Not okay to keep single parrots?

[crazyforfeathers]

I’ve always wondered if my conure would be happier with another conure friend. He appears to be happy when I am home. Very much bonded to me, follows me everywhere. He gets to fly anywhere in the home as he pleases, lots of toys, foragers, indoor trees, etc. He does not have any behavioral problems in the 2 years I’ve had him. Eats very well, very active. But I wonder if he could be even happier with a second bird.

I don’t have the space for another cage in my place. I also do not think I will be able to commit the extra time and energy to the proper care of a second parrot. I am content with just 1 bird to be honest.


I’d like to hear from people who’s kept only birds all their lives and what their experience with that was?

 

[aliray]

I do not think there is a problem with only having one bird. It sounds like he is happy and well cared for and has everything he needs. If it is not broken don't try to fix it. I had a quaker and a canary seperate cages and the quaker was really sweet and never bit loved to cuddle. when I added a second parrot and then the third is when he became more cage aggresive and a lot more likely to bite ,which he does on occasion. They each have their own cages and I wouldn't trade any of them ,however that being said I think it would have been easier for him to be the only parrot I still leave the tv or radio on when we are not home, for the birds

 

[Featheredsamurai]

I also think one bird is ok.

Birds are wild animals who shouldn't be in captivity, they thrive on social interactions and there is just no way we can replicate what they have in the wild. All we can do is make their life with us the best it can be. I think that captive parrots are rarely as mentally healthy as wild birds, some just do better as a single bird while others thrive in a multi bird house hold.

 

[Mayden]

Why try and fix something that isn't broken?

 

[sodakat]

It depends on the bird, I think. Heavily human imprinted hand fed babies might not want a bird companion. Birds raised around other birds, who know they are birds, will often enjoy having a friend or mate. Same species companions, especially opposite sex companions are generally accepted by immature birds.

 

[cnyguy]

Ralph is an "only parrot" and so was George. George was quite happy that way, and Ralph seems to be too-- though I think he could adjust to having another parrot around.

The usual wisdom is to only get another parrot if you want one (and can accommodate one)-- not because you think your parrot might like having a friend to squawk with.

 

[ruffledfeathers]

I agree that it can vary from situation to situation and that, as wild animals, living in our home as a 'human' is not natural in itself. However, many birds are excellent in a single bird household, given that they have proper interaction and bonding.
I have a canary but only one parrot (those two don't really interact, just kind of know the other is there). I have never had a bird in a 'single pet' household, but I have had single birds in a multi pet household. (and the bird always seems to form some type of bond with the other animals too--which is cute. They are such social creatures.)
All that being said, I think it is actually abusive to keep a single bird and not socialize with him. (preaching to the choir I know, because almost everyone on this forum is here because we so love our birds and care about their well-being).

 

[henpecked]

Wait, i can't believe some one would post," my cake has no behavioral issue"!!! that's unheard of, LOL/

 

[crazyforfeathers]

I’m sorry, I did not mean to come off like I had the perfect parrot. He has his moments when he screeches or bites, but generally he is even tempered and by ‘human standards’ appears happy and active. I thought it was important to establish that because I was mainly considering a second parrot due to of my own guilt for keeping an 'only bird.'


Like Copper said, this whole thing about keeping our parrots indoors is unnatural, so I just have to do the best I can and provide what I am able to for his sake. Unfortunately space, time and energy is an issue for me at the moment.