Introducing birds to each other

[Shine]

About a month ago I got a second BFA. Hes about 30 years old. My other one is 3 years old and I've had him for about a year and a half.

I'm trying to figure out how to see if they are going to be friends without anyone getting hurt. (I'm sure there are threads about it, but I havent been able to find them )

Their cages are right next to each other and Charlie, (the new bird) has crawled over to Fidgets cage and wondered around on top of it if he is out of his cage and Fidget is inside his cage with the door closed. I'm not seeing any aggression from either of them when this happens. They also spend time on stands that are about 3 ft from each other and I havent seen any issues there either.

One time I had them both on the same stand about a ft apart and Charlie kinda snapped at Fidget so I removed Fidget.

If it makes a difference, I'm not yet able to handle Charlie. He prefers men and thats not me. Its going to be a long road for us but I'm ok with that. He will take pine nuts from me usually. (other then a couple of days ago when I offered him one and he bypassed it and took a bite of my finger instead!) I use a perch to move him around

I know I'm being a bit paranoid about it all but I'm just so afraid of either of them getting injured buy the other.

Is there a good way to make this happen or any obvious signs that they will or wont get along?

Thanks for any advice.

 

[GaleriaGila]

Wellllllllllllll... I like your style... relaxed, in no hurry, hut verrrrry cautious.
For now I'd say keep on doing what you're doing... watching, waiting.
Many here have found that they have to separate birds permanently... some have been fortunate and multiple birds get along.
You just never know! Never, ever.
Good for you for being so responsible and serious, and for reaching out!
I think that as long as you're willing to deal with whatever happens (e.g., separating them, if needed, handling added expenses, etc.), you sound like a great parront.
Good luck!
Let's see what others say.
Keep us posted, please.

 

[Mitchan]

I've actually never had much of a hard time introducing birds to eachother, and I seem to notice that most bird owners here in Sweden have a much easier time of introducing birds than most bird owners in the US and the UK for example - I suspect that this is due to the fact that it's as of now illegal in Sweden to fully hand-raise baby birds unless they're abandoned by the parents, so, instead of taking a baby from their parents and hand feeding it and thus cutting of the bird's natural development and hindering it from learning how to be a bird - you have to let the bird parents raise their babies and then when they're ready you can start interacting with them as you would any bird - but while they're still staying with their parents and keeps learning how to interact with both people AND birds.
That and the fact that you are also required to keep at least two birds of any social species together (even bird-aggressive birds have to be able to see, hear and communicate with other birds of the same species or genus while not being able to get to them and hurt them) I think gives a pretty good foundation when it comes to birds getting along with other birds - and I think that's super great.
It's a pretty new law here though so not everyone actually does this yet, but a lot of people do and it works wonderfully!

Anyway, sorry for that little tangent, back to your actual question!
You are on the right track with taking it slowly and keeping their cages close to eachother so that they can get used to one another that way too.
Are they clipped or flighted? In my experience, flighted birds are much more confident and therefore less likely to be afraid of another bird - and fear of the other bird while not being able to actually fly off is likely to make them aggressive instead. The sole ability to actually leave any given situation if wanted is often enough motivation for them to actually WANT to explore more, to WANT to get to know this other bird, because they know that if it gets uncomfortable they can just fly off at any time.


If they are flighted, I wouldn't be too afraid of a little growling and bickering when they're close to eachother, but if they're clipped, and, seeing as you can only handle one of them, I'm thinking a little a bit of caution can't hurt either.

It sounds like it's all going pretty good though! If they're not being aggressive towards eachother while 3ft apart, that is great! Keep it up

 

[Shine]

Charlie is flighted, hes the new one. Hes also older. Fidget is younger, clipped and I've had him for awhile.

They have taken now to crawling all over each others cages when one is inside and one is outside! I'm letting them do that for now. They both seem ok with it.

I am getting Charlie clipped June 6 when he sees the vet, so once thats done they will be on even footing in that way. I see what you mean about being able to get away when one is flighted though. Maybe I need to let them get close while thats still an option.

Thank you!

 

[SailBoat]

Interesting combination a 3 year old and and 30 year old!

I truly loved the explanation provide above regarding parent raised and hand raised, well stated! In addition, the young parrot is properly fed in both time and temperature, which greatly limits developed behavior problems when Humans get it wrong.

Understand /remember that your 3 year old is anywhere from 1 to 3 years from starting the Great Transition from youth to Adulthood (puberty). You really need to concentrate on bonding, handling and socializing before it begins!

Being extremely watchful when they are near each other and on one another cages. In a flash of a moment, one could lose a toe!

Enjoy and keep a journal as time will fly-by faster than you will believe!

 

[Shine]

Yes, Fidget is already being hormonal, (see my previous post 'what is he doing?') We are well bonded, he is harness trained and that part is all good.

I'm just not sure how to tell when/if they are going to be friendly or not.

I hadnt thought about keeping a journal, but i like the idea! Thanks