Adding a second Conure - good or wrong idea?

I'm currently considering adding another Sun Conure to Cytrynka. I've found a 3yo male that is to be rehomed. He's a tame pet, although a bit on the territorial side (one-person bird attached to an adult, that attacks owner's daughter).
What should I expect by adding him to the flock? What is the worst scenario in your opinion?

Obviously, my dream is to have a lovely tame pair that will be a bit of entertainment to themselves, but still being "interactive" with us. But I understand it is a bit of high hopes..

My biggest fear is to loose connection with Cytrynka. Also, I'm scared of her laying eggs and become egg-bound.
He lives some 4hr drive from the place where I live, so it's not easy to just meet few times and see how things are going.
Here's the link to his ad if anyone would be interested in the photos: https://tinyurl.com/yd3f73ow


Any hints/suggestions highly welcome.

I went over the decision for years......I eventually got zod just before xmas because I was in a store and he/she picked me. And I has hoping clark would get along and they offered a 30 return for non-compatibility....no need of that here.

It was not an on the spot decision, had been muddling it over for years....

In the end it seems it is working out great.

Question, can you bring the bird in for a trial of like a week or two weeks to see how they get along? I realize it's 4hrs but if everything is coolness then it's the same trip you would have made anyways....

I like having multiple birds.
The worst case is it's double the mess and time and quadruple the noise, and that they would have to be out one at a time because they attack each other.

I have two that don't get along together, but it's not to bad. They behave with me, but I have to watch for bulling when on their cage tops.

The best is like my Ta-dah and Neptune, best buddies and still all lovey lovey with me.

So I guess if you plan for the worst and are ok with that go for it, and hope for the best.

Worst case for you... or for them?

Right now you have a lovely tame bird who has completely made you the centre of her life (not that she had much of a choice, but that is how we tame/ bind birds to us--not criticizing, just stating facts).

Now you give her a choice: parttime homo sapiens or fulltime her own species, and a fully grown young male as well!

In any normal situation (parentraised bird that knows how to parrot) you would be out of the picture in 2 seconds flat!

Since she most likely was taken from her parents at an extremely young age and handraised... she may not even recognize the new arrival as anything but "an alien living something" and stay bonded to you, because humans are all she knows...

The male could be in the same situation: seeing a lovely young same-species female, or not even recognizing her as "one just like me".

Lots of possibilities: not being able to see "one like me" for both of them (fun for you) one of them may recognize the same-species-thing and respond while the other is completely oblivious, some vague recollection but ending in mutual agression because the hormones yell YESS but the socialisation is absent ...etc.etc.etc. or it may be bonding at first sight and you lose your bird to another.


One way to find out: the hard way

clark_conure said:

Question, can you bring the bird in for a trial of like a week or two weeks to see how they get along? I realize it's 4hrs but if everything is coolness then it's the same trip you would have made anyways....

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That "trial" period might be a good idea. The seller wants her sweetie to go to a loving home, so probably she might want to be sure her birb will be Okay in his new home.
I know that 4hr drive (one-way) IS quite a commitment, but -- parrots are all about commitment, anyway.
Definitely worth asking.


One more question to you - in your opinion, how Clark's behaviour have changed since the arrival of his mate? Do you see the change in his bonding to you?

laurasea said:

The worst case is it's double the mess and time and quadruple the noise, and that they would have to be out one at a time because they attack each other.

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Double the mess is managable, I suppose. The "quadruple the noise" is an interesting observation: Cytrynka seems to me "reasonably" vocal Conure. She's not silent by any means, but she does not scream without reason. But as I understand what you're trying to tell, her "vocals" may change with the companion nearby? I want to keep them in the same room, separate cages initially (and only shared cage if they will like themselves).

ChristaNL said:

Worst case for you... or for them?

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Touché What could seem "worst" for me (loosing the bond) might be beneficial for her (lifetime partner of same species).
Right now I feel, I would gladly accept what would be beneficial to her/them; but still cannot really imagine loosing my lovely tame feather-ball...

