Companion for Sun Conure

[Richard4967]

I have a Sun Conure named Sunny that I have had for twelve years since he was a youngster. I live in the house with Sunny but there is no one else here. I am gone some days for eight hours and wonder if he needs a companion and if he would even get along with another bird. He is best pals with me and to an extent with my wife who moved out four years ago until she ignores him and then he gets aggressive. He will attack other people and or animals in the house. He seems to be okay if he is somewhere else out of his territory. I have given thought to getting him a companion. I took him to the vet for lead poisoning where he stayed for a week. When I visited him one day and he was on my shoulder he was backwards looking at a Mexican Redhead Amazon who was in the incubator across the way. It seems like he might like redheads. I would hate to get another bird and have him attack it. I have heard that Sun Conures are aggressive to other birds. Just wanted some input and how to do it if I did. I wonder if there is a way that I could test him without committing to another bird until I knew?

 

[BoomBoom]

I feel like I could have written your post. I also have a sun who I've contemplated getting a companion for. My sun conure also seems to dislike other birds based on his reactions to Youtube videos which is the number one deterrent to me getting him a friend. I don't want to be stuck balancing two parrots who hate each other because that would lessen the quality of life of both birds - and myself. The things you are considering are things I've also considered myself, over and over! I still never got a companion for Boomer because some days I feel I should, other days I feel I shouldn't. I want to commit to the decision fully before I take the plunge. That said, here's a few suggestions:

1. If you know someone with a well cared for parrot, take your guy to visit with them. See his reaction.
2. Try to babysit for friends who have parrots.
3. Foster a parrot. Consider the health risks to your own bird before you do.