I have been offered a Lineolated parrot...what will that do to Rosie?

[Ecclipse]

One of kid's that I tutor has offered me a baby Lineolated parrot (Linnie). His father owns a huge breeding farm and the boy has his own parrots that he breeds with and cares for. He has a couple of Linnie babies that were born last week and will be ready for a new home in just over a month. He insists that I get it for free and I know they are very good with their birds.

I have never heard of a Linnie parrot until this evening and was browsing the net and by what I have read they are mini parrots. I must confess that the thought of getting another bird had not entered my mind until this evening when he offered the bird.

I have never owned two birds at one time before and dont know what it will do to Rosie. I also have no idea how one juggles their time with more than one bird so that there is no jealousy. I also dont mind if I have to keep them apart if they dont bond. There again, I have no idea how to address that.

Has anyone heard of a Linnie? Any info on getting a second bird and the affects on the first bird would be great. Im not opposed to the idea but am aware that I will have to do some serious research and make sure that Rosie will be ok - she is my main focus.

 

[SharonC]

I have a Linnie...named Levi. Linnies are lovely birds, but do go through troublesome stages just like other birds. I love Levi, as he's really a sweetheart. I'll try to do a video later....BTW, I have five birds, so two sounds fairly easy to me! LOL!

 

[Bobby34231]

Linnies are great, tho I've never been owned by one I have interacted with many, sweet beautiful little birds, getting one that young would be a big plus as a companion bird, SharonC is owed by a Linnie (Levi) and I'm sure she can weigh with some good advice

 

[apatrimo94]

I do not have a linnie but as for introducing another bird to the family (remember qurantine first!!!) but when you introduce them, just put their cages next to each other and observe their behavior. If either or both of them seem stressed (plucking, not eating, bickering constantly, bullying the other, etc) Then separate them. If the get along with their cages being next to each other, then you should be fine. However, having them both out, that's a different story

 

[Ecclipse]

Thanks Sharon and Bobby

Im a bit nervous about how Rosie will react to another bird. I have no idea how I would even think of introducing the other bird and how to go about ensuring that Rosie doesnt think Im giving away my attention to her. Is this too soon to be thinking of a second bird?? I have only had Rosie for just over 2months. Im going into this with my head not my heart and want to be sure that I can take steps to ensure that I create an environment that is good for both birds. I am going to buy a new cage for Rosie - been wanting to for a while and will keep the smaller one for the new bird - if I get her/him. To have Rosie and the new bird bond would be something I wouldnt dare dream for and am going into this with the mindset that they will live apart.

If its not the right time for another bird please tell me...I am going into this blind but want to research everything first and make sure Im prepared. I have so many questions to ask you but have no idea where to start.

This is the list I have put together for now:

I have always wanted more than one bird
I can afford to keep two birds

LOL - Thats the sum total of the list, I think my biggest question right now concerns Rosie and how she will handle it. Any advice would be much appreciated

 

[Ecclipse]

Hi AP - Thanks for the post When quarantining the bird what does that entail?? How far away must He/she be from Rosie, how long??

 

[apatrimo94]

To your first reply, I would say you're definately ready for another bird. I'm pretty sure you'll be fine caring for two birds. As for Rosie, I had that same problem too. I was afraid of S'mores becoming upset and stressed with Bartleby introduced a few months ago. With their cages next to each other, they're great neighbors. They love to have conversations and mess around in front of each other. However, they both cannot be out of their cages at the same time because they'll fight, and I've had a few close calls. So, they should be fine with their cages next to each other, but it all depends on personalities and such. Observe them when you have their cages next to each other.

To you second post, qurantine should be at least a month long, but two months is recommended. I kept Bartleby in qurantine for 45 days. It's a matter of keeping them as far apart from each other as possible in the house without sharing the same air. A few rooms apart should do fine as long as there's no major vents connecting the two rooms they're in. Rule is, if you interact with one bird, be sure to change your shirt and thoroughly wash your hands before you play with the next one. That's really all there is to it. This is just to keep an eye on the new bird just to make sure it doesn't have any diseases and if it did, it doesn't spread to the older bird(s). Also a great time to give the new bird a vet check-up to ensure it's healthy. After the number of days you've chosen for qurantine is up, then they should be ready (and hopefully excited!!!) to move their cages next to each other and meet each other.

Hope I helped.

 

[wildheart]

If its not the right time for another bird please tell me...I am going into this blind but want to research everything first and make sure Im prepared.

Oh Jess I think that only you can answer that question.

I think there is a flip side to it, how tame is Rosie? If she is still a little wild and still bites you a lot then I would say that you will make life more difficult for yourself when you have to try and tame two birds.

The other side, in my opinion is, that if she is not completely settled in and are still adapting to you etc. then I think she will accept another bird easier than later on when she is used to having you all to herself.

I am saying this purely based on Sterretjie who wants to kill all the other kids and humans in my house and who will never accept another bird. (But then again, she is crazy.) We were even scared that she would attack Mishka that is 5 times her size, therefore I had to sadly limit my interaction with Mishka! (But the more Mishka visits the better it seems to get.)

 

[Spiritbird]

Jessica When quarantining a a bird you should remember to wash hands between birds, wear a smock or other coverup when caring for the new bird and even change shoes between birds, keep the door closed and pray that it will end soon. You sould like me I want a second bird but hesitate because Rosie has always been a one person bird. It is an unknown factor how she will react. I could foster. Not sure.

 

[Ecclipse]

I have decided not to get another bird - for now, my reasons are that I cannot do proper quarantine due to the way my flat is built - its very open plan and the rooms that I could put the other bird in dont have good ventilation. I also want to get Rosie bonded with me and I am moving in December and will only get the bird in Nov which might be traumatic for the lil one. I can always get a baby from the future batches when I know where Im going.

Thank you so much for your advice and feedback, if it wasnt for your advice then I would of maybe gone into it without knowing the facts and I would hate the process to be an unhappy one.

Thank you again

 

[antoinette]

Jessica you are being so wise about your decision, not to get another bird at this point in time. The temptation was so so great.
Take this time to strengthen the bond with my niece if you are still wanting another bird, consider it after the move.
Now we all know exactly what must be done, and followed through etc when getting a second bird.
I must admit this thread sure opened my eyes.
Just imagine if we had to go through this procedure with our human kids............
The population would be so less

 

[Ecclipse]

Lol - very wise, very wise...I didnt want anyone to think that this thread had been in vain. Im so grateful for this forum and all the advice