What do you do to satisfy lonely birds?

[Mayden]

For example.

Having a single bird 'flock' and knowing that they are very very distressed or upset when you leave (for example, go to work). Not just a little grumpy, but upset.

What have you done, or do to avoid the crying or distress?

Part of the reason we're considering Charlie is because Merlin just gets so worked up and upset, crying and screaming for us to come back. It goes on, he settles some, then cries for us back again.

But we don't want to make the problem worse by introducing another bird and just basically upping the volume. We'd rather they have chatter (even if it's loud) and basically reassure Merlin that part of the flock still remains.

Thoughts/suggestions on how to soothe Merlin/buying Charlie?

(That's not the only reason we want Charlie, but company for Merlin is a HUGE factor.)

 

[Mitchan]

If I was in your situation, I'm pretty sure I would've bought Charlie if I could tbh, especially after seeing the change in my Alaska when I brought Miley home.
Even before they became friends, I could see that Alaska was so much happier just being in the same room as Miley. When they weren't, they would call for eachother happily through the walls as soon as one heard the other. Alaska, who prior to meeting Miley, just wanted to sit on a perch and preen or chew on wood all day, got really inspired by Miley's flying around all over, and started doing so herself. She didn't start out as being so good at flying, since she'd previously been clipped a few years, but after being introduced to Miley, she started flying way more and eventually became amazing at it too - it was so heartwarming to see!
I think that, though she was handraised and had lived all her life without other birds, she just knew that Miley and her were kinf of 'the same', you know?
It did take a few months for them to start interacting other than contact calling back and forth now and then, but I never had any problems before that either. Miley would always ignore Alaska, and Alaska respected her privacy until Miley finally decided to give Alaska some attention too, and that's when they became friends.
I realize this probably wouldn't have turned out just as amazing if Alaska didn't understand that Miley wanted to be left alone or if Alaska wasn't this gentle, so I think you have to consider the personalities of both Merlin and Charlie and think about if they would be "compatible".
You obviously still wouldn't be quite sure they'd get along, but sometimes it might be worth taking a chance, I think. Even if they don't become best friends, Merlin might just appreciate being able to kind of "talk" to Charlie, and to see him, while you're gone.

 

[Mayden]

If I was in your situation, I'm pretty sure I would've bought Charlie if I could tbh, especially after seeing the change in my Alaska when I brought Miley home.
Even before they became friends, I could see that Alaska was so much happier just being in the same room as Miley. When they weren't, they would call for eachother happily through the walls as soon as one heard the other. Alaska, who prior to meeting Miley, just wanted to sit on a perch and preen or chew on wood all day, got really inspired by Miley's flying around all over, and started doing so herself. She didn't start out as being so good at flying, since she'd previously been clipped a few years, but after being introduced to Miley, she started flying way more and eventually became amazing at it too - it was so heartwarming to see!
I think that, though she was handraised and had lived all her life without other birds, she just knew that Miley and her were kinf of 'the same', you know?
It did take a few months for them to start interacting other than contact calling back and forth now and then, but I never had any problems before that either. Miley would always ignore Alaska, and Alaska respected her privacy until Miley finally decided to give Alaska some attention too, and that's when they became friends.
I realize this probably wouldn't have turned out just as amazing if Alaska didn't understand that Miley wanted to be left alone or if Alaska wasn't this gentle, so I think you have to consider the personalities of both Merlin and Charlie and think about if they would be "compatible".
You obviously still wouldn't be quite sure they'd get along, but sometimes it might be worth taking a chance, I think. Even if they don't become best friends, Merlin might just appreciate being able to kind of "talk" to Charlie, and to see him, while you're gone.

Thank you for sharing your experience! Having two senegals your probably the best equipt here to help!

All I want for Merlin is just to basically have another flock member so that he feels comfortable enough when left - if that's just another bird to chat to, that's fine, if they want to become best friends and cuddle, that's fantastic.

Charlie's currently in the same room as a bunch of Zons and other senegals. He will have a chat when a person interacts with him, but not really so much with the other birds. Merlin however, will chat to a wall hoping he'll get attention back. So I'm hoping that just by having Charlie's "non threatening presence" (by interacting with Merlin first, etc) and doing a slow introduction (weeks/months) will just encourage Merlin to be happier in himself and more confident in his flock.

Charlie is a pretty solid bird although I haven't seen him play. He's been more interested in interacting with me and Andrew via demanding scritches. But he doesn't flock call when anyone leaves either. So I'd kinda be hoping that Merlin would pick up on that too... and not the other way around

I suppose it's a lot of wishful thinking, but I just really want Merlin to feel happier and by giving a Charlie a great home too.... 2 birds, one stone?

