion. I would suggest looking some of those threads up - although I am not sure how easy or difficult that will be. That being said, always remember that the addition of a new bird will always be for you and not for your current bird. It is possible they become friends and get along quite well, but generally they will merely tolerate each other and sometimes it could degenerate to them hating each other and you having to let them out of the cage at different times. None of our birds interact and generally stay on their own cage or play stand when we let them out.

One last thing to point out - you have to make sure Skittles understands he is the head of the flock. Otherwise he will grow to resent you for bringing in the new bird(s).

 

[forbey]

This is definitely a very common topic of discussion. I would suggest looking some of those threads up - although I am not sure how easy or difficult that will be. That being said, always remember that the addition of a new bird will always be for you and not for your current bird. It is possible they become friends and get along quite well, but generally they will merely tolerate each other and sometimes it could degenerate to them hating each other and you having to let them out of the cage at different times. None of our birds interact and generally stay on their own cage or play stand when we let them out.

One last thing to point out - you have to make sure Skittles understands he is the head of the flock. Otherwise he will grow to resent you for bringing in the new bird(s).

So ...

I have to decide if I am a bird owner with more than one bird

Or, if Skittles is a people owner and the only bird.

The choice is one that will require much thought. Therefore, until we make a decision, we will happily belong to Skittles!

It didn't take much for us to say yes to taking Skittles to help him out. Another bird ... sounds exciting, but a lot more work.

Thanks,

Forbey

 

[Grinder]

Haha. Yes, those are your options. We have multiple birds and have two GW Macaws on the way (both are being weaned). Admittedly we got our Grey for US. The Grey was our first. Since then any addition has been for the birds sake (with still many great rewards to us). We have also had better and better relationships with each addition as we became more experienced. We used to have screaming birds - yes we answered their screams when we were experienced. Now I can bring my dogs downstairs in the morning, past all the cages with the birds watching and none of them say much at all. They know we won't respond to a scream and they also know their routine and that they will be let out soon enough. I'm telling you this because I don't want you to think I was deterring you from having another bird. I just wanted you to be aware of what can happen. Skittles may enjoy having another bird around to simply make contact calls with. You never know.

 

[MikeyTN]

I haven't had much issues until most recently when Lola the B&G came along. Willie gets mad if I'm holding her and vice versa. I haven't try one on each other arm but I don't think I would cause if they try to go after each other I don't have another hand to stop them. At the beginning Willie didn't care but he does now and he shows it too....

 

[henpecked]

I swore i'd never get involved in this topic again, but here i am. I have a house,aviary full of amazons. Never, ever get another bird as a companion for any bird like a amazon or macaw. Cockatiels, quakers ,etc that's a different story, they're more flock birds and don't tend to "mate for life". if you want a companion bird , be that companion. if you want another bird, fine, get another bird. Don't expect your companion to want another companion other than you. Yes my zons love being part of a flock of other zons and interaction is very enriching, but that;s only because it enriches their day. Their world turns around me, their mate. If your goal is a companion bird then there's no substitute for you. If your goal is providing a home to rescue/sanctuary birds then a flock is a big help. Don't get another bird as a companion for your companion.