questions on Pionus parrots

[Colorguarder08]

So I am considering getting a bird in a few years. Yes thats right a FEW YEARS. However the research I've done so far has lead me to believe that a Pionus is the bird that would be a good match for me and I have a few questions. Are there any suggested readings to help further my search? Where could I possibly find one when I'm ready to get one. Also I read somewhere about a different parrot specices that if you have two it's best to keep them in seperate cages and only let them out to play together so they won't be agressive towards you has anyone else heard of this? I really would prefer to get two not just one so it wouldn't be lonely when I'm not there. Are cuttle bones and mineral blocks going to be needed? What is the best pellets to feed them? I know its a lot of questions but I want to be sure I know when I'm getting into BEFORE I get a bird.

 

[TexDot33]

any, and all, parrot "playtime" should always be supervised. Even in a well maintained flock with proper flock dynamics "squabbles" will always break out and you need to be there to intervene to make sure that no one gets hurt (including YOU as you break up the "squabble").

It's good to see that you are taking the responsibility of parrot ownership so seriously by trying to get as much info on the parrot that you think is best for you.

I would agree that the Pis are great parrots. I also feel that they are very unappreciated species as a whole. Though I can't give you any of the information that you are looking for on Pis I am sure that a quick "google search" will help if you haven't already done so.

Welcome to the forum, and enjoy your stay.

 

[parrotqueen]

The Pionus parrot is an excellent choice! They are sweet, and talkitive little birds.

Pionus parrots are not the most cuddly birds, but they are great shoulder birds. I saw a couple of babies at my favorite bird store, the were sitting very close together and chatting back and forth. They don't seem to be very loud, only uttering a small tweet or squeak. They aren't the best talkers, and some individuals never learn to talk at all. They are gentle and quiet, and love a good scratch on the neck.

About the different species thing, it is totally possible to keep two seperate species in one cage; but I don't recommend it. Do lots of research before even trying this! Some species are more compatible with others, and some just don't tolerate it.
Always supervise playtime with the two, because just like Tex said; there can be the occasional squabble.

 

[birdcrazy]

Have you thought about how much one on one time you will be able to devote the parrot. If you're going to be able to devote several hours everyday plus taking steps such as placing the cage in a part of the house where he will be socialized He shouldn't be too lonely. If you're not going to be able to devote much one on one time then there are other pets you may want to consider that aren't as dependant on actualy interaction. I'm by no means opposed to multiple bird households it's just rare that getting a bird a friend fixes anything. Epic fail for me personally where my cockatiel was concerned. SHe and her new friend hated each other. However with that being said here is a personal experience that goes against the grain a bit.

Currently I house my blue crowned conure and jenday conure together.

~ I am away for a few months doing something that will build my resume tremendously and help me provide for them better in the near future.

~ They do get along extreemly well. Both will sit on the same perch and preen each other. There are Two happy huts in the cage but everynight they both cram themselves into the same one.

~ The cage is HUGE considering their size
~ There are lots of perches and toys throughout it so options aren't limited

~ This arrangement allows my dad who has so graciously been taking care of them for me to have 2 cages to clean instead of 3.

~ It gives them a little more stimulation, because although my dad tries he isn't always able to take them out for an extended time each day.

~ They really seem to enjoy each others company

There are definily downsides

~ Paulie doesn't talk as much
~ Sidney isn't quite as good at stepping up
as they are bonded to each other

I realize this situation isnt ideal and always only meant it for a temporary one till I return home in May, Then they will be in seperate cages again where they can still see each other and have play times,but I can work on giving them individual people time.

Anyways, This has been my experience housing different birds together.
I wouldn't reccoment starting off with 2 new babies at the same time. Get one see how it goes then in a year or so if you want to add to the flock add another one you are interested in for yoursake not your birds.

 

[Colorguarder08]

Actually my question wasn't about housing them together it was about keeping them in seperate cages and letting them play together. I am aware that squabbles will happen this happens with ANY type of pet. And to answer birdcrazy's question about how much time I plan to spend with the bird(s) I plan to spend 1-2 hours (per bird) one on one plus an additional 1-2 hours of out of cage play time. I probably won't put the cage(s) in the living room as thats where my ferrets are and they are not exactly friends and that would end tradgically for one of them so chance are I'd put the cage(s) in the office or study room so that they will still be in a room that gets a fair amount of socialization as I have my mom living with me and she is currently doing online school as well so thats where she spends most of her day. And if she wanted to take the bird out while I'm work since I work 40 hours a week that'd be ok. She's been around birds before so she'd know how to handle them. As for their talking ability thats actually one of their traits that makes them seem better as far as I'm concerned I'd be just fine if the bird never learned to talk. But basically the bird will be guarenteed 3-4 hours out of cage time during my work week and more on my days off.

 

[parrotqueen]

That sounds excellent, and getting two might help with the entertainment problem. One thing that I want to warn you about, getting two birds (especially of the same species) can cause them to not be very attached to you. I'm not saying that it will happen, I'm just saying that it can happen.

 

[Colorguarder08]

yeah thats why I was wondering if I kept them in seperate cages if that would help prevent that