When is it appropriate to get a second bird?

[Maltee]

I currently own a single female blue-headed pionus. As I explained in another thread, she has developed a screaming problem, mainly because I believe she's lonely and scared to be alone. I have a new baby that takes my attention all day, so even though I stay home I am not able to give my pionus a lot of one-on-one attention. The bird has to wait until my husband comes home at 5 to get one-on-one attention. Would it be appropriate to get another bird for her as a companion, or would that probably make the screaming problem worse? If I got another bird, would I have to get another pionus, or could I get a cockatiel?

[Michael]

There's no knowing that the other bird will be a companion or that they'll get along. First work on solving the problem (foraging, training, independent play) and only then consider another bird if YOU want another companion, twice the work, etc.

[Pajarita]

I am the number one advocate of getting parrots companions of their own but not because I think that it would mean less work for the humans. It takes twice as much work and, at least, the same amount of one-on-one time with them even when they do bond (which nobody can guarantee they will).

Please don't take this the wrong way because I am not judging or criticizing but if you cannot spend a single minute during the day with the bird just because you have a baby, another bird is the wrong way to go. Please be hind to your bird and rehome it to a home where people will pay attention to it or give to a good rescue (make sure it's a good one though because there are lots out there that are 'managed' by nothing but hoarders or collectors) because, the way things are working out in your house, if you get another one, you will have two very unhappy, screaming birds - if you don't end up with two very unhappy, screaming and plucking birds.

[Eric&Rebecca]

The issue I think here is the new baby... having another bird won't help this situation. She is screaming because she sees your attention being taken by another thing. Perhaps there is a way you can spend more time with the bird to show she still has your attention. If she's not coming out the age either she's probably extremely frustrated and confused.

All that will happen then is you'll have two birds screaming, two birds and one completely ignores the other and overall have twice the work on your hands.

I categorically will never ever have children so having a second (or third in my case) is not an issue but when you have another dependent, whether that be a child, dog, hamster, or bird it has to be because you've got the time to put in the work with another one, not as a replacement for the time you can't put in.

Again, don't be offended its just the nature of the situation.