Questionnaire for those who went from 'Only Birds' to 'Lots of Birds'

I have a 1 year old 'Only Bird' named Boomer. I do my best in meeting all of his wants and needs, as I’m sure most of you dedicated bird caretakers do. In fact, I can safely say that I put his well-being before mine. He has a roomy cage by a bright, airy 2nd floor window overlooking trees and a quiet walkway. He has a lot of foraging stations, rotated toys, varied perches, etc. He gets a lot of attention from me. Besides his 1-3 minute loudness when I get home from work, he doesn't really have any behavioural issues like over-screeching or over-plucking. In fact, he seems to improve in temperament as he matures. He is voracious, energetic and sweet.

By human standards, he appears to be a 'happy' bird. Yet I can't shake this feeling that he might NOT be. He has never done anything to make me think he is lonely but until he tells me, "I'm happy, stop worrying," then I can never be truly certain. I could give him all the toys, good food and interaction in the world but I often wonder if it is ever truly enough? Will I ever be a good enough substitute to a feathered companion?

All this is guilt is made worse by having to go to my 8-5 job from Monday to Friday. So, I've always entertained the idea of getting a conure companion for him. I never went through with it because it I think it's a huge commitment. We used to have a pair of budgies. When Chris moved out, they went to live with him (they're in good hands). Even when they were here though, Boomer ignored them. Their constant chirps actually triggered some of his screech fests. But I think having another conure friend might be different.

That said, I have some questions for those of you who used to have single birds, then expanded their flock size too 2 or more. I want to know if you noticed a difference in your single bird's temperament. My major concern is NOISE. Please answer each question as honestly as you can. I would love to hear everything you have to say!

1. Did the noise level go up considerably? If so, how?

2. The goal is for them to be cagemates. Besides a slow introduction period, will I increase the chances of them liking each other if they were of the same genus (ex. Aratinga Conures)?

3. Did your bird detach from you?

4. Did your bird appear happier with a bird companion?

5. Do you think they would have been fine being Only Birds all their lives?

Those aren't easy questions to answer. I first had my canary then a couple of years later I got my Quaker. No problems with either bird. Then several mo later I got my redbellied parrot. then a few mo later my yellow sided gcc. Did it increase the noise yes more birds more noise, My quaker has become a lot more bitey. I think they enjoy watching and talking to each other however none of them get along. they come out one at a time or at least out of reach of each other at all times.

I started with Jax, a weaned cockatiel who had been handfed, he was very sweet & VERY clingy, I couldn't do anything without taking him with me; if I couldn't take him, I put him in his cage, then he was extremely loud (he hated the cage). I got a sweet 1.5 year old cockatiel to (hopefully) be a companion, and they hated each other. However, over several months they've mellowed quite a bit towards each other, enough that they share a large cage with no problems now.

Then I got my sun conure a couple of weeks ago, and Jax has gotten crabbier with me, but seems to be adjusting slowly to this new intrusion. He's more prone to nipping & getting frustrated with me over small things that never bothered him before. I now spend more time one-on-one with Jax each day, even if only for 15 minutes at a time, taking him for walkabouts on my shoulder & visiting the bird that lives in the mirror, and I think that has reassured him that Mommy still loves him just as much as before.

Kylie, my female cockatiel, is so laid back that she hasn't changed at all since Tequi the conure and Kiwi the Quaker (my daughter's bird) have come to stay. Tequi just really wants one of them to stand still long enough to cuddle with them!

I'd have to say that between the conure & Quaker the noise has gone up quite a bit...I don't mind it, but I have to be sure to put the birds to bed at the same time my husband goes, or I have a grumpy husband.

I think my cockatiels & Quaker would have been fine being only birds, but Tequi (I think) would have been lonely. I think it really depends on each bird as an individual.

1. Not much more noise, the first one quieted down a bit, but the three of them vocalize about 3 times a day and the volume did increase.

2. No cagemates here. The two new greys came together and we separated them in case they tried to mate or got hormonal and attacked each other.

3. No detatchment due to limited contact with the other birds.

4. Happier, yes. She likes being in and around her cage more because she has company in the room. You get a content 'flock' feeling from her.

5. She would have been just as happy as she was before, so long as we were able to give her lots of attention every day to keep her content. 3 hours a day directly or so.

1. Did the noise level go up considerably? If so, how? Yes, but not significantly. They seem to vocalize as a flock morning, and at dusk, as normal parrots do. Noise is noise. At least it's happy noise.

2. The goal is for them to be cagemates. Besides a slow introduction period, will I increase the chances of them liking each other if they were of the same genus (ex. Aratinga Conures)? Mine all have their own cages, but some are close together. While I wouldn't call them friends, I would say they're connected and maintain a flock mentality. They eat at the same time, bathe at the same time, nap at the same time, and go to sleep at the same time. If one is away (like back on the play station in my office), the others call to him or her.

3. Did your bird detach from you? No. They all have their special time with me. If anything, it made each bird value that time more, less spoiled than when I just had one bird.