ChristaNL said:

Lots of possibilities: not being able to see "one like me" for both of them (fun for you) one of them may recognize the same-species-thing and respond while the other is completely oblivious, some vague recollection but ending in mutual agression because the hormones yell YESS but the socialisation is absent ...etc.etc.etc. or it may be bonding at first sight and you lose your bird to another.
One way to find out: the hard way

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Both birbs were hand-raised. But that probably does not ensure we'll get #1 scenario. The #3 also seems okay, I'll loose "my" bird but will get truly ("naturally") happy bird. Worst is the #2 one, where one bird follows nature and the other one does not understand it, which might lead to agression.


One more information that might also bring some discussion: current owner wants to get rid of the bird since he (the Conure) spontaneously attacks her daughter. Cytrynka goes along with my three reasonably okay (better with two that are primary school kids, and some "domination" behaviours towards the youngest toddler). Do you think his current behaviour increases the chances that he will be also naughty to my kids? The plan was to visit current owner with at least my son, to see the conure's reaction; but it might be not the same behaviour as the one after "settling down"?....

Lol I should have explained quadruple. One her voice and solo songs, two his voice and solo vocals, three and four when they scream together. My experience , they are just way more vocal with a friend to talk back with, and try to out scream with. It's what caught me by suprise!

The conure your going to look at,
One, it could be an excuse for getting rid of the bird,
Two, people rehoming aren't often truthful....is what it is
Three ,he could be in puberty...often a time people get rid of birds
Four, he could be a bully to kids , and continue that at your home, or the shake up of the move and your experience and your kids conference may put an end to this that.
( Dont know why I was into numbers in this post...)

I’ve got 4 conures, all added as adults and at different times. I would only say that my crew has had mixed reactions to other birds, housing them separately has been important, having extra play areas and perches has worked well. I don’t regret adding anyone - they each bring good things and I love them. It is quite manageable, even though everyone doesn’t love each other. I would echo that there is additional noise because they “talk” to each other (which doesn’t bother me at all). I do have 2 that really love each other, and I have a good bond with both of them still .

Laurasea said:

Lol I should have explained quadruple. One her voice and solo songs, two his voice and solo vocals, three and four when they scream together. My experience , they are just way more vocal with a friend to talk back with, and try to out scream with. It's what caught me by suprise!

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I get it. Sort of, at least. Noted Especially that "suprise" part LOL

Laurasea said:

The conure your going to look at,
One, it could be an excuse for getting rid of the bird,
Two, people rehoming aren't often truthful....is what it is
Three ,he could be in puberty...often a time people get rid of birds
Four, he could be a bully to kids , and continue that at your home, or the shake up of the move and your experience and your kids conference may put an end to this that.

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Of course cannot be 100% sure, but I've been talking to the owner and she seems honest. Her way of talking about the bird, suggests that she love him (she says "her", because she (owner) assumed the bird is a female, but DNA tests have confirmed the opposite is true).

That conure has hatched in 2015, so probably should be past his "terrible twos", but have read that it may actually take longer.
Not sure about the risk of "bully" attitude. Are conures known to be bully to kids (kids that more or less know basic handling and body language of a conure)?

I don't know? (About kids)
I looked at add, he is lovely! But not enough perches in his cage..
If you are looking at adds, then I take it you are ready to add to your flock, and are just trying to think things through and use us as a sounding board?

Laurasea said:

I don't know? (About kids)
I looked at add, he is lovely! But not enough perches in his cage..
If you are looking at adds, then I take it you are ready to add to your flock, and are just trying to think things through and use us as a sounding board?

