Bonded pair

[Eurycerus]

I am really confused about bonded parrots. Can someone explain a bit more to me? I read up and it seems it can be any combination of sexes, ie male-male, female-male, female-female. Also I guess the way to tell is that when separated they yell and act very anxious and unhappy. They preen and sometimes feed each other and like being close. Are there any other indicators?

How does this happen, since it doesn't happen all the time, even if the parrots are in the same cage and happy with one another? Why does it sometimes happen? Why would it happen to any combination of sexes (aka they aren't mated for life, just bonded, seems weird)? What's the worst thing that can happen when you separate a bonded pair? There are a few parrots for adoption that say they must go together which I find odd.

Anyway I kind of want to know the science behind it too so if someone can please enlighten me I would love it.

[liz]

Splitting a bonded pair would be like seperating family. The male & female pair would be like a husband and wife or a brother and sister. You might have two that feel like brothers or two that feel like sisters. Seperating them would be heart wrenching and sad. They may never recover from it.

The closest thing I can think of in an example would be when slaves families were seperated and sold to other owners. That was really dark and bad time in our history.

[Eurycerus]

Seperating them would be heart wrenching and sad.

Oh I'm not promoting separating them, I just was wondering what experience people have had, how often this happens, etc. I mean I could view it from a human perspective but I was just wondering if someone had more insight than me pretending they are tiny feathered people, but maybe that's the best perspective.

[Grey_Moon]

Its honestly just like any two humans who are very close---not necessarily a sexual/romantic bond but it usually is---but two people who have been together a long time.
I think your list of indicators is good, I'd add defending the partner against what is perceived as competition/threats.

I think the difference is like with humans a level of attraction/compatibility/understanding. You can very good friends with someone and get along (share a cage) but not necessarily be close and bonded.
As for the why/how---again, like with people. Sometimes you hit it off, sometimes you don't.
As for combination of the sexes---the can be homosexuality as with people.

They have to go together for the same reason you wouldn't separate people who've been married for years, or siblings who have been through trauma or the ups/downs of life, cruelty and suffering to the animals as they miss and grieve for their partners terribly.

Sometimes parrots will stop eating, mutilate and stop interacting as a way to go through their grief, some never regain their former habits and personalities, some actually die.

[pennyandrocky]

when i lost my a year and a half ago my went crazy he was screaming biting and attached to me from the time i let him out in the morning til i put him to bed at night. my was attached to him too he would chase my around with his head feathers up begging to be preened. we went on a camping trip with my cousin and her and when she reached over to pet my her tried to attack him and my pushed my back and protected him from the . it was actually really funny since none were hurt seeing the little protect the larger bird.

[liz]

Being technology impaired I am not able to give you a direct link. Go to www.youtube.com and key in Talking Arguing Parrot.

The little male amazon is trying to explain himself as to how he feels about the female DYH. At one point the man said he could not provide for her. The little male answered "you bring the food - she's my friend".

And I thought mine were really able to converse. This guy even says umm when he is thinking of the words.

[Eurycerus]

That's amazing! I'll take a look when i get home