getting a second bird

Hello All!

well to clarify - i'm not currently looking for another bird, but the other day I was speaking to another bird owner and she made a comment that I was unsure about. she asked me how old Pico was (my GCC who is 1 and 1/2 years old) and then she asked me if I have thought of getting another bird, and I said yes. and she said that she recommends that if I am to get another bird, then I should do it before Pico is about 3. otherwise, its not a good idea.
is that so? and why, if that's the case?
Also, does anyone recommend a breed of bird that pairs well with conures? I'm not sure if I would want another conure. I'm in love with caiques although I've haven't heard the best things about them. and then i've always wanted a cockatiel. I love birds with lots of personality, my next bird would preferably love to dance and even talk a little. a bird that is known for having a generally loving personality.
again, this is all hypothetical.
I am only 21 and Pico is enough for me for the next few years.

you all are always so helpful.
thanks

I believe all parrots have the potential to get along but to minimize incidents of a large bird bullying a smaller one I'd stock to birds with a similar size.

One things I've always been worried about when getting a second bird is if Lincoln and said second bird would get along. I've had rats who wouldn't get along but that was easier because rats aren't as demanding socially and I could just out them in separate cages. With birds I like to have Lincoln's cage open all day if I'm around. And if I had 2 birds who didn't get along I don't think I'd be able to do this as often.

Owlet said:

I believe all have the potential to get along but to minimize incidents of a large bird bullying a smaller one I'd stock to with a similar size.

One things I've always been worried about when getting a second bird is if Lincoln and said second bird would get along. I've had rats who wouldn't get along but that was easier because rats aren't as demanding socially and I could just out them in separate cages. With I like to have Lincoln's cage open all day if I'm around. And if I had 2 who didn't get along I don't think I'd be able to do this as often.

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thank you for the reply!
yes that is definitely something to worry about. I am unsure how Pico will take to another bird because he is aggressive towards his own reflection and doesn't really enjoy looking at videos of other birds either. but who knows. That would definitely be stressful because I also let Pico have his cage door open for hours at a time and let him have free range in my room. It would be stressful to have to manage that with two birds..
I would definitely want a bird of smaller size. larger birds just aren't for me.
I guess I just don't really know too much of my options

There isn't a good reason to do what the other bird owner told you. If you'd like to get another bird, and it seems like the right time for you, it doesn't matter how young or old the other one is. If you have birds close in age, they can potentially go through hormones "terrible twos" at the same time. Also, if close in age and similar size, they can potentially pass near the same time frame too. But what really matters is if you're ready for one, then go for it regardless of ages.

It's hard to tell what "pairs" with conures as you put it... that reminds me of a good glass of wine lol. You usually see Caiques with other Caiques since they are known for getting along with their own kind, and not usually others. As far as size of friends, Raven is more than twice as heavy as Griffin his bff, but his beak is not twice the size. I feel they're safe together. Usually it's smaller Griffin who is the far more aggressive one.

Owlet said:

One things I've always been worried about when getting a second bird is if Lincoln and said second bird would get along. I've had rats who wouldn't get along but that was easier because rats aren't as demanding socially and I could just out them in separate cages. With birds I like to have Lincoln's cage open all day if I'm around. And if I had 2 birds who didn't get along I don't think I'd be able to do this as often.

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It IS a royal pain. It's A LOT more "work" when you have birds who don't get along. I have 3 different 'groups', and I'm a busy person, so no... unfortunately they don't get as much time as they would if that weren't the case.

I ask folks who want a second or third or 5th parrot - what is it about your current parrot that is not fulfill your companionship needs? Do you just like to be surrounded by cuddly, cute animals? Yes, we all know additional birds are more work ( a lot more), but psychologically why? I mean I love macaws and cockatoo and caiques, and, and ,and the list goes on. I really like interacting with all parrots, but would I want to share my life and house and relationship I have with Salty with another parrot full time? No way.

