Put me firmly in the 2 birds are happier than 1 camp...

[Bright Star]

I've had my little budgie, Keats, for almost 4 months now. He'll soon be 5 months old and is just a joy to have around. Last week, while getting his nails trimmed at the store where I purchased him, we met a 2-year-old budgie that was being re-homed because his previous owner 'didn't like his colors.' Well, we brought him home because he's sweet and has beautiful colors. I'd also decided that Keats was lonely and needed another bird for company.

Everyone says that having more than 1 bird means they won't bond to you as well. My answer: It's selfish to think that way if the bird clearly would be happier with another bird in the house.

I remain convinced now that a week has passed that I did the right thing for me and for Keats...and for Raphael (our new family member). Keats is so happy...much more vocal and active. He loves having a friend and sings and dances all day. He plays with his toys more. I LOVE the little nuanced behaviors I see in him now that he's interacting with another bird. He is behaving like a bird, not like a 'pet.'

Raphael seems happy too. It's only been a week, but he's starting to vocalize more and he's more active in the cage. Not sure how he really feels about having to share with a spastic little whippersnapper of a bird but I do find both birds sleeping side-by-side every morning. I suspect they really do like each other but just don't want to admit it

So, I'm very happy with my decision to add another bird. I'm not worried that Keats won't bond with me. He still comes right up to me when I talk to him and seems genuinely happy to see me. He even stepped up on my hand yesterday, very briefly...something we've been working on for a while now.

 

[merlinsmom13]

I've struggled w/this issue, too. Merlin seems happy w/us as his flockmates. He's a jeolous bird, I dont know if he would hate it or love it to have another bird in the house. I guess I'll do what you did, if a bird pops up & it seems it was meant to be, I'll get another bird, if not we will have to be happy w/each other.

 

[Spiritbird]

This may depend on the species of bird you have. My Rosie (TAG) and Cricket (GCC)
are arch enemies. Cricket bit her foot yesterday. If they get close to each other beaks are flying. Jealous I guess.

 

[Bright Star]

We have had some posturing and beak tapping, but it seems to be settling down. I'm watching them closely, as Raphael hangs out at the food dishes and I want to make sure it's not a territorial thing. I've moved the dishes around several times and put in a perch where the food dish was originally. That seems to have helped a lot. Raphael mostly hangs out on that perch, so I think he was just looking for his 'place.'

I've noticed different vocalizations in Keats since Raphael came home with us...and more dancing (head bobbing, strutting around on the perch). Right now they're about 2 inches apart on the same perch, chirping along with Birds of the Rain Forest

 

[Bright Star]

Ah, just watched Raphael approach Keats for the first time...instead of shying away as Keats came toward him

 

[mellykyitus]

you wouldn't thinka macaw and conure would get on but angel and willow do. they're not best buds but they don't mind sharing.

 

[Bright Star]

Angel and Willow look lovely together

 

[HRH Di]

Our 2 girls co-habitate quite well. They very much have a sibling relationship. But poor little Max doesn't like and isn't liked by either of them. He doesn't seem to mind, but I really think his life would be happier if he made friends with them.