Thoughts on adding another?

[Molcan2]

Alright with all the 'birds in need' posts that have been thrown out there, its been making me think about potentially adding another. I've never had more than one parrot at a time. I've had Rome for about a year, I feel that she has fully settled into the house (has been for about 3months). She is of course my priority and her well being is my biggest concern.

Now with the questions:

I fear that if I get something larger than her that some catastrophe will happen and I will come home to her beak ripped off (is this a legitimate fear?). Even though she is an M2, she is very submissive, if the cat wanted to eat her he could. Part of why I'm leaning toward something smaller than her, maybe she'll be less intimidated? I know there are other larger parrots that can be just as gentle though.

I really worry about the jealousy factor (however I feel that birds always like the company of other birds). Shes used to it being just us. Her previous home they had multiple birds. I deal well with Toos so I sort of feel obligated to take them in (since so many people run the other way - they really are lovely birds to have). If I were to get another Too I worry that having two clingy type personality birds may be a problem? Plus I worry about any unintentional breeding programs started behind my back.

Honestly I was thinking about either a little tiny bird (tiel, budgie, or black headed ciaque) or medium like a goffins or RB2 but with all these large parrots (of course in Fl) living in less than ideal situations it makes me consider a larger bird. What do you guys think?

 

[Spiritbird]

There will always be birds in need. That is why I preach so much about getting a rescue bird instead of a baby from a breeder. It really pains me to see these throw away birds.

Here is a good article to read: https://companionparrotonline.com/another_parrot.html

 

[Mayden]

I would maybe suggest a goffins/ducorps. You get the pleasure (and problems/challenge of a cockatoo) and a bird big enough to 'hold it's own' and you have to worry a little less about their big beaks doing SO much damage in such a short time, (cockatoo vs budgie... you understand!)

Thankyou for considering a rescue.

I think that as long as you still give Rome a lot of love and attention the jealousy won't be a huge issue for long. Just gotta ensure Rome still knows she's well loved and mummys little girl. I mean, I think birds will always be jealous of each other if they're bonded to their owner, but I think you can make it easier for her. Handling her first, feeding her first, etcetc.

Let us know what you decide!

 

[Mare Miller]

I'm so PROUD of you Molcan2 for thinking that way! I feel the same way about the needy birds on this side of the country and also having only one bird, I feel like we have the room in our hearts to help out another.

 

[henpecked]

We have lots of rescue/rehome birds, each has some sort of issue. Your willingness to work out the problems and keep them safe is the key. I would offer this, don't get another bird as a companion for your fid, get it because you want it, if it works out good with your fid ,that's great. But if it doesn't, then you'll have to find a way to make it work. Maybe consider fostering another bird to gauge your fids reaction to a new addition. Don't forget the quarantine.

 

[Molcan2]

No I wouldn't get a new bird for the bird I already have and expect them to be best buds. I do think that birds enjoy being around other birds. She perks up when the wild birds visit. When we sit outside the house sparrows will land right next to us (guess they figure if the big bird isn't scared then they shouldn't be either). I wouldn't get a new bird for 'me' either. I didn't get Rome for myself, I took in Rome for Rome (to better her life, not a lot of people will take a 16yr old M2 - I feel like I'm one of the few people that still considers that to be young). If I were to take in another bird it would be for that bird's sake, to give it a better home. I'm against having them as pets, would prefer them all to be wild. However there is an overabundance of adult birds that aren't properly being taken care of or homeless. I feel that even if Rome doesn't get along with the new bird that on some level will find solace in having some type of other bird around. I feel that my role is providing the birds with the best possible environment, as cageless as possible.