Charlie is a real cuddle bug and I'd appreciate having that around more often too. I'm also thinking about when I start my training as a vet nurse/full time work, Merlin will be home alone between around 8am-6pm. I think he needs a friend for those hours. So whilst not working those times just yet, surely it's better to introduce a new flock member now and give them the time to bond and get to know each other before just ditching and working!

We think Merlin would be aggressive at first, but Charlie not. So we'd have to deal with aggression and jealousy from Merlin's side of things, but that's expected.

Who knows, maybe he'll like having an older brother? I know he loves the resident senegal at the vets (which further cemented my idea of getting another...) and loves to chat to her the entire time we're there.

 

[Pugtato]

I have been dealing with this same dilemma with my Senegal, Kippy. I personally would love to have another bird for myself, but at the same time that desire largely stems from Kippy, and wishing for him to have something to interact with other than me. At the same time however, I want to keep my strong bond with him and it would make me incredibly sad to lose my friend's devotion. We spend every waking moment together; if I am home Kippy is by my side, on my shoulder, or on the back of my chair. It is a huge conflict of interest for me and my family, seeing as my SO is not a pet guy and I am really pushing him with two tortoises, two dogs, and Kip.

I am also in a similar situation as you time wise, I have classes 9-2 daily 10 months of the year, and Kip always throws a tantrum when I first go back to school and he gets left alone more than on the breaks. I always get a good bite around the second week of each semester, which is Kippy's way of letting me know that he is mad at me for being gone so much. It always happens the same way, he will snub me for a week or so and then just flip his lid one evening screaming and attacking everything in his cage. We both know how it works so I just pop my hand in there to ask him to step up, he bites it like a Tasmanian Devil, steps up, and we are friends again. Its just his way of letting me know he is mad at me and very upset, just like friends arguing.

We also have the separation screaming. If I walk out the front door with a purse, a backpack, or in a hurry he will start screaming (the screaming session can be as long as 5-10 minutes or as short as a single scream). If I have a dog leash and one of the puppies, he is completely fine because he knows I will just be walking around the block.

Seeing as my SO and Kip don't get along I have been seriously thinking about buying a parrot which seems to click more with him-even though that would mean no second parrot for me. We nearly came home with the sweetest cockatiel a few weeks ago when she jumped right onto his shoulder and started preening his hair at the local bird store, had she not been sold we would have bought her in a heart beat. I have been thinking more and more that our second bird will truly be "his" bird, which I think would be insanely beneficial in getting him to be more accepting of Kip (who despises him). Only thing is, he would NEVER agree to a second Senegal, or even a second Poi. The way they look just does not appeal to him, he seems to think they look mean. He really likes cockatiels, parakeets, parrotlets, and the like but I am not sure Kippy would like them as much as he might like another Senegal.

 

[Mitchan]

If I was in your situation, I'm pretty sure I would've bought Charlie if I could tbh, especially after seeing the change in my Alaska when I brought Miley home.
Even before they became friends, I could see that Alaska was so much happier just being in the same room as Miley. When they weren't, they would call for eachother happily through the walls as soon as one heard the other. Alaska, who prior to meeting Miley, just wanted to sit on a perch and preen or chew on wood all day, got really inspired by Miley's flying around all over, and started doing so herself. She didn't start out as being so good at flying, since she'd previously been clipped a few years, but after being introduced to Miley, she started flying way more and eventually became amazing at it too - it was so heartwarming to see!
I think that, though she was handraised and had lived all her life without other birds, she just knew that Miley and her were kinf of 'the same', you know?
It did take a few months for them to start interacting other than contact calling back and forth now and then, but I never had any problems before that either. Miley would always ignore Alaska, and Alaska respected her privacy until Miley finally decided to give Alaska some attention too, and that's when they became friends.
I realize this probably wouldn't have turned out just as amazing if Alaska didn't understand that Miley wanted to be left alone or if Alaska wasn't this gentle, so I think you have to consider the personalities of both Merlin and Charlie and think about if they would be "compatible".
You obviously still wouldn't be quite sure they'd get along, but sometimes it might be worth taking a chance, I think. Even if they don't become best friends, Merlin might just appreciate being able to kind of "talk" to Charlie, and to see him, while you're gone.

Thank you for sharing your experience! Having two senegals your probably the best equipt here to help!

All I want for Merlin is just to basically have another flock member so that he feels comfortable enough when left - if that's just another bird to chat to, that's fine, if they want to become best friends and cuddle, that's fantastic.