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Yeah I'm thinking about adding a mate since we have Cytrynka, from time to time I'm going through ads. Then I found this beauty, which "inspired" me to make my dreams come true. Of course I'm looking for advices from experienced members (I'm still newbie in terms of parront-hood; only 1.5yrs with no previous background) as I'd prefer to avoid the situation that my dream will become my nightmare


[as I type this, Cytrynka gladly sleeps under my shirt; she's SOOOO cute ]

One thing I thought to add. He will be going through big changes leaving his person, so be patient. He might first be sweet because he is afraid, and any port in a storm. Or he might act out. My rescue really scted out, like she was testing me, or maybe she just didn't know what was going on with all the changes and was frustrated. They are smart and emotional, and can greive their person. So just be patient with that, extra understanding. It took mine a few months to really settle in and bond and trust this new person. So just keep that in mind, as we have no way of explaining to them why everything has changed in their world.
Also I spend one on one time with everyone, and then time with the whole flock. If you keep spending time with your girl, and Xtra reassure her I think your relationship with her will stay strong. Don't forget to quarantine the new one. I do introductions in a neutral area with enough space and lots of treats spread around. I let all my birds decide on their own terms when to come near each other. If they looked like they might fight I just separated them and tried again later.

Aratingettar said:

One more question to you - in your opinion, how Clark's behaviour have changed since the arrival of his mate? Do you see the change in his bonding to you?

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He's been a little moody but he's still as bonded as before. The new bird is as happy as can be esp. having coming from a store and being bored all the time. They both just spend all the time I'm home sitting on my shoulder or climbing all over me.

To be honest when they both are interested in something it can be hard to manage say grabbing the treat bag and keeping them on my shoulder insted of down my front or arms to get to the treats.

Is the lady rehoming the male sun cause he is bonded to her so he attacks her daughter? Has she considered rehoming the daughter? Thats where I'd start. Just sayin'. lol.



In all seriousness though, its always a risk when adding a new fid to the flock. You don't know how they will react to the new addition and vice versa. They could like each other or they could hate each other. There is also the risk of losing the bond, but to what effect depends on the individual situation. A lot depends on the amount of attention they get.


There is also the chance of them not only not liking each other (or Cytrynka seeing the new bird as a threat to your bond. When I got Skittles, I already had another bird- my cockatiel Peaches. Peaches was sixteen years old and the vet told me to keep her and Skittles in separate rooms for 90 days. I obliged and it cost me. By the time I could integrate the two, Skittles was so bonded to me that he saw her as the enemy.



I soooo want to get another bird. I can't stand having just one. Its not me. BUT, until my living situation changes, I'm stuck. I live in an apartment building. Plus, Skittles gets jealous if I talk 'sweet' to the remote, he is super jealous. Truth be told, I have my hands full with that orange booger as it is. lol.

I also want to add when I'm not around I believe they get along great....the only tiffs they still have which is less and less frequent is due to basically me....I try to make sure if I kiss a bird's back i kiss more kisses to the second bird etc. They are BOTH territorial to me because I don't bite I suppose....but they are adjusting to each other ok. They share the same cage with no issues I've seen with both in the cage.

Skittys_Daddy said:

Has she considered rehoming the daughter? Thats where I'd start.

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Good one

Skittys_Daddy said:

There is also the chance of them not only not liking each other (or Cytrynka seeing the new bird as a threat to your bond. When I got Skittles, I already had another bird- my cockatiel Peaches. Peaches was sixteen years old and the vet told me to keep her and Skittles in separate rooms for 90 days. I obliged and it cost me. By the time I could integrate the two, Skittles was so bonded to me that he saw her as the enemy.

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That's precisely where my fear comes from. She's so bonded to me that when she's with me, everything/everybody around is a treat. When I'm not home, she's OK with others. She wasn't like that before, it started this summer to its current extent (we've been separated over almost whole holiday time as we've been having extensive home renovation).
So, considering her current mood, any new bird could be in danger. Or she will fall in love with her new mate. Or.....

Skittys_Daddy said:

Plus, Skittles gets jealous if I talk 'sweet' to the remote, he is super jealous.

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Cytrynka is jelaous for my computer mouse. She fights it and drops it to the floor if I'm not around.

Skittles wasn't like he is now either when I first got him (the first six months anyways) BUT I had people coming over four days a week so he had 'social interaction' with other people. Once I'd had him for a while, he became super bonded to me. I think the time for me to be able to add another fid to the flock has expired. I'll have had Skittles for 8 years in April (he'll be 9 in March) and Peaches has been gone for a little over 3yrs.

If you own your own home (or don't share your home with anyone) then you have a little more leeway.



