How are introductions made?

[Boki]

I am contemplating getting a 2nd conure. I know that only get the 2nd bird only if I want one. But I do hope that the 2 birds get along. I am not rushing to get this 2nd companion. I decided to inquire here on the process.

I know I need to quarantine the new arrival but in this present day, quarantines are part of daily life. But after some time (2 weeks?) I think I am supposed to keep them in separate cages but but the cages next to each other to see how they react. What happens if they ignore each other?

I guess the bigger question is how is the first test day is managed? Do I take the birds out and put them at a distance and watch? What is the likelihood that one of the birds would make a sudden attack? Is there body language I should watch for?

I assume there are a few parronts in this forum who have gone through this process of getting 2nd and 3rd conures. . I would like to hear of both strategies, successes, and errors made in the introduction process. I am just trying to think things through somewhat but I do often overthink things.

 

[noodles123]

How old is your first? That COULD make a big difference in terms of how things go (in theory)

 

[Anansi]

Wow, you caught the MBS, eh? (Multiple Bird Syndrome) Careful, it gets addicting!

First thing, a proper quarantine is 3 months and best maintained in separate rooms and, if possible, on different floors. A minimum quarantine can be 30 days. but that's definitely pushing it. 2 weeks is just too short a time.

I know the time sounds brutally long, but it's worth it. Many diseases can take around 3 months to manifest symptoms. And you can never be too careful with your bird, you know? And, of course, make sure to get the newbie tested by a vet. A certified avian vet if at all possible.

As for the introductions, I actually wrote up a thread on this. Here's a link you might find helpful: http://www.parrotforums.com/training/74214-introducing-second-bird.html#post714358

 

[Boki]

My current conure is just a little 2 years old. She does not appear to show any interest in the wild birds that she sees near her - but she is safe in her cage/home too.

Three month quarantine would be brutal.

 

[Laurasea]

I did three weeks, tho many diseases can hide .....
I made sure not to make over the new kid in front of the first kid.
Introducing in a neutral area with list of food treats spread out and out both birds in a happy mood and a few feet apart, tried to referee, anybody grumpy I take away try and get happy and bring back, repeat as long as takes. Never force them to be close let them approach in their own. Prevent a fight before it happens , and praise lavishly when they hang out about three feet apart. Praise and live in the first bird the most. Even when things went a little rough st first after several months they can hang out together ( at least mine have) some became buds, some didn’t, but things pretty good for mine. Some favorite foods or resources can cause bickering and I just move them and whatever was the new favorite mine only thing

 

[Talven]

I have a now 2.5 year old conure Echo and a 18 month old Ari. I have been trying for the past 12 months to have them get along with no success. The will launch at each other immediately and fight. Even from metres away, if they see each other they will fly to the other and attack. I've been bitten several times having to put my hands in between them. Every time I did that one of them drew blood from me. There is no posing, threatening or any signs that they are going to attack. Sometimes no matter what you do birds will just not get along. Needless to say they are never out at the same time any longer.

Before you consider getting another bird first consider what will happen if they don't get along. Will you be able to give each bird enough attention if you have to keep them apart? They need hours out of the cage daily for exercise. Do you have enough free time to do that with individual birds? I'm lucky? as I don't work and have all day every day to spend time with my birds but having multiple birds if they don't get along significantly increases the difficulty and time required.

There is also no guarantee that they will stay getting along either. Things can change rapidly and birds that got along fine can no longer be kept together. Such as with my Cockatiels. First they got along fine and were happy living together. They were so close they had to be together all the time. Looked like they were the best of buds and then it all changed. Whenever Ghost got any attention Akoya would tug on her tail, then he would peck at her and eventually he would attach himself to her leg and pull her off the perch. In the end Akoya has been rehomed as the aggression was escalating and I had no way to separate them.

The only birds I have that can be out together are my Kakariki and that is only if there is no food. Otherwise it becomes all out war for the food.

On the other hand there are people who's birds all get along. Total toss of the coin. You just don't know what you'll get.

 

[Flboy]

Assuming the quarantine goes well, but they truly dislike each other. All is not lost! Even odd couples foster a quality of life that you alone can’t provide!