Possibly taking in a second female U2

MickeysMom

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Mickey - Female U2 age unknown. DNA test came back...he is a SHE,

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Chiquita 16 yr old Female U2 and Junior 16 yr old Male Grey
We are going to meet, and possibly adopt a 2nd female U2 next weekend. She will be brought to our home for a visit, and so the owner can see our birds and how we take care of them.

BEFORE I commit to this, I would like to ask, does anyone....or has anyone, ever had 2 female U2's in the same household? I know the dangers of breeding pairs injuring one another, but really haven't read anything on same sex pairs in the same household. They would NOT be caged together, and if need be would be let out at seperate times.....I just don't want to cause overwhelming stress for Mickey, just having another female in the house......Any thoughts would be appreciated.

The person is also rehoming an AFrican Grey, I'm wondering if that wouldn't be the better choice in this situation (hubby wants to take both, I'm not sold)
 

melissasparrots

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Since no one has responded to you yet, I'll give it a shot. Getting another female if your certain your bird is a female and the new bird is a female isn't something I would worry a whole lot about. If they are to be caged separate and your not getting her to be friend for your current bird, chances are decent you will be okay. I wouldn't think too hard about bringing another female cockatoo into my house with a female sulfer. Bringing hom a male would cause me definite pause though. Be prepared to accept it if they hate each other and want to attack each other. You know how cockatoos can be if they object to something. You can't really predict how the social dynamic will change with the new bird. Also be willing to put limits on their contact if they decide to buddy up. You don't want them getting too snuggly with each other lest one take on more of a male role and you end up with some sexual behavior or aggression toward you or each other. I wouldn't worry about this combination too much though unless one or both birds already has an established reputation for not liking other cockatoos. My sulfer crest doesn't like other cockatoos and wouldn't you know the only bird in the house she really has a problem with is my goffin's that I rehomed. I just keep them apart and that solves the problem.
 

Sarahtheumbrella

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a beautiful umbrella cockatoo
I donnot have two females, but as melissaparrots said, you may have to expect that your two birds may hate each other. Especially if Mickey was the only cockatoo, and is not used to other ones. U2 are huge cuddlers, and it would be pretty easy for the other U2 to get jealous of Mickey.

Would it be took much to ask to see Mickey's and Tinker's dynamics with the other birds? That way you can be sure of owning three (maybe four :p) happy birds.
 
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MickeysMom

MickeysMom

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Chiquita 16 yr old Female U2 and Junior 16 yr old Male Grey
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Thank you both for answering!

Good points, and I have thought of most of them, I just really don't want to upset Mickey, since she is already our baby....lol

I would never allow 2 birds(with the exception of smaller cage mates, perhaps) alone without supervision. I'm more worried about having 2 jealous birds (U2's at that!) in the house I guess. I was concerned that I had somehow missed something in my research, and would find out that 2 females in a house was a definite no no. I knew this was the place to ask :D

They will all meet next Saturday, I'm just not sure if first impressions will give me a true feeling of what the dynamic will be....ugh. I'm also worried about having unknown birds in the same room with mine, for health reasons....

I know that we can provide a good home for one or both of the birds.....and can deal with any future issues. We have three floors so they could be set up to not see each other if necessary. I guess we will meet the other 2, and go from there.

Just thought of this....in Mickeys last home there was another Cockatoo, but I think it was a male...so she has lived with another U2, but probably didn't have much interaction, as from what I understand they never got out of the cages.
 
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Sarahtheumbrella

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a beautiful umbrella cockatoo
Well, then maybe I guess Mickey could be fine then, if she had seen (and got used to the screams) of another cockatoo.

THere is just no telling of what their reactions willl be, but as far as I know there is no DEFINITE nono rule of females. And you say you have three floors, which would be perfect for seperation, but this is a velcro bird you are considering. If you spend more time on floor than the others, you may have a frustrated Utoo. However, if Mickey gets along with Tinker, I do not see much of a problem.

You will not for sure know dynamics in one visit as birds can easily backslide, but if Mickey shows curiosity instead of hostility, you know you have something to work on to make a better bond.

If they do not get along however, it is up to you if you can take on two U2s on different floors :)

I hope that all your birds get along! Good luck, and sorry if I seem too ... umm....over concerned. What I listed are just some possible problems I would have if I put another Sarah on a different floor, but Mickey seems to be ten times calmer than Sarah can manage.

