Considering a second Meyer's

Hello Everyone,

I need some input from those of you who own multiple Poi's, and Meyer's in particular.

I currently have a male Meyer's parrot named Maverick. He is a lovely bird who enjoys spending time with us, and really digs clicker training. He is fully flighted. I am his favorite person, but he also gets along well with my husband.

Until two months ago, we also had a much loved cockatiel named Tweek, who we lost to age and illness. Now, Tweek and Maverick were not buddies (Maverick was too aggresive towards her), but they did keep each other company when we were busy or away from home. After her loss, Maverick suddenly became very needy and does not like to be alone. He doesn't even want us out of his sight when we are home, which is new.

We are looking into adopting another bird, and have found a 6 year old female Meyer's in need of a home. She is well socialized, friendly to everyone, and has been well-cared for by her owners. If we were to take her, each bird would be housed seperately and only allowed to interact during supervised out-of-cage time in the event that they get along.

My question is this: Would this be likely to negatively impact the relationship that we currently have with Maverick? I'm concerned that the birds my decide that they prefer each others company and have no interest in our's, or that one or both may become aggressive towards us if they bond. I'm hoping that those of you with experience in this area can help us make an educated decision.

Pois generally don't like other birds, even their own kind, so I think it's unlikely he will decide he likes the other bird more than you.

Karen is right. Poicephalus don't normally like other birds, not even other pois.

My Griffin is a real exception with his friendship with my Pionus. Still, Griffin is bonded to me also. It doesn't alter the bond we have. Normally I would not "expect" Pois to take to another bird.

I'm also surprised you say Maverick is being needy, as it's usually not a trait of Poicephalus. My Pois are very bonded to me and still are never 'needy'.

I'm very sorry to hear about your loss of Tweek. I think that another Meyer's would be nice even if they don't become friends.

Thank you for the input, I really appreciate it. Breeding these guys must be very interesting if they dislike each other so much!

RavensGryf: Yes, the neediness is a new behavior and rather atypical of him. There have been other small changes as well. The loss of Tweek has definitely affected him on some level, which surprises me. He never showed any animosity towards her unless she invaded his space, but they were not friends either. This would mark the first time in his life that he has not had another bird around, so perhaps his sense of "flock" has been upset. Who knows?

We have several potential adoptees available to us right now, including Pionus, cockatiels, conures, and the female Meyers (we've ruled out any of the larger species due to space considerations). We are keeping an open mind towards all of the birds, but I did find the female Meyers to be a sweetheart. I wanted to know what we might be getting into if we decided to take her. There are just so many birds out there in need of a good home that's it's really hard to choose.

Well, personally I love the Pois and the Meyer's colors make them some of the most attractive parrots IMO!

They all of course have their own personalities. Robin, who I've had 21 years, has been through some less than ideal and major changes in his life, and he just rolled with it fortunately. He has also been an only bird off and on in his lifetime. He can care less if they come or go lol.

IMO, if space is a consideration, remember that a Pionus is roughly twice the size of a Meyer's . I think out of the choices you've been presented with, "I" would go with the female Meyer's. Especially knowing that she's a sweet one! Good luck

With the two sennies (that hate each other) I just make sure the each have their own space and each get one on one time each day.

PS like Julie, I would also go with the Meyers. I could gladly have a house full of pois.