A friend for Libby?

After months of planning, I got my first bird a couple months ago, a young Green Cheek Conure (possible female, but not DNA'd). We are getting along great, she is a very sweet bird, learning tricks, affectionate, etc. Her cage is pretty big, about 3 x 2 x 3.

She has adjusted well to our schedule and gets up in the morning when we get up for about half an hour, then has some naps until about 11 when her lights come on. We get home between 5 and 7 and she's out with us until about 10:30 or 11. On weekends she's out more than that.

She is not flighted but once her feathers come back in she will be, or I may have just a few feathers clipped so she can fly a little bit.

Anyway, knowing that they live in flocks in the wild, I'm wondering if she should have a friend. She's out with us a lot but all day and all night she is alone (other than the cats). My plan would be to take her back to the breeder and let her pick her own friend. However, we have a really good balance right now and I don't want to upset that by adding another bird, nor do I want to end up with two bonded birds that don't want me around. My uncle has two GCCs and it's worked out great, but one of them doesn't care much for the other and merely tolerates it.

Your guidance would be greatly appreciated!

Here's my little lady:

You do take a chance that they will bond more to each other than to you. Because they will spend more time together than with you. Give her plenty of toys, things to tear up, and forage through. Like you've done. That will occupy her time while you're away. It is true, they are flock animals. But, she'll learn that you are her flock, and if you spend time with her when you can, she'll look forward to that. Make your time together enriching, and enjoyable, for her. Teach her tricks, and activities that stimulate her. Then when she's alone, she'll use that time napping, preening, and exploring her world. Birds are a lot more adaptable than most people think. Many pet birds live alone and do very well. She'll be fine.

Thanks, that helps! I wouldn't feel quite so bad if I thought she was more interested in her toys - I haven't seen any evidence of chewing. But who knows what goes on while we are away!

Here is some good wisdom:
https://companionparrotonline.com/another_parrot.html