How to introduce a new bird to the one you have?

[torrap]

So, I got a new bird in the house!
It's a DYHA, a girl and about 10 years of age.
The aviary gave her to me to see if two birds will get along fine. I will adopt her if things are not going to get out of control here.....:54:
So, I'll take all the tips and suggestions on how to keep 2 girls being good friends.
My new Zon is about 2 times bigger than Marley. Poor Marley looks so small.
So far I put 2 cages side by side. I had Marley (the one I had already) screaming like crazy when I took a new bird out of the cage and took her with me to a singing session...... I had to go back and take Marley too, but she didn't like that the new one was sitting on her stand, so she started flying trying to land there, but didn't get brave enough and landed on the floor.
So, under the circumstances, I think the first night went well.
But, please tell me anything you know about getting a smooth introduction of two birds.
Thank you so much in advance.

 

[lotosha]

I'm thinking of getting second AG so I'm glad you asked, I'll be glad to read about it too

 

[henpecked]

i Doubt marley the YSA will think much of the new zon. Yes DYH is about 2x bigger than YSA. Have you had Marley for 6 yrs? I always tell folks not to get another zon as a friend for your zon. They tend to mate for life and don't like to share or they fall in love with each other and kick you to the curb. If you want two zons ,that's fine. I would not try to put them together, i would not plan on them being friends. IMO the unwanted 10 yr old from the breeder is more likely to bond with your pet and your pet will want to kill the intruder. Having one or both flighted will increase the chances of something bad happening, so be careful. My experience has been if one or the other ever attacks then they will never ever be able to be around each other. They seem to form an opinion and it never changes. They can also be very sneaky about attacking the other bird and wait for chances when your not watching. Good luck but be careful, don't trust them. I think expecting them to be friends is asking a lot.

 

[Merlee]

Henpecked, you really do need to have your own section. Lol.

Does your advice apply to older birds too? I took in a 27 YNA in January and have been kicking around the idea of rescuing a DYH about the same age if I came across one. I figured at this stage of their lives, I would not have to worry about bonding or spring hormones. I did not plan on them being buddies but just hoping they could live together harmoniously in the same house.

 

[henpecked]

Because you've only had the older bird for a short period it might work out OK. If your only interested in having them as "house mates" (your cage over here and the other cage over there.) The problem is having a bird bonded to you and introing another bird. I know in my house they are happy talking to each other and being part of the flock but the really longtime pets HATE each other. Of course most of my pets are old hens,few males in the mix. Hens seem to be so jealous.

 

[Merlee]

You have brought up some interesting points. I have a 12 y/o macaw who has taken well to the introduction of my zon. They have separate play stands in the same room, but wondered what would happen if a 3rd bird was added. I was hoping the zons could share one play stand and all would be well. It is big enough, just wondering if he would change because he has shown no aggressiveness whatsoever. Your comments have given me some things to consider. I really wanted another and wanted to help one in need from a rescue. I assumed at this age I would not have to worry about bird to bird bonding.

I apologize for high jacking this thread.

 

[torrap]

I always tell folks not to get another zon as a friend for your zon. ................................I think expecting them to be friends is asking a lot.

Oh boy, I was afraid you are going to say that.....:54: Thank you so much for sharing you knowledge.

It's a bit confusing, but I know my NEW DYHA longer than I know Marley the YSA. I was volunteering in the rescue and the DYHA clicked with me last March big time, but the adoption took a long time, and at one point it didn't look like adoption is going to be possible, so I got Marley (YSA). I have Marley only for about 2 months right now, and I am not sure she is clicking with me BIG time. She is sweet but not super animated with me. While I was bonding with Marley, the rescue told me that it's OK to adopt the DYHA, ............................and that where I am with 2 zons.
I hope Marley will become more animated and they don't fight. Also I hope that they will be able to keep each other entertained while I am at work. I don't plan to have them in the same cage.
So, what do you think? Is it possible?

 

[henpecked]

Yes i think it's possible. i didn't realize that you haven't had the YSA for so short of a period. I was worried the YSA was bonded to you. I guess your biggest concern would be them bonding to each other and not wanting you. I think so long as your going into this with eyes wide open you'll be OK.Both being in the rescue with other birds around is probably a plus in your situation. I think it could work, just don't trust them.

 

[JerseyWendy]

I'll hop in here to tell you how my 2 Amazons get along.

Hunter has been with me for 14 years. She is an exceptionally mellow Yellow Nape hen. I've had my Sam since he was 7 weeks old, he's the DYH. There isn't much size difference between the 2 of them. Sam is now just a bit over 1, so FAR from sexually mature.

I do let them out together, but I have 2 combined huge Java trees, so there is LOTS of room for them to avoid each other. So far there has been no aggression between the 2 of them. Sometimes they preen each other, other times they preen me, and I preen them. They DO play together, which is hilarious to watch, but I truly think it's because Sam is still so young.

I spend LOTS of one on one time with them both (all my fids actually). I take them outside, upstairs to the computer room, party with them individually, etc etc etc.

Only time will tell how things will progress, but I won't allow Sam to overly bond to Hunter. He's got me for that