Once again good luck. Post a pics of them meeting if you can in all that pandomonium!
 

melissasparrots

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Ariel was afraid of her brother when I went to pick her up from the breeder, so I kind of knew she would have a problem with another cockatoo. That is why when I decided to get a rehome, I kind of focused on a female of a smaller less threatening species. Most of the time two females together are not a problem if everyone is properly bird socialized. Ariel just has issues.
 
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MickeysMom

MickeysMom

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Well, then maybe I guess Mickey could be fine then, if she had seen (and got used to the screams) of another cockatoo.

THere is just no telling of what their reactions willl be, but as far as I know there is no DEFINITE nono rule of females. And you say you have three floors, which would be perfect for seperation, but this is a velcro bird you are considering. If you spend more time on floor than the others, you may have a frustrated Utoo. However, if Mickey gets along with Tinker, I do not see much of a problem.

You will not for sure know dynamics in one visit as birds can easily backslide, but if Mickey shows curiosity instead of hostility, you know you have something to work on to make a better bond.

If they do not get along however, it is up to you if you can take on two U2s on different floors :)

I hope that all your birds get along! Good luck, and sorry if I seem too ... umm....over concerned. What I listed are just some possible problems I would have if I put another Sarah on a different floor, but Mickey seems to be ten times calmer than Sarah can manage.

Once again good luck. Post a pics of them meeting if you can in all that pandomonium!

Thank you, and no you don't seem overly concerned...I have the same thoughts...lol

I'm thinking maybe the grey and Tinker on one floor and Mickey and the other Cockatoo on the main floor...that way they would have constant visual of us and the other two could be brought down for play time and socializing, but have a "quiet" area for other times...

I'm still not 100% sold on the whole idea, but am beginning to think it could work.....:D

I will try to get pics of the meeting....she is only bringing Chiquita (the Cockatoo) we will drive over to meet Junior (the grey) possibly the next day or following weekend. She doesn't feel Junior would handle the car ride well, especially with Chiquita in the car...apparently they do not get along so well....
 

MacawGuy

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my buddies has to males u2 and a scarlet macaw and they all get a long fine. i guess it just really on the bird. has your u2 or the other u2 been around other birds.
 

Sarahtheumbrella

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a beautiful umbrella cockatoo
I like your plan and think it could work for sure. If your little stars can share the spotlight. Just be sure that you can handle all the noise, destruction, toys money, food money, and time spent (which I am sure you have :) )

But, just take on as many as you can take on and still have fun with, and provide an amazing lifestyle with!

I am soooooo excited to hear what happens.
 

lene1949

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I also think it matters that you train your bird to be tolerant... I have taught Max to be gentle, and he will, even if he's frustrated... Sometimes he comes on like he's going to give me a huge bite, and saying 'gentle' doesn't improve his posture, but he's only tonguing my fingers...

I'm currently introducing Max to Papi - slowly over the last 2 weeks... They can share the playgym... I don't just supervise - lol - my eyes are glued to them...

Today it looked like Max was flirting with Papi... Maybe Max is a female...
 
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MickeysMom

MickeysMom

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Re: Possibly taking in a second female U2 UPDATE

We met Chiquita yesterday. Her Mom and her came by for a home visit (we are the 4th home she has visited) and approved us to adopt Chicquita and Junior (the african grey). We will go and pick them up on Saturday...she would have brought the cage with her but she had to bring her 4 year old (and from what she said, the last 3 homes she visited were not acceptable, so probably that had something to do with it).

Chiquita is wonderful! She has shredded just about every feather on her body, but is sweet and lovable. Her and Mickey were very comfortable, she got on top of Mickey's cage, and Mickey was curious, but showed no aggression or fear.....we took Mickey out, and they sat in the same room both very relaxed. SO it seems this will work out!!!!

We cannot wait to get her home, and try to work on the feather issue, although, we will love her even if her feathers never come in completely:D
 

Molcan2

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Congratulations! Its sooo exciting getting new family members. :D Cant wait to see pics.
 

kc_y0

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Thats awesome news, how exciting bringing home two new family members :)
 

Sarahtheumbrella

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AMAZING! I am soo excited for you. The owners must be so excited to finally find them a home! I am sure in time she will have some beautiful feathers!
 
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MickeysMom

MickeysMom

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Mickey - Female U2 age unknown. DNA test came back...he is a SHE,

Tinker 12 yr old female GCC

Chiquita 16 yr old Female U2 and Junior 16 yr old Male Grey
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Thank you all so much for the positive feedback. I was a little leery of bringing another Cockatoo in, but decided to try because of y'all.... I'm sure now that it was the right decision.....you guys are great!
 

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