I want another bird

[GreenWing]

If your Senegal hasn't even reached maturity, you're in for a whole new bird anyway! No need to get another bird to feel like you got the experience of another bird. Really. You have so much work still ahead of you and so little time with this one, that right now is definitely not the time to add another. If you want to reopen these thoughts later (after the bird has matured, been trained, socialized, etc), it's a legitimate discussion. But I think you'd be in way over your head to be working with a new parrot while this one is still going through the more difficult stages.

Also, I wouldn't give much weight to what the Avian Vet said. Most of them are only good for analyzing test results and little else. Forget about knowing the idiosyncrasies of specific species. I'm not saying it's impossible to make it work, but it definitely is no cakewalk. A grey in itself would be a lot more work and problems than a Senegal and then add the Senegal trying to find every opportunity to attack it and you're in for a real nightmare. There have been several discussions about this lately and I suggest you read them entirely because many great points and stories have been made:

viewtopic.php?f=12&t=8704
viewtopic.php?f=12&t=8716
viewtopic.php?f=12&t=8532
http://flyingparrotsinside.com/flyingpa ... iting.html

Michael, thank you for the very thoughful post. Your advice PWNED and really hit home. My husband also says: "Thank you, Michael"

You're absolutely right: I need to work with Tiki and ensure she goes through sexual maturity with as few complications as possible!

Really -- thanks again.

[Eurycerus]

I know what to expect when she hits sexual maturity, and if I handle it right, her challenging behavior during sexual maturity will be temporary, only a phase.

From what i have read and experienced their personality changes entirely during sexual maturity. Yes after a time they may not exhibit as much aggressive behavior but they will not be a sweety cuddly baby anymore. Plain and simple. So yes they may become very hard to handle for a time but will never revert fully.

I would definitely wait till two years or three.

An additionally comment i'd like to make is experience is always different than you expect no matter how hard you try to prepare yourself and research. Keep that in mind. Generally its harder and different obstacles than you ever expected arise. So be patient and then see if a second parrot is right for you and your family.

[GreenWing]

From what i have read and experienced their personality changes entirely during sexual maturity. Yes after a time they may not exhibit as much aggressive behavior but they will not be a sweety cuddly baby anymore. Plain and simple. So yes they may become very hard to handle for a time but will never revert fully.

I would definitely wait till two years or three.

An additionally comment i'd like to make is experience is always different than you expect no matter how hard you try to prepare yourself and research. Keep that in mind. Generally its harder and different obstacles than you ever expected arise. So be patient and then see if a second parrot is right for you and your family.

I never expect anything, and I don't expect Tiki to continue being so sweet and cuddly forever; like I said in one of our previous conversations, she can be a biatch at times. BUT she's loved, is awesome, makes me laugh all the time, is my companion, and is wonderful to me no matter what -- even if she became a terror. Perhaps her personality will indeed do a 180, but she may not be as moody as she will be during sexual maturity. Either way, I will revisit this thought in the future. I've read through the other links Michael provided and am taking his word for it. I IZ CONVINCED! Maybe after Tiki goes through sexual maturity, I won't even want another bird.

[pennyandrocky]

i just wanted to share that when my went through sexual maturity it was a nightmare and he's a small bird so i'm glad you decided to wait.

[marie83]

i just wanted to share that when my went through sexual maturity it was a nightmare and he's a small bird so i'm glad you decided to wait.

Same here lol.

[Michael]

Smart move

[Mona]

ALrighty...just a little clarification...

I have three adult Senegals (ages 10 - 16) and two greys (ages 16 and probably 20)

I let them out as a flock daily. I wouldn't say I have a problem with the Senegals and the greys. Actually, they interact....sometimes they squabble....but for the most part, the greys hold their own and the Senegals back off. When Babylon was a baby, she used to fly at Phinney and Phinney would stand her ground....Babylon would fly about a foot away from Phinney and she would yell, "Phinney! Phinney! Phinney!" That was it.

They aren't bonded by any means but I often refer to them as "partners in crime".

I cage all of my Senegals separately and I am careful with them but aside from the normal squabbling and flock dynamics, I wouldn't say I have a problem with them out together.

You can check my website for more info www.flyingparrotsinside.com

THanks

Mona