Parrots that Coexist

[Kirsten]

This isn't because I'm planning on getting another parrot after only having mine for a month. It will be a LONG time before I get a second bird. This is more of a curiosity for me. My father and I were talking about how multiple birds in a captive environment coexist. He was saying that he thinks that birds are too territorial to be able to be with birds that were different species.

However, I've seen videos on youtube of different species of parrots playing on the same trees and not really minding each other. So I'm wondering, does it just depend on the personality of the bird? The species? I mean, I think that a conure would have a hard time playing on the same tree as a macaw, but what about birds that are relatively the same size? Are there any species that seem to get along in general?

Can anyone who has experience raising multiple birds answer this?

[Michael]

Regardless of what species/individuals you find successfully coexisting in other homes, is no guarantee that they will in yours. When considering another parrot, you must be completely prepared to have them only out individually. I definitely know people that have like 6 similarly sized parrots that absolutely cannot get along and must be taken out one at a time.

One thing that definitely helps is flight. Flighted parrots are better at solving conflicts in a non-lethal manner (when out, never stick them in same cage) by flying away when scared. Of course it may be tempting to clip parrots and keep them on separate trees, but that will only make the territoriality and conflict worse.

My parrots are a great example of a flighted flock that is not particularly friendly to each other but can get by. I have some videos (haven't posted yet) of how they fight a little until someone eventually flies away. Oh wait, I have one but not the best illustration of this concept:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6kM3Zg8TA_w

Here are some articles I wrote about methods for socializing parrots to each other. I cannot talk so much about what would be compatible with your parakeet, but at least I can show you the methods you can use to get them used to each other.

Modeling Target Training Behavior
Desensitizing Kili to Truman
Introducing Kili to Truman and Modeling Target Training

[lotus15]

I think it definitely depends on the individual birds. I would NOT have introduced my two (budgie and Cape) because of the huge size difference, but both are incredibly gentle and friendly, and neither has ever bitten. They also snuck out and met "accidentally" but much to my surprise love each other.

Even though they get along very well, though, I still never let them out together unless I have dropped everything and can closely supervise. They are both flighted too which I agree helps, but I know that just because they get along now doesn't mean they will always. I know somebody who had a terrible accident when one of her birds became hormonal and got aggressive with its long time interspecies friend and killed it

[Natacha]

I agree with it definitively depends on the birds personalities.

I can let my guys all out at once. However, I only do this under strict supervision. Some get along better than others, but since I can provide them with enough space to move away if they choose to be on their own, things seem to work out.

[Michael]

You don't have situations where one bird keeps chasing the other bird no matter where it goes?

[Natacha]

You don't have situations where one bird keeps chasing the other bird no matter where it goes?

No.
Zuri occasionally likes to chase others, but more as a game.
If the other bird stands it's ground, Zuri just goes away.

Pixel sometimes goes after Shade, but it's far from being all the time and not everyday.

Petey isn't particularly fond of the others, however if he has enough space between himself and the others, he's fine

[entrancedbymyGCC]

I'm inclined to believe this is a "clipping neutral" topic. While a flighted bird may fly away, its flighted aggressor can fly after it. So there are pluses and minuses both ways. I don't know if we'll ever try to let our two really have contact, because of the size differential, but I can easily carry both from place to place, and we can pose them together for pictures. Bottom line, I think, is probably don't plan on your birds getting along, and if it happens, consider it a bonus.

[skthurley]

None of my 3 love each other. But they do tolerate one another.

Kiwi and Jack, the greencheek and parrotlet live side by side in separate cages. They share play areas, and often enjoy being in the same cage together, or in one another's cage. But on occasion, one may become territorial and chase the other away. Like last night, Kiwi didnt want Jack in her cage. She kept repeatedly chasing him out. But the little turd continued to go in. Eventually Kiwi allowed him to stay in her cage, but I believe it was likely because she was tired of chasing him out.
I would never cage these two together, or put them in the same travel cage, but I do know that they appreciate each other's company. With a bird buddy, Jack has become more vocal, playful and happier. Jack and Kiwi may not cuddle and preen one another, but they do interact and play with the same toys. Quite often both birds will be ripping and shredding the same toy, or forage together.

Scooter, our senegal, dislikes Jack. Perhaps it's because Jack is flighted and it frightens him when Jack flies. Or maybe it's because Jack likes to pick on him. I'm not sure. Because of this, Scooter's cage is placed away from Jack and Kiwi, to ensure the little birds are safe. Scooter tolerates Kiwi, but she gives him a wide berth.

I have all 3 of mine out of the cage at the same time. Jack flies around from play area to play area, Scooter hangs out on his cage and boing (that's hung from the ceiling), and Kiwi usually stays and plays on her and Jack's cages, unless she wants to be with me. Then she flies over me. Typically she doesnt fly around for the pure joy of flying like Jack does. Though I imagine that's because she is an older bird and is still gaining flight strength.