4. Did your bird appear happier with a bird companion? Yes, I really think they enjoy having other birds in the house. It's more natural.

5. Do you think they would have been fine being Only Birds all their lives? My lovebird, probably. The others, not so much. I think they would of been lonely.

Good luck with your choice!

It really depends on the bond you have with the bird.
1. Did the noise level go up considerably? If so, how? Oh yeah!!!, because I breed mine, I tend to fall in love with the ones that steal my heart, of course they all do, but their are some special ones you feel more strongly about. My 2 lovebirds and 1 male cockatiel were raised together, and chat up a storm together, fly around and have a ball. But it's great noise to hear them so happy

2. The goal is for them to be cagemates. Besides a slow introduction period, will I increase the chances of them liking each other if they were of the same genus (ex. Aratinga Conures)? they will either bond instantly or have to get along eventually. If they are the same species it really depends on each individual bird. my lovebird and cockatiel are bonded like crazy, but do not share the same cage, they are just more like playmates.

3. Did your bird detach from you? No, none of them have, they all fly to me when I walk in the room, 5 flying birds at me, it's quite funny!

4. Did your bird appear happier with a bird companion? I hate to admit it, but yes. I think all animals should have a companion.

5. Do you think they would have been fine being Only Birds all their lives? Yes, but you really can't be sure. We can only do our best with our birds. In a sense you might be replaced by a new addition, would you be able to accept if that happened. some people would be heart broken, others wouldn't mind at all. Hopefully that won't happen and your bond with your bird will remain somewhat the same.
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I would definitely recommend to add another bird to your flock. However I would not add the same type of species.

The reason why I am against that idea is because you run a risk that the bird might bond with same species. They also will make more noise. If you were to take 1 of the birds to another room then you will hear the other bird doing its flock calls.

I always prefer to add different type of species just because a person can experience an entirely different personality. Peace be to you.

As a child I had two birds at a time. First there was a older budgie (that I tamed), a handfeed cockatiel who whistled all the time and sat on my shoulder, and after the budgie past away a green cheek conure that adored me. Right now I have a Green cheek conure who was six months, I can handle her but for the first time with a bird I get the feeling she would probably perfer a feathered companion over a human. She would be about 9 to 11 months right now (but then again I am not certain of her age). If the worst came to worst I would do my best to find her a place where she could have a mate. She was not handfeed, and was raised by her parents. She will sit on my shoulder, step up on my finger, step on the perch when you put her in the cage, and she accepts head scratches. In a way it is amazing how handable she is. My budgie that I had as a child became tame but was always the more nervouse bird out of my first three. To be honest he or she seemed pretty independent. If you want to get another bird for Boomer then go ahead. To be honest I am hoping the sight of my green cheek conure will come in handy when I get a Hahn's Macaw in the future. But I will warn aginst making them cage mates (they could hurt one another if they do not get along). Also if you got the same species and they get along they may decide not to have anything to do with you.

1. Did the noise level go up considerably? If so, how?

With each GCC, the volume went up a little bit - only in terms of when one would scream, the others would chime right in.

With the BCC, I was surprised to find that its highest volume output wasn't too much higher, and it very rarely gets that loud. Its vocalizations are 99% of the time quieter than the GCCs.

2. The goal is for them to be cagemates. Besides a slow introduction period, will I increase the chances of them liking each other if they were of the same genus (ex. Aratinga Conures)?

I gave Scooter to Rosie, since Rosie is terrified of humans. The introduction was slow, especially as Rosie was overtly hostile toward Rusty. Being the same species is not just recommended in my book, it's mandatory. Especially if different species can be of different sizes...

Especially as the newest one, Tybbi, is in a cage adjacent to the others', and they all get nippy at each other if one gets too close to their corner of the cage while the other is present... there is plenty of distance between cages, but I know that - given the wide range of sources and conditions I'd rescued my fids from, total harmony with letting them all out of their cages at once to be on a playgym is impossible. Tybbi is too big and Rosie, who used to be shy, looks like she'd draw blood. (And did, but I got Rusty patched up in time.) So I'm very careful - Rusty is a sweetheart, even if he's hyperactive at times.

3. Did your bird detach from you?

Surprisingly, no. Scooter still enjoys my company and will preen me, but I know (he?) prefers Rosie overall. And that's okay; I know Rosie has had more solace since bringing Scooter in...

Rosie has continued to improve on me, taking treats from my hand and even perching on it for a while. Considering where (she?) was 3 years ago, she has only attached to me. She'll entertain with somersaults, and can tolerate some guests (not all, only certain types it seems... must be the person's aura...)

4. Did your bird appear happier with a bird companion?

Rosie definitely does.

5. Do you think they would have been fine being Only Birds all their lives?

Possibly, with time. There are jealousy issues at times, but it's pretty well controlled - unlike when I had parrotlets and conures; the conures would scream at the top of their lungs out of jealousy. I ultimately gave up the parrotlets for adoption. This does hark back to a previous question, since I bought parrotlet Piri a friend and she immediately detached... for 6 months when she adored Pierz, until she started to pluck...

