Considering a second parrot to my flock... A few questions.

[gabbagabbawill]

Hi guys, like the headline says, I'm considering adding a second parrot to my flock. I already have a 1 year old sun conure, and I couldn't have asked for a better experience thus far. I knew I wanted a parrot long before I got him. I love my bird and don't want to lose any bond or trust I have with him. I also don't want to take any attention away from him, his training, or his indoor free flight time.

Now, just the same, IF I were to get another bird, I would want it to have the same love, attention and indoor flying time as Jello. Prefferebly, I'd like to have them both out at once.

Am I asking for too much, or is it possible to achieve this?

Further, what species will I have greater chances of success in adding a second bird?

I REALLY want a Blue and Gold Macaw. I'm prepared to take all the necessary steps to train both birds to be well-adjusted members of the flock.

Is a blue and gold too big to allow near a conure? Are well adjusted macaws likely to accidentally injure or kill a conure?

I have considered other smaller species of parrot, with my eyes on an amazon, mini macaw, or another conure like a nanday.

I'm really open to advice and suggestions from those who are experienced in owning one or more birds, especially the ones I've mentioned.

I'm even prepared to not get another bird, should it be the best option....

Thanks!

[marie83]

Other than Jello have you had any other parrot experience?
The reason I ask is I'm not too sure that Jello will have reached sexual maturity yet and you may well find you have your hands full sometime in the next year or 2 (conures generally reach maturity between 1-3 years old depending on species/individual). You may wish to consider waiting until after this phase before you take on another unless you have more experience/a lot of knowledge on what to expect.

On the other hand I think the younger he is the more likely he is to accept another. Another bird will eat into jellos time a bit but that really depends on your circumstances and if you have time to give them both enough attention seperately should they not be ok together.

On the whole I think blue and gold are said to be fairly gentle birds but if it did take a dislike to jello it wouldn't be good cuz of the size difference. Also conures are generally braver than what is good for them and may even try picking on the macaw. Certainly never leave them together unsupervised even if they do get on.

I think you could be better off with a similar sized bird if you don't have time to have seperate out times but everything really depends on you, what time you have etc but you definitely need to take into account that any bird you decided to get may well be hated by the other.

[liz]

Jello is a parrot.

If you get a young parrot let Jello interact with it while it is still a baby and does not know that it will some day be bigger.

Any time you want a bigger animal always go with a young one so the critter who has already claimed you and the house can show it who is in charge. That will make the new one submissive to the original. Just like an older sibling Jello should be with you when you tend to the baby. That way he will claim it as his baby as well. He will be protective of it and still be the dominant.

[terri]

I think I read youve have your bird a year.I would think you would know him pretty well.Im going to tell you what I think of my sun conure and the rest of my flock. I always read as much as I can prior to the species I get . To give me insite and understand each of their needs [best I can].When I got my toos and Macaw [I thought here we go Im ready ] but they turned out fine.I have to laugh .All I knew About sun conures is that they can be very loud .Alot of people on here have can conures which made me want to get one.This bird is full of it!! Alot of the issues that I have to contend with my bigger birds is also in this little little birds body [Im not kidding] I think if your ok with how your sun conure is your ready for whatever interests you.Of course It would be good to own your own home [for noise] and be at a point in your life where you have time.Do your research.A just weaned bird would be ideal.Then read [OF PARROTS AND PEOPLE] if you can. Has anyone read this book? After that then maybe you can do rescues.I know All birds can have problems even though their owners are trying to do everything right.But I think alot of the bad things you read mostly people did this to them! Birds are great and I think all species should be given a chance.I am nervous about having my birds out on the same perch [not that anything has happend.But I guess it can be done just be right there.Their cages are right next to each other and its fine.My Macaw is the most amazing experience[the most gentle of the bunch].I like blue and golds too.Will your birds be best friends maybe maybe not.But they will be happy to have other birds in their flock! Tell us what you think

[cml]

On the other hand I think the younger he is the more likely he is to accept another. Another bird will eat into jellos time a bit but that really depends on your circumstances and if you have time to give them both enough attention seperately should they not be ok together.

I think you could be better off with a similar sized bird if you don't have time to have seperate out times but everything really depends on you, what time you have etc but you definitely need to take into account that any bird you decided to get may well be hated by the other.

Having two parrots who love each other isnt easy either! We've had to limit Stitch's and Leroy's out of cage time together lately, because even though they really love each other and the first thing they do when out is start preening each other like mad, there are still misunderstandings.
Mostly these are when either bird doesnt want to preen anymore, and the other (almost always Stitch) wants to continue. Stitch then sometimes tries to hold Leroy still by grabbing his wing with a foot, and Leroy's recieved a couple of broken primaries from it, and in combination with him molting, his flight is reduced a bit, which is why their out of cage time together is limitied.

But it is definatly possible to have two, and its definatly possible for them to like each other!

I also don't want to take any attention away from him, his training, or his indoor free flight time.

Unfortunatly this happens, whether you want it or not. Its the same with any animals really, you have to divide your attention.
But, on the whole, getting a second parrot is a GOOD thing in my opinion. Even if my interaction with each bird is less, their out of cage time has lessened a little, they LOVE eachother, they keep each other company during the day when Im away. With two parrots you dont have to feel you are abandoning your little guy everyday you go to work, parrots arent meant to be home alone for 6-9hrs no matter what some people claim, they are flock animals!
They keep each other happy, and to me thats the most important thing =). To be honest, Stitch is a much calmer bird since we got Leroy, before he would be very hyper when we got home. [/quote]

Also, we havnt lost any trust with Stitch because of Leroy, he still knows all his tricks, he still loves us and want to spend time with us =).

Is a blue and gold too big to allow near a conure?

Ultimately, yes. Everything can seem fine for years, but ONE accident is all it takes and you conure is dead. I know people who successfully kept Meyers in an aviary with macaws for years, but one day a macaw was in a tight spot and a Meyers was in the way. Took less than a second for the macaw to snap the Meyers neck, and they had been friends for years.

I think getting a second parrot is great, be sure to research species well before you do first though !

[gabbagabbawill]

Thanks for all the advice so far! I love spending time with Jello. I own my home and also work from home. It works out great because he keeps me company while I keep his. While my situation may be ideal for parrots right now, I know it may not be that way forever, so I'm prepared to do whatever it takes to ensure the health and well-being of my pets.

I think most of my concerns have been addressed.

Though, I'm still not sure if I should be considering a blue and gold macaw. I'm leaning towards the macaw or an Amazon. I definitely want to stay with a new world species.