Opinions, please. Considering another GCC.

[Peeko]

I'm considering looking into getting another green cheek in the relatively near future, but I am not completely sure, for reasons I will list below.

Its not the common factors like 'double the needs', 'double the cost', etc that is making me apprehensive, its Peeko.

I've wanted a pineapple GCC for a long time now and would love to have two GCCs. In addition, Peeko does cry a lot when I leave the room/house and my mother has expressed that she thinks a companion bird (not caged together, but near each other, and not taken out at the same time) might be a good idea since he seems to be so lonely and I am more than willing to have two feathered babies; I would absolutely love it. But I'm not sure if Peeko would agree...

Peeko does NOT like it when I divide my attention. If I pet one of our dogs, etc he starts trying to get my attention, sometimes with cute noises and speaking, but sometimes with angry chattering. The same goes for everyone else. If they walk into the room and pay attention to an animal other than him, he has something to say about it.
Also, he has shown absolutely zero interest in other birds. He wont even look at them, wont try to interact with them, nothing (of course, he has never been allowed physical contact. Its been through cages). His siblings picked on him a lot before I bought him so I don't know if that has anything to do with it or not (in fact, when I got there, they were chewing on his feet and he was crying about it)

Yes, I want another bird, but no, I will not get one if it would be unfair to him. I want to do what's best for the bird I already have, since I am already committed to him and he is my first priority. If it would be a negative thing for him to have to share me with another bird, then I'm not going to be selfish. But since this is my first parrot since I was a toddler, I don't know how he might adapt to having a "brother/sister" since I don't have experience in multiple birds. The only experience my mother has is with pairs of parakeets, cockatiels, and lovebirds that were already bonded when she got them, and no one else in my family has ever had more than one parrot at a time.

If anyone here has any input - especially anyone who might have been in my situation in the past - I would really appreciate it. This is not a decision I'm taking lightly and since I don't have experience with owning multiple parrots, I definitely want feedback from people who do.

 

[moni.k]

IMO, if you want another bird... why not? Peeko may be jealous at first, but I think any pet who had the undivided attention of the whole family can get jealous of the shared affection. They may never get along, but there's also the chance that they can tolerate each other or even bond. I say yes, since you're wanting a bird not so much as a companion for Peeko, but because you want another fid. The trick is to keep Peeko's schedule the same even after the new bird is brought home. Re-insure him that his affection isn't compromised by a new flock member. Always greet him first and last, spend additional time cuddling with him and work with clicker training.

After I brought home Layla, although she's in quarantine and they haven't been introduced to each other, Nalani does sense a change. She isn't necessarily jealous, but more confused and curious. I was worried about jealousy since Nalani has been the baby of our home, but she's been taking in the new changes surprisingly well. I've noticed she's become much more talkative also, I can hear Layla and Nalani having conversations throughout the day even. It's really adorable, and I'm glad Nalani has a new friend. They may never preen each other, but at least they can be each others entertainment and amusement.