I just wanted to drop in real quick to thank everyone for participating in this thread. I will post a longer response tomorrow or so. I do have follow up questions for some of you who responded. I've been thinking about this over and over, even started browsing for local breeders of dusky conures...

I am still undecided about getting a companion bird, more towards not getting one. I think my main issues are:

1. Noise - I live in an apartment, and if they start calling to each other non-stop (I don't mind the occasional ones), then it might become a problem with the neighbors.

2. Handling Both Birds - Boomer is used to our routine by now. Since I like to squeeze in as much time as I can with Boomer, he rides my shoulder while I go about my daily business (getting ready for work, tidying up the place, preparing his food and mine, drawing, playing on the computer, etc.). I just don't see that being possible with two birds riding my shoulder. I can't leave one in the cage while I bring the other as that would result in jealousy and contact calls. If I leave them both in the cage and I go to another room, they might also do contact calls. In time, perhaps I could get used to juggling two birds but it seems very stressful and inefficient. I can see a lot of things going wrong... Or maybe I'm just over-thinking it...

3. They Won't Get Along - There is the risk that Boomer might not like the new bird or vice versa. That would be a big problem indeed.

Boomer has not shown signs of stress or loneliness from not having a companion bird. He is a great bird and seems to enjoy his time hanging out with me and even on/in his cage. He knows how to entertain himself and sometimes would even rather be left to his own devices LOL! When he wants to be with me, he lets me know. Its just, I feel guilty leaving him at home for 9-10 hours alone while I go to work. I haven't completely crossed out the idea though. It's a big decision that warrants a lot of mulling over.

I would love to hear more from everyone, even those who keep Only Birds. I know of at least one in the forum (WannaBeAParrot) who has an Only Bird named Pritti. He is 30 years old and has been single all his life, and he is fine. Maybe it depends on the bird?

Great followup questions!

Per each point:

#1. I live in an apartment as well. One wall is a firewall so those neighbors don't hear anything, in the corridor their squawks are sufficiently muffled, and downstairs neighbors only complain if there's a water leak. But even my flock of fids would not be as cringe-inducing as a single Jenday...

#3. I know my fids don't get along if kept close together, so I have to take turns with them coming out. But, in their cages, they - and this took a little time - did develop a flock mentality; when one would go to eat, the others would flock to their food bowls and munch right along. It's quite cute, actually...

But #3 segues into #2 as well. Knowing mine all don't get along, it's a balancing game. And with each new addition, from a different source and/or species, the chances of disharmony are increased. Even with months of their getting used to each other, there is no guarantee they will be pals - and if they did they may or may not lose interest in you, the human.

Two parrots won't shatter windows in terms of volume, but it will be a bit louder and more will definitely start chancing things.

If you got another fid, would you be able to get the possibility of a refund if the bird didn't fit in? (keeping in mind the need for a separate cage, slowly introducing them and hoping they get along, etc...)

i started with 1 baby alexandrine and recently aquired 2 more due to thier owner moving across country and not wanting to put the birds through the stress of the move.

thermodynamic said:

1. Did the noise level go up considerably? If so, how?
the nouse level in my house only increased due to the 2 new ones being very vocal birds. the only influence it had made on my baby oxy is that he now tries copying all the funny noises they make and the words they say ( new guys talk and whistle etc)


2. The goal is for them to be cagemates. Besides a slow introduction period, will I increase the chances of them liking each other if they were of the same genus (ex. Aratinga Conures)?

its hard to answer that. all of mine are alex's. at first oxy was a bit wary of the new guys and didnt like them being on his cage,but within a cpl days he was fine with them. i dont plan on caging the new guys with oxy, oxy's cage is his palace, but when i take them outside i do put them all in oxy's cage as it is the largest. the 2 new guys are caged together, but always have been. both cagrs are side by side in the bird room and during the day if kitty wants in they get locked in the room.

3. Did your bird detach from you?

this was mine and my partners biggest worry and he said the other 2 could only stay if oxy's attitude didnt change. well oxy is still as amazing as ever no changes in our bond.
i am very careful tho not to show the others attention with out him and still give him as much attention as ever. prince, the oldest of the flock has also formed quite a bond with us and if we have oxy he has to be there to....lol. brino is hormonal atm and doest really like to interact much with us but is coming around

4. Did your bird appear happier with a bird companion?

i believe oxy is happier but he not sadder. me on the other hand am muvh happier. since i got oxy i have been off work with an injury so he has neverbeen alone, even when i have had to go see specialists (would mean over night stay at my mums) oxy would come too and only be alone whilst i was at appointments. i am now looking at returning to the workforce so now he has friends i wont feel so bad him being at home.

5. Do you think they would have been fine being Only Birds all their lives?

its hard to say, im not sure if oxy new he was a bird, he was/ and still is treated like one of the family/ child. now with the new guys he is learning more bird skills and has given him more confidence in moving about, but yes i think i provided him a very happy life style that he would of been happy with just us

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