When I first got Skittles, my vet told me to be careful cause since I'd had Peaches for so long, she might attack him. I knew there was just no way that would happen. Peaches never bit me, I mean never. She didn't bite others either. I know that sounds like an exaggeration but it isn't. She'd nibble from time to time, but never bite. She didn't have an aggressive bone in her body. So I dismissed what the vet said. Turns out, Skittles was the aggressive one with her. I couldn't take them out at the same time. I looked over at her one time when I let them both out and she flew over to my shoulder and he intercepted her and probably would have killed her. He got really nasty. To be honest, when it comes to him being possessive, I could've taken steps to prevent him being as protective as he is. But truth be told, being an abuse survivor, his possessiveness actually gives me a sense of security so I don't do anything (nor have I done anything) to dissuade him of such behaviors. I like that he's a velcro bird.

Aratingettar said:

Cytrynka is jelaous for my computer mouse. She fights it and drops it to the floor if I'm not around.

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I swear, our birds are twins. lol.

The other day I was sitting in my la-z-boy and was engrossed in a game on my tablet. Normally when Skittles wants attention he will fly over and cuddle next to my neck or sit on the arm of the chair (or my knee if I have my legs crossed). Anyways, I had some pill bottles on a tv tray table (for eating etc) He flew onto the table which he'd never done before and started throwing the bottles on the floor and then making a single screech after he tossed each one. In other words, he wanted my attention. lol.

They do NOT have ANY problem whatsoever with expressing their feelings. Whether they be likes or dislikes. They demand to be heard. lol. He cracks me up cause he's so expressive!

Well....
Yesterday went to pick Poli, the "mate" for my Cytrynka.
He's a 3yo tame, hand-fed male, beautiful and healthy Sun Conure.
Unfortunately, despite almost 400km one-way trip, I gave him up for the moment to think things over.
What's the issue?

It seems that Poli is a very dominant "Alpha male". He's very cuddly to her chosen person (the lady-owner), tolerates her husband but violently attacks her daughter.
When I've met him, I've tried to play with him but obviously he did attack me violently, too. Which is not unusual, since I've entered his territory.
The thing is, his "territorial aggressiveness" is very expressed, when he bites he don't just "pinch" with his beak but draws blood and keeps pressing. Having 3 kids around (youngest ~1yo), I'm afraid he would do the same after re-homing him (he'd find a preferred partner - maybe Cytrynka, maybe one of the family members), and the he would get to his "territorial aggresive" behaviour towars the "weaker" flock members.
I think it would be possible to socialize him properly, but I'm not sure if we (in our current family situation) can afford the risks and labor involved.
I still regret leaving him behind, but was too scared to risk changing our daily life into a "survival nightmare".


The plus side of the story is I've learned how sweet and lovely my Cytrynka is


Kind of felt like in the Monty Python scene:
[ame="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cCI18qAoKq4"]Monty Python Bunny Scene - YouTube[/ame]

Well, I think it is a good call.
Sometimes it is just better 'not to rock the boat'.

If that guy is *that* poorly raised (no biting!) he should go to a single person (hermit) home or to someone who has the right family around and all the time in the world to teach him 'the wrongness of his ways'.

I understand completely you feel (a bit) guilty about all this, but - to be awfully blunt- you cannot save them all.

I felt the same way when I said "no" to the last gallah that people begged me to take: poor handicapped birdy got all screwed up (unintentionally of course) by that family (they taught the bird to screech for attention etc.etc.) and they got bored with him after a year or so.
If he had been my only bird ... there would have been time and room, but not with my resident parrots already in place.


You just have to trust they will find a good place without you...
( you tried, it did not work out- maybe the family now understands what birdy needs a lot better)

I know his behaviour could change if he'd meet the mate of his species (Cytrynka...) but if his territorial instincts/aggresiveness is very strong, we could have problem. And it would be very hard to me to get rid of him in case it didn't work out (these creatures do melt my heart on the spot, so strongly I was torn being in his place).
But my first and most important resposibility is my family, so for their well-being I've walked away..