Charlie's currently in the same room as a bunch of Zons and other senegals. He will have a chat when a person interacts with him, but not really so much with the other birds. Merlin however, will chat to a wall hoping he'll get attention back. So I'm hoping that just by having Charlie's "non threatening presence" (by interacting with Merlin first, etc) and doing a slow introduction (weeks/months) will just encourage Merlin to be happier in himself and more confident in his flock.

Charlie is a pretty solid bird although I haven't seen him play. He's been more interested in interacting with me and Andrew via demanding scritches. But he doesn't flock call when anyone leaves either. So I'd kinda be hoping that Merlin would pick up on that too... and not the other way around

I suppose it's a lot of wishful thinking, but I just really want Merlin to feel happier and by giving a Charlie a great home too.... 2 birds, one stone?

Charlie is a real cuddle bug and I'd appreciate having that around more often too. I'm also thinking about when I start my training as a vet nurse/full time work, Merlin will be home alone between around 8am-6pm. I think he needs a friend for those hours. So whilst not working those times just yet, surely it's better to introduce a new flock member now and give them the time to bond and get to know each other before just ditching and working!

We think Merlin would be aggressive at first, but Charlie not. So we'd have to deal with aggression and jealousy from Merlin's side of things, but that's expected.

Who knows, maybe he'll like having an older brother? I know he loves the resident senegal at the vets (which further cemented my idea of getting another...) and loves to chat to her the entire time we're there.

It really sounds to me like Merlin would love having Charlie there! What you're describing actually reminds me a bit about Alaska and Miley. Miley did live in a home with two Caiques, but they were kept in a whole different part of the house and Miley frankly didn't care about them at all. She's also always been way more in to cuddling and scritches than playing etc, so for the first months she only wanted cuddles from me - and then finally started asking Alaska for scritches too, haha.

If you were to give them some one-on-one time with you when the other one isn't there to watch, and also some getting-to-know-eachother-time when you give them both just as much attention and praise them if they seem interested in eachother in any way that isn't aggressive, I actually honestly think it sounds like you'd have good chances of them eventually getting along together really well.
And, even if that wouldn't be the case, I am certain that Merlin will, like you say, appreciate having a flock member at home with him at all times.
Also, I'm pretty sure males tend to be a bit more laid-back, while females are usually the bit more hormonal ones, so both (or even one) of them being male could turn out to be a good thing too. I think. :2_smile:

At the same time however, I want to keep my strong bond with him and it would make me incredibly sad to lose my friend's devotion. We spend every waking moment together; if I am home Kippy is by my side, on my shoulder, or on the back of my chair.

Oh, I just want to tell you that getting Miley did not in any way change the bond between me and Alaska. I developed a very bond with Miley during the months when they didn't interact too, and when they became friends, my bond with both of them still was the same. It is now, too.
I make sure to spend some time alone with only me and one of them now and then, but they also still often choose to come and hang out with me while they're both out in the bird room.

Seeing as my SO and Kip don't get along I have been seriously thinking about buying a parrot which seems to click more with him-even though that would mean no second parrot for me. We nearly came home with the sweetest cockatiel a few weeks ago when she jumped right onto his shoulder and started preening his hair at the local bird store, had she not been sold we would have bought her in a heart beat. I have been thinking more and more that our second bird will truly be "his" bird, which I think would be insanely beneficial in getting him to be more accepting of Kip (who despises him). Only thing is, he would NEVER agree to a second Senegal, or even a second Poi. The way they look just does not appeal to him, he seems to think they look mean. He really likes cockatiels, parakeets, parrotlets, and the like but I am not sure Kippy would like them as much as he might like another Senegal.

That sounds really hard, with your SO not wanting another Poi and all. I agree that it would be great if the new bird liked your SO so that he warms up to the idea of your birds in general. I also don't think a cockatiel/parakeet/parrotlet would be a great idea since they're so different from Kippy, they don't really "speak the same language" and would most likely have a really hard time getting along, even interacting through cage bars and such, so there's a chance you would end up with two lonely birds instead.
If you want a possible friend for Kippy (or just another bird) I strongly suggest visiting some Senegals (or other Pois) with your SO and hope that he falls in love with one that likes him back!
You could also try explaining the benefits of another Poi instead of another species.



I'm really sorry for chiming in on everything in this thread, haha, but if there's one thing I enjoy the most, it's Sennie love! I honestly like seeing them cuddle together more than I like cuddling with them, and oh man do I love our cuddles!

 

[MissyMe83]

Personally I think that one birdie just isn't enough... for a few reasons.

I consider how I feel when I'm at home and there's no one to talk to or entertain me and I've grown bored with entertaining myself. I also work around 9-10 hr days, so that's a lot of time that my birds are without human interaction.

Least if there are two of them they can bicker and compete or show off to eachother all day even if they don't especially seem to "like" eachother. Anything has got to be better than silence IMO!

