Re: New Member Looking for Some Help
Only get another parrot if you personally want one and can handle the time it will take to have 2 (whether or not they like each other).
Getting a new bird will not change the fact that your current bird misses a specific flock member (to which he was likely bonded). He may bond with a new bird, but he may not. Remember, this is a specific loss to him.
How much time do you spend interacting with your current bird out of the cage? Have you taught him to play with toys? It is possible to have a single bird and keep them happy and healthy, although many prefer to have more than one.
If you get 2 of the same species (or 2 closely related-There have been cases of cockatiels and cockatoos reproducing) you do run the risk of mating/reproduction unless you are sure of the sex ahead of time (*if they do get along, which again, may not happen*). Breeding (even accidentally) is a complicated situation and it is way harder and more expensive than most people think.
In the event that they do not get along, you need to make sure that you have enough time to meet both of their attention needs separately (in case they cannot be out at the same time). That could be like 3 hours a pop...if not more
Since galahs are powder-down birds, I would not get any sort of macaw, as their are prone to respiratory sensitivity when it comes to powder down birds. I guess one potential benefit of getting another galah COULD be that they might be better at reading each other's body language, but it still doesn't mean they will get along. You might research to see whether there are any tendencies toward heightened aggression when keeping 2 of the same sex. There can easily be aggression between any 2 birds (same sex, opposite, same species, different) BUT in SOME species (not sure about galahs), 2 males will be slightly more likely to get along than 2 females, or vice-versa.
I would also keep in mind that getting a bird that is much larger or smaller than your current bird would make a beak injury more serious if they fought or even just had a small disagreement.
Also, keep in mind that whenever you get a new bird, it can change the dynamic you currently have with yours--- there can be new jealousy or they could get super close and make you the 3rd wheel (so to speak). A new bird can sometimes stress out or upset the current bird...
Final thought-- any new parrot should be quarantined for at least 45 days in another room (as far from your current bird as possible). Your current bird could be an asymptomatic carrier or disease (despite appearing healthy) and the same is true of any new bird, so it is for both of their safety.
SO, if YOU want another parrot and have the funds/housing/time to devote to each, then that is one thing, but don't get one to make your bird feel better, as it not a sure thing and could backfire.
Last edited by noodles123; 01-10-2021 at 11:06 AM.
|