Choosing a parrot

[bethbeth]

Hi I'm quite a bird newbie, have a parrotlet but looking to add some bigger birds to my family Just wondering if a green cheek and mustache parakeet would be likely to get along with each other? Both species appeal to me so I thought I might get two. If they're introduced from a young age (but caged separately of course) is there a good chance they might get along?

Any advice about either species also very welcome.

Thanks

[Wolf]

I guess it depends on what you mean by getting along.
My Grey and Senegal are not friends, but they are out of their cages together every day. I do have to watch them as the Grey will attack the Senegal if they are close enough together, but will not chase after her.

[Navre]

I might suggest keeping an open mind about species and going to a rescue and seeing if any birds pick you.

I think the best bird for you is one who decides that he wants to go home with you. The young birds in pet stores usually love everyone, but if a mature bird loves you, you may have just found the perfect bird.

[shiraartain]

Our three birds "get along" as in they're tolerable around one another, but even with the bonded ringneck and quaker there are times where they disagree. One of them flies away from the situation. My GCC will join them in their flights around the house so then you have three parrots flying past the doorway, landing only for a few seconds and then flying off again. He usually doesn't mean them harm, but they're not completely at ease with him. And sometimes he flies to go after them or they fly over to go after him. Always require a close eye, supervised.

Also, you need to be sure you have space/time for them if they all dislike one another.

[liz]

I might suggest keeping an open mind about species and going to a rescue and seeing if any birds pick you.

I think the best bird for you is one who decides that he wants to go home with you. The young birds in pet stores usually love everyone, but if a mature bird loves you, you may have just found the perfect bird.

You got the best answer.

Rambo has been attacked by Parrotlets and Conures. Both times he screamed and I had to go save him.
The only species I know that will not attack another is a Cockatiel. But they are at the mercy of all others. One Love Bird scared 6 cockatiels into a corner.

[felix11]

I actually own a Crimson Bellied conure (closely related to green cheeks), and a Superb parrot, or Barraband. The conure is cuddly, the Superb parrot does not enjoy being petted, or touched. I think this is why they dislike each other. The conure used to often try to sidle up to the Superb, in order to cuddle in and preen. The Superb was always like, "What are you DOING?!?" Now, whenever the conure gets too close, the Superb makes her whining, warning noise and attacks.

I mention this because Moustache Parakeets are another stereotypically 'hands off' bird.

[Pajarita]

Yes, that's why Superbs and Moustached are called 'aviary' and not 'companion' birds and why they do well only in pairs so, if you have your heart set on a moustached, think of getting two and getting a super large aviary for them. GCCs do well on their own as long as you don't work outside the house and can spend hours and hours and hours with them - but, if you do, please consider getting two, also.

[Wolf]

I would also suggest a mate for your parrotlet as well.

[Pajarita]

Yes, apparently, the plets all end up plucking if you don't get them mates...