Introducing a Pionus and a Senegal?

[Deanna]

My Maximillian Pionus and Senegal have been enjoying, immensely, their out of cage times. They dance, prance and strut (Cecil, the Senegal, does this sort-of "John Trivolta" Disco Dance--soo cute and funny). However, thus far, their times out have been individual, not together. And, I am wondering how I go about assessing whether or not it is safe for them to actually meet each other in person on the playtop perch. When they are out individually, the caged one usually looks longingly up onto the playtop. Just not sure how to tell whether they are suitable friends. Any ideas?

 

[Redballoon]

You would have to feel the "vibe" of the room I reckon. You will feel confident when the time is right. I hope they love playing together as soon at they get the chance.
I only have 1 bird, so I am no expert.
Can you put the cages close together to see if they want to get near each other? Then if one is game, but the other isnt, he will have somewhere to go. If they make kissy kissy thru the bars, I reckon your safe. If they spit and hiss at each other, Im guessing not. Then if that worx, let the one who is the braver of the 2 out of his cage and see if tries to interact with the other bird, or YOU.
Repeat, I am no expert, Im just guesssing.

 

[Peta]

Good Guess, that would be my first plan to move the cages next to each other.

With Bucc and Kito (both Greys) I had the cages next to each other straight away, and they both came out together, kito was only a baby and flightless at the time so able to keep a close eye on them. Once Kito had learned to fly, Bucc, the older of the two, would be a bit wary but just kept a close eye and if I thought there was gonna be any trouble would remove one of them.

I would try to keep their interest in me rather than in each other for a while and gradually they became friends,

Are your guys flighted or clipped? I would definately move the cages together first and see how they are then, Even if they get on while in the cage, there's no guarantees that they will get on when they are out together, they could even just completely ignore the other one, but the best situation would be for them to get on and enjoy each others company. That would be a win win situation all round. Also when you have the cages together or near each other and they don't get on, give them a few days they may just need time to get used to each other.

 

[Deanna]

Thanks and good plan. I'll rearrange and get Mojo's and Cecil's cages side by side. Keep a close eye on their behavior and reactions.

They are both flighted ...

 

[Peta]

They are both flighted ...

Ah well in that case, when you do feel more confident to let them out together if you do what I did make sure you have some plasters (band aids) handy. When I saw there was trouble brewing quickly, I stuck MY hand inbetween them. Luckily Bucc had no intention to bite those days.

 

[Deanna]

LOL!! I have many a "plasters" about ... they have both shown they are able to bite (surprisingly, Cecil's bite is far worse than Mojo's). LOL ... And, I'm afraid you are correct that should one of them decide to bite, it shall be my hand instead of the other! Ouch! (I mend quickly, though).

Mission accomplished ... I've just rearranged the cages. Mojo's cage is next to Cecil's at the entrance to the bird room/my office. Little Timothy fared surprisingly well as I moved his cage over to make room for Cecil (he usually clings-for dear life-to the side of the cage during any kind of stress or change...but, he did very well, my little braveheart).

Mojo usually "hangs" to the left side of his cage (and now Cecil is situated to his right side) ... he scuttled across his perch post haste and cocked his head at Cecil. Cecil gave him a look like, "What?! It wasn't my idea to be moved next to you! Sheesh!" LOL

Everyone is eating their treats now, so noone is worse for the wear!

 

[Peta]

Thats great news, and I'm so glad that Timothy wasn't stressed out by any of this. He's really a hero.

 

[Redballoon]

Sounds like a positive move.
I hope it continues to go well.

 

[Deanna]

Woo...hoooooo! Yippie Ky-A! ... My husband returned this evening from working out of town all week :smile015: -- and at his return (because I wanted an extra set of hands--to get bitten if necessary! LOL), we let Cecil out onto the Playtop (above Timothy's cage) and Mojo out onto the top of his open-up cage (one cage was between them ... about 5-6'ish feet). My hubby engaged Cecil while I distracted Moj ... every so oft, they would glance at one another. It was a nice (safe) beginning to a very slow, closer introduction to one another.

Yesterday, I accidently got Moj too close to Cec while putting him back in his cage after free time and CC bit his tail (but I was the only one that saw it, Moj never felt it ... thank goodness!).

But, there was nor frowning or growling tonight. Big relief ... If I continue to approach this very slowly (with my husbands help, too), I'm really, really hoping that Moj and CC can become friends!

Slow is the key, I think!

 

[Peta]

Slow is the key, I think!

Definately the way to go, they will let you know when they want the pace stepped up. Keep us informed of their progress.