Loneliness Impacts DNA Repair: The Long And The Short Of Telomeres

MonicaMc · Apr 23, 2014

Someone posted this article somewhere else and I thought it was interesting enough to share!

Loneliness impacts DNA repair: The long and the short of telomeres

goalerjones · Apr 23, 2014

I guess this lends more credibility to the flock than the single bird argument.

Dinosrawr · Apr 23, 2014

Makes sense! Just like how a person becomes a bit senile when left completely alone, or with bare minimum interaction with others. Social creatures need social lives!

MonicaMc · Apr 23, 2014

The majority of parrot species are flock creatures and are not meant to be kept alone, yet there are many single birds (either single species or single bird homes) in homes.... so it does make sense! Humans aren't parrots, and we can't exactly fulfill the role that another bird companion could.

Actually makes me think of my bourke parakeet. I hate keeping her alone and I am *sure* that her attitude would change (she would become more active and happy) if I were to get a male bourke, but I'm not looking to get more birds.... so I just end up feeling sad for her as she does not connect with the cockatiels. (as much as she prefers living with them vs living alone)

RavensGryf · Apr 23, 2014

Poicephalus are a strange bunch though. Robin (Red Bellied) actually became disturbed when other birds started living with him. Now he merely tolerates it.
As I've read mtdoramike also swears his Sennie would prefer being the only bird.
Maybe because in the wild, Poi's aren't usually found in big groups. More in a family unit or pair (like the bird and owner, or owner and spouse or kids).

MonicaMc · Apr 23, 2014

Several parrot species are polygmaous, and at least a couple sleep in communal nests. Kakapos have one night stands and do not form close bonds to other birds at all.

So yes, I do believe there will be some variations with birds!

Although, I do think it is unusual for birds to become stressed when other birds are around.... I mean, it's one thing to not like other birds, it's another for a bird to dislike another bird so much that behavior problems show up.

RavensGryf · Apr 23, 2014

MonicaMc said:
Several parrot species are polygmaous, and at least a couple sleep in communal nests. Kakapos have one night stands and do not form close bonds to other birds at all.

So yes, I do believe there will be some variations with birds!

Although, I do think it is unusual for birds to become stressed when other birds are around.... I mean, it's one thing to not like other birds, it's another for a bird to dislike another bird so much that behavior problems show up.

No problem behavior

just wanting to kill all others! Even his familiar birdy roommates. When my mom brought her Bourke's or Princess over after the vet visit, we had to move their carrier out of Robin's sight so he'd finally stop posturing haha.
He also started (behaviorally) sleeping... Meaning doing the tucking head under position whenever I'd give attention to other birds in front of him. I think it's how he copes with jealousy. My vet agrees it's not medical because he started doing it only after I got other birds in 2005-6, and he still does it to this day. I think it's funny. I think I have a "weirdo" LOL!

thekarens · Apr 23, 2014

I have to agree with Julie. Sammie and Sydney are clutch mates and would happily kill each other given the opportunity (they are sennies) on the other hand, my linnies love having company. They make great pair or group birds.

veimar · Apr 24, 2014

Just another proof I need a companion for my parrot (except me)!

MikeyTN · Apr 24, 2014

Birds actually don't mind the company of other birds in close proximity as long as they're kept in separate cages. Some birds just don't place nice with other birds. I got Lola as a companion with Willie, they do NOT like each other at all what so ever, they want me me me....They have a jealousy issue with one another as well.....Another one of my birds, Malachai the Black Lory, he does not play nice with other birds, he will try to kill them. Even with their own kind, unless paired off, they should never be kept together as they will try to kill off one another. And I have seen clutch mates that goes after each other for blood. But they all do enjoy the company of other birds around.

Loneliness Impacts DNA Repair: The Long And The Short Of Telomeres

MonicaMc

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Derbyan Parrot or Parakeet

A sweet gesture from my wonderful Kiwi

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