Friend for a friend

[Colby]

"Chum",[ she had that name when I got her], our Meyers parrot is 24. I adopted her when she was 4. She laid 3 eggs at about 12. And 3 eggs every 5 years or so after that. She is a very lovable, well adjusted bird. Being a single bird, she needs a lot of attention. and if she doesn't get it she lets us know. Loudly. I was thinking about getting Chum another Meyers friend. Not necessarily a mate. I've read about raising chicks as a full time job. I'm not ready for that. Any advice on paring birds up is appreciated. Are two birds quieter?

 

[Scott]

Welcome to you and Chum! Seems you have provided her a great life and she is no doubt bonded to you.

I am not familiar with Meyers Parrots, but getting a second parrot is a complex proposition. In some cases they quickly bond and become friends, in others despised adversaries. You may become the wild card; it is possible to lose the bond with Chum as she happily pursues a mate. Or not, it depends on the species and personality. Bottom line, it is risky to assume they will get along and preserve the current relationship.

Presume you are thinking of breeding? If you are new to this endeavor, learn all you can before setting up a nest. As previously suggested, no guarantees the two will pair and produce fertile eggs. If the parents are ineffective or inexperienced, you may be faced with hand feeding tiny chicks round the clock. Lastly, some ethical considerations. Do you plan to keep the offspring or sell? Are you comfortable with handing them off to total strangers? Not being judgmental, simply points to consider!

 

[GaleriaGila]

It's all soooooooooooooooooo unpredictable... bonding, pairing, mating... quieter, noisier...
Sometimes a new bird works out fine, and sometimes...not.
Many here have found that they have to separate birds permanently... some have been fortunate and multiple birds get along.
Good for you for reaching out!
Good luck!