adopting a 2nd bird of different species question

[Kukutis]

We have a cockatoo for 6 years.
My wife takes good care of him
She spends at least 2 hours a day with him
He is a happy bird

Now she wants a second bird
this time An african grey.
She met a baby and can think of nothing else

She thinks that it will become friends with the cockatoo
And that she can spend time with the 2 of them together

I know nothing of birds. The previous advice i got on
forums was very helpful.
I told her i will ask the experts and see what
They have to say before comnitting to anything

Please tell me what is your opinion about the complexities
Of 2 birds of different species living together in one house.

 

[ChrisDooley]

Hello,
I have a variety of species of birds. You really cannot predict who will get along and who will not. I had an African Gray who did OK with my Cockatoo. They were different sexes and about the same size. But they were not buddies. They politely ignored each other and stayed out of beak range.

If you decide to get a bird remember that your cockatoo will go through an adjustment period. Be very careful to maintain the same level of attention.

All interactions between birds starting out must be strictly supervised. It doesn't take much of a bite to draw lots of blood and have a real emergency on your hands. Once the birds have been observed as nice to each other for awhile, then you should be in the clear. If they don't get along, you probably cannot teach them to get along.

My cockatoo gets along great with my Blue Crown Conure. They even share food. But the cockatoo has the dominant position in the relationship. They are not equals. They are just polite to each other and can be trusted to sit on the same cage.

CD

 

[RavensGryf]

I agree what Chris said in that if they don't get along, you cannot "teach" them to get along. That sort of dynamic needs to happen naturally. If it doesn't happen with the 2 particular individuals, then you'll have to keep them separated. It's a ton more work when you have to keep birds separated , and is something to think about preparing for.