Also, one birdie just isn't enough for me! Hahahaha

I say go for it! What's another beak to feed once you have the cage and necessities?

 

[Mayden]

Personally I think that one birdie just isn't enough... for a few reasons.

I consider how I feel when I'm at home and there's no one to talk to or entertain me and I've grown bored with entertaining myself. I also work around 9-10 hr days, so that's a lot of time that my birds are without human interaction.

Least if there are two of them they can bicker and compete or show off to eachother all day even if they don't especially seem to "like" eachother. Anything has got to be better than silence IMO!

Also, one birdie just isn't enough for me! Hahahaha

I say go for it! What's another beak to feed once you have the cage and necessities?

That's kinda my thought, after initial setup, asides from heath checks (which I believe when taking two birds at once, is 'discounted' anyway) then it's just food really. Merlin isn't particularly destructive with toys and Charlie doesn't seem to play, so it's not like they're going to be going through toys a dozen an hour.

My partner is getting a bonus this month in pay and has agreed to lend me the money so I can get him this weekend perhaps. He is very anxious (as am I to be honest, another 30+year commitment being brought in to my home so willy nilly!) about how Merlin will be, but I feel what you said is true - even if they're just competing in 'whos the most athletic' 'who can eat the most' 'who can ring the bell the loudest' (as long as it's not scrike the loudest!) then it's better than Merlin just crying crying crying for his flock.

We DO have Budgie's, but it's just "not enough" as Merlin doesn't interact with them or really see them as his flock either. So yeah... we think Charlie might be good company - even if they don't 'play' together as such.

Andrew is kinda hoping they eventually share a cage. I told him to shove that thought WAY back down until about a year or two's time depending on progress (if there is any!).

We'll see how Charlie goes, if it's not going to work out then we'll rehome him to a superb family (won't be a rush, they WILL be vetted!) if that's what's best for Merlin, but I'm pretty happy they'll do okay together.

I'm an absolute bundle of nerves. I've never 'planned' to get a bird, I've just gotten one spur of the moment. But this... this is scary stuff! Plus, I'm anxious in case he's gone! Going to ring the store tomorrow and let her know I'm coming for him

 

[MissyMe83]

Whoo hoo! Good luck ; )

Also, don't be too discouraged if they don't bond right off the bat. Even birds that come to be fond of one another may have to have a squabble or two just to achieve the hierarchy structure.

 

[CaitlinBird]

I avoid my moluccan's screams by wrapping his main food in coffee filters. That way when it's time for me to leave for work in the morning he's too busy foraging for his morning meal to notice or care that I'm leaving. And boy does he love to chew!

 

[Mayden]

I avoid my moluccan's screams by wrapping his main food in coffee filters. That way when it's time for me to leave for work in the morning he's too busy foraging for his morning meal to notice or care that I'm leaving. And boy does he love to chew!

We try lots of different things. Merlin is not much for foraging to be honest. He'll only forage if we're foraging WITH him. It's something we're working on. He'll usually settle with a toy and completely ignore us for ages, we go to leave (quietly!) and he dashes over to the side of the cage and starts crying...


Merlin is VERY food orientated, so we change his food just before leaving to encourage him to be head in dish as we leave, but even then that only works sometimes - and when we're gone for a long period of time (30mins+), even if he's been good as we leave, he soon starts crying for us again

 

[goalerjones]

Hahnzel makes the saddest "awww" noise when I go to leave. Im more immune to it now, but the thought of two birds has crossed my mind. After I settled the thought of a second bird not being his pet, I realized that our relationship would change. It isnt known exactly how, but change would come. I enjoy my little guy. I love the closeness we have. And for that reason alone a second bird isnt something I am planning for. My schedule is long and unpredictable at times, but I always try to spend quality time before and after work with my little stinker, and he seems to be okay with that. My wife gets home earlier than I do and the kids are here still finishing college also, so there is traffic to help keep him occupied.

 

[RioJPMP]

When I have to leave Rio and go to work I make sure to leave a light and the radio on for him. He loves sports radio...lol. I can't imagine adding the responsibility of another bird. I also rotate his toys from his play area to his cage at least once a week to make sure he doesn't get bored. I also move them around in his cage and hang them in different places. Homemade toys are great too, the inside of a paper towel roll and paper cups. I hide little treats in them and he loves looking for it. I also try to spend time with him before I leave in the morning and tell him I have to go to work, and he stays calm after that.

 

[Merlee]

I would leave either the radio or tv on and leave the blinds open so my birds can look out the window.

I am glad my birds are more independent so I don't have this situation to deal with because it would kill me to leave them in such an emotional state.