Getting a single parrot a friend - good idea?

[emmaeq19]

Hi there,

I’ve posted before about my ringneck who has issues with screaming and I believe he’s feeling lonely. I spend lots of time with him but I think he sees me more as a roommate than a member of his flock! I think he’d really benefit from another parrot.

There’s a Derbyan Parrot (XL version of moustache parakeet) looking to be rehomed in my area and I’m considering it. He’s only 5 months old, a baby, while my ringneck is 7 years old. My ringneck is very gentle and has never shown aggression towards anything. If I were to take the Derbyan in, I would house them in separate cages side by side. My ringneck is male and the Derbyan is “male” (not sure if this is 100% confirmed). Is it likely that they can become friends? Would the size difference/ age difference affect anything? Would the Derbyan turning out to be female cause issues? (don’t want them to breed under any circumstances) Thanks everyone

 

[wrench13]

Adding a parrot to an existing flock is ALWAYS a crap shoot.

 

[cnyguy]

The first question you should answer is do you want a second parrot. It's usually recommended against getting another parrot because you think the one you already have might want a friend. There never is a guarantee that any two parrots of any kind will get along with each other. They could become best friends or they might be mortal enemies, or anything in between. Of course they will need to be housed separately and will need separate one-on-one time. Two parrots don't necessarily mean twice as much work and twice as much mess. I found out that it's closer to ten times as much. But if you want another parrot and are prepared to do what would need to be done, I wouldn't talk you out of it.

 

[GaleriaGila]

Good advice!
Fortunately (unfortunately?) the Rb is so aggressive and territorial that I've never even dared to think of another bird...
Many here have found that they have to separate birds permanently... some have been fortunate and multiple birds get along.
You just never know! Never, ever.
Good for you for being so responsible and serious, and for reaching out!
I think that as long as you're willing to deal with whatever happens (e.g., separating them, if needed, handling added expenses, etc.), you'll be a great parront.
Good luck!
Keep us posted, please.

 

[PrimorandMoxi]

I love having more than one parrot.

For me and not for the parrots, with a Macaw and an Amazon the size diference is too great for them to physically interact but they do regard each other at a distance.

I'll notice that they preen themselves in the same exact locations at the same time.

Eat when they see the other eating...

when you have two parrots of the same size and they dont get along it can be super dissapointing and maybe even more difficult than my sittuation.