Good Companion for Bitty?

[nofearengineer]

First, let me say that one of my greatest regrets with my buddy Gandalf was that I always procrastinated getting him a companion. I used all of the typical excuses (what if he doesn't like me any more, what if they fight, etc...you get the idea).

However, since Bitty has recently started hitting me with the "flock locator" call a TON, my thoughts have seriously turned towards her long-term emotional well-being. I am giving serious thought to getting her a buddy later this year. I want her to have someone to talk to during the day when I'm gone.

I don't think it will be an African Grey, as much as I obviously adore them. I would hate for there to be any intra-species conflict between them; i.e. girl-girl hissy fits. I also don't want (boy am I selfish) her to want to throw rocks at me after I introduce some Casanova male CAG to her.

I am thinking of something reasonably quiet, cuddly and playful, and medium/small sized.

Talking is not that big of a deal. I work with Bitty on it a bit, and it has recently occurred to me that I tend to appreciate the serendipitous little things she learns on her own and blurts out rather than things I teach her. (Besides...I'm not sure anything could ever top Gandalf in the talking department...why try? )

I am thinking maybe a Pionus? What do you guys think?

I also considered a Caique, but I'm not sure I can match all of their silly energy. I'm more of a sit and talk and head scratch kind of guy. Bitty is PERFECT for that already.

 

[crashaire]

I would say Senegal but Im totally biased .But "most" fit the criteria of cuddly more quite and totally playful they love playing on their backs which I think a Pionus might not like as much and they are little clowns all the time. Good luck anyways

 

[Spiritbird]

Norf: Many people have said to me that greys do not like other species of birds. Greys with greys. Since you are not going to do this for a while yet you have some time for research. This information has come to me only recently and I do not know if it is valid.

https://companionparrotonline.com/another_parrot.html

http://www.africangreys.com/articles/relationships/withmerlin.htm This article may be helpful to you.

 

[schristensen13]

I agree with Crashaire....any of the Poicephalus parrots might be a great fit...I have owned a Senegal and currently own a Meyers. Great little parrots who are relatively quiet (for a parrot that is) and big personalities. My CAG and Meyers are constantly going back and forth during their flock-call time! Good luck!

 

[nofearengineer]

Thanks for the link, SB. That is very good reading...a lot to digest. It really reminds me of Cesar Milan's method with dogs.

Yes, of course, I am going to do a lot of research. I do have one thing in my favor though...Bitty is an absolute narcissist. She will let anyone scratch her head for hours, and I mean anyone. Most parrots want to eat the TV remote. She wants it to scratch her head. She will let people she just met scratch her head.

I am hoping this is an indicator of her flexibility. When it comes down to it...we will just have to see. Hopefully, I can work with a rescue and try for the best fit.