The Rb is such a nasty bully... I would never even try to get another parrot.
Good for you for researching and reaching out for opinions before acting!

wrench13 said:

I ask folks who want a second or third or 5th parrot - what is it about your current parrot that is not fulfill your companionship needs? Do you just like to be surrounded by cuddly, cute animals? Yes, we all know additional birds are more work ( a lot more), but psychologically why? I mean I love macaws and cockatoo and caiques, and, and ,and the list goes on. I really like interacting with all parrots, but would I want to share my life and house and relationship I have with Salty with another parrot full time? No way.

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Personally I'd want a second bird for a variety of reasons. First off Lincoln could hopefully have a companion when I'm not around to keep him company and then a more selfish reason. I love Lincoln a lot and I don't regret choosing him at all. He's a lovely bird but he isn't really cuddly and I'd love to experience the cuddly aspect of parrots. And then I'd love to be able to provide for a bird who needed a home. There's a couple avian rescues in Colorado who take great care of their birds that is probably adopt from if I ever get a second bird.

But I'm still really concerned about them not getting along. I have absolutely no idea how Lincoln is around other birds and I have no idea how I'd go about learning that. I don't know anyone who has birds let alone any that will be willing to take the risk with me of attempting to introduce them.

I don't think what this person told you is accurate. As others have said it doesn't really matter how old your bird is, but maybe they were thinking that when your bird hits sexual maturity, it could be more of an issue with aggression, etc? It all depends on the individual I think. I only have my two, but some day (maybe when they both pass away) I'd love to get a cockatoo or macaw. I follow this woman on Instagram who has 2 Hyacinth macaws and a Harlequin, and they all seem to get along like siblings.

But I do know for a fact there are members on here who cannot have some of their birds out at the same time, as they do not get along at all and will attack the other bird.

wrench13 said:

I ask folks who want a second or third or 5th parrot - what is it about your current parrot that is not fulfill your companionship needs? Do you just like to be surrounded by cuddly, cute animals? Yes, we all know additional birds are more work ( a lot more), but psychologically why? I mean I love macaws and cockatoo and caiques, and, and ,and the list goes on. I really like interacting with all parrots, but would I want to share my life and house and relationship I have with Salty with another parrot full time? No way.

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I think that it's just a trait with some people that if we have one great thing, we need more of it .

Speaking for myself, I'm not just like that with birds, but just about anything I really like. I'll have to have several of the same object in different colors or styles. Not calling birds things, but you get what I mean.

My only regret with multiples is that Robin, who I've had 22+ years, I wish I had more time with him without always having to supervise the other guys. Robin is my most precious beloved boy ever. While I love the others, they are my birds.

And another thing - I don't know about most people, but I tell you.. cleaning 5 cages is NO FUN!

Ps... I daydream about having even more birds lol!

I've thought about getting a GCC or IRN to hang out with my quaker while I'm at work. I figure it's a toss-up whether they'll get along or not, but even if they don't, they would still be less lonely during the day. In separate cage of course, they would both have their own homes regardless of if they were BFF's or mortal enemies. I mean I think even having a rival to shout at while I'm at work would be better than hanging out alone every day. And if they were to become friends, that would just be wonderful...

I agree in a way it is nice for a bird to have another bird to chat with and watch. They are flock animal and highly social. My Sprinkles has 2 parakeets to talk to and watch. He loves to go on thier cage and bother the male parakeet. They do not get along. Sprinkles tries to bullie them. When ever Sprinkles is out of his cage if often is found on the parakeet cage. When I first got sprinkles my friend brought over her green cheek and sprinkles showed interested in that bird but not aggressive.

I think the old saying goes." birds of a feather flock together." I want a pionus myself. I think another conure maybe a green cheek or sun would be better if I was to get a second bird.

As for age of the bird. Yes it is easier to introduce 2 young animal together and have them get along. BUT just because they get along when they are young will not mean they will always get a long.

A Cockatiel could be a good pick they are simular size and cockatiels tend to be not so picky about who they are friends with. I had my eye on a fat Tiel with missing toes. They are sweet birds.

Side note many Conures loves to cuddle. How long have you had your bird for.