How hard is it to add a 2nd bird to your family?

My family is close to becoming "bird people" for the first time! (see this thread for some of our main questions).

We are definitely getting a Sun Conure as our youngest daughter has totally fallen in love with it and she was the reason we started on this journey to learn about birds in the first place.

While visiting breeders/shops, we also found a blue and gold macaw that took us by surprise.

This put us in a really challenging quandry. We suddenly really wanted to get both. They have been babies together which we are told is the ideal situation if you are going to have multiple birds in the same household - especially given the size difference.

But I am very worried we're making the wrong decision to get both. Will it be too much for us?

No amount of research is comparable to real experience, and we simply don't have any experience.

If we decided to only get the conure, and if the experience having a bird turns out super amazing, how difficult is it to add another bird to the family later?

We were already likely going to have to monitor the birds at all times when out because of their size difference and the fact that we have a corgi. Is this much different if we got a 2nd bird later and they had to gradually get used to each other?

Thanks,

It might be the right fit for you to get the 2 birds, as long as you're committed to both for the long haul and make time for each parrot daily.

I have 2 birds (a 3rd former rescue bird may be coming home in about 2 weeks). Albeit, mine are a lot smaller than a B&G but one's a Sun.

It hasn't been any more difficult in my situation, but of course each parrot is an individual with their own unique quirks and challenges. My GCC can be aggressive but Sunny is mellow.

Fixing 2 bowls of fresh veggies & fruit daily is as easy as fixing one.

Changing water daily (sometimes twice a day) and feeding fresh pellets for 2 is also just as easy as one.

I bake birdie bread once a month and freeze it. It lasts for 4-5 weeks.
I just thaw some out for each parrot daily (again, easy).

In the summer, I didn't want to bake a lot (too hot) but would boil veggie pasta noodles for them and served it chilled.

Cleaning 2 cages is not fun but neither is cleaning 1. It's easier if I wipe them down weekly and deep clean (scrub scrub, scrub) once a month.

These 2 hate each other, so I have to carefully monitor their interactions when they're out and about flying, but it's not too bad.
More like having 2 toddlers who are jealous of each other and think that anything they see belongs to them, lol.

It sounds like you are thinking this over carefully and being cautious, which is good.

With your own business, you may have a lot more flexibility with your schedule and perhaps even more time to spend with your birds than most of us who cannot take our parrots to work. And that is WAY cool, being able to take them along.

Just keep an eye on the beaks. They sometimes chew on computer wires or keyboards and can do other similar mischief.

For people who are new to birds it might be a challenge with a B&G Macaw, not saying you won't be able to handle it but it is a lot of work just caring for one.. I mean A LOT of work. I don't have a macaw but from what you'll hear online is all these praise for them but there's also really negative views about them. It's conflicting but it's up to you to see if you're ready.

The Sun Conure seems more manageable compared to larger Macaws IMO. But both are sometimes known to be "problem children". So sticking to my opinion, I would say that the Conure would be a better starting parrot. One mistake you really don't want to do is bite off more than you can choose.

I was going to write a bit more and go back and elaborate but I lost my train of thought, I'll edit my post when I remember again.

Thanks for the info.

My wife was watching a video tonight and it suggested that having 2 birds is better than one, as even when they are in different cages they can entertain each other when you are gone. Any truth to that?

There are 4 of us in the family so we aren't doing this alone. The kids already know that a LOT of the cleaning and other duties are their responsibility, and they are good about that sort of stuff.

I stand that that's the case with having two birds, they can entertain each other while you guys are gone. But it's always important to socialize them a lot so they don't bond to each other. The only concern having to birds of different species are their sizes. Both birds have the possibility of hurting one another. Just because they were raised together doesn't mean they will be best friends for life. It's really like humans. For example, someone could have been friends with someone since they were 2 and grew up together until, lets say, they were 16. In those 14 years there's a chance of fighting and they could become separated and could want nothing of each other. If that's the case it's good that there's four of you to give them both a lot of attention.

I believe that all four can tackle on the task of owning birds but IME they require twice the time of a dog. I can't compare it to your hedgehog because it's illegal here (my mom and I really want one). Again though, the only thing that could be worrisome is the biting. Both can take chunks of flesh out of people of any ages. Even my lovebird, Izzy was taking pieces out of my skin and made my sister cry a lot by just nipping. But that seems more negative, with a lot training I think you guys can make your birds extremely well mannered, there might be some bites here and there but you're family seems more than capable of taking on these tasks. This forum will help a lot during those times, which I think we're so glad you joined because we know that you didn't just "take the bird" but spent time asking questions and making sure you're prepared.

Selestine had a great idea to have the cages ready and to have their kids clean the cage, replace the food and water, and the surrounding area to prepare for the birds (there might have been more but I can't remember it rn).

I saw the comments on the other parrot forum about adding a 2nd bird.

They may seem harsh but they're just trying to give it to you straight, albeit with more bluntness than most people have used here.

My biggest issue with 2 parrots is having to constantly supervise fly time when they're out.

I break up fights daily because they're stubborn, little things who don't back down.

The Sun's beak could do a lot of damage to my GCC who can be quite the bully and both are jealous of each other.

I do have to clean poop off my couches after flying time because they fly in our living room (where their cages are).

The Sun's not a problem. He tends to go back and poop on his cage or near it. He's the larger of the two, so he poops less frequently but the poops are a bit bigger than the green cheek's.

She gets off of me to go poop, but does poop on my couches. Nothing a wet towel with some Dawn can't take care of.

Some people potty train. Personally, I was too worried that they might hold their poop in until I got home from work and get sick, but I may be needlessly worrying.

The mess... There are some cages with seed/food guard skirts that help some.

There will still be some food flinging, though. Also, some birdies seem to poop and it shoots out quite a bit and can land on walls or the floor.

Well, those are the messier points that I can think of that some people may not dream of tolerating.

You've heard about how loud parrots are. Where will their cages be?

Morning and evening calls can drive my family a bit bonkers if they're trying to hear the tv.

When we call our kids, the birds call them, too. If we ask the kids a question the birds try to answer.

This drives my daughter crazy. I think it's quite amusing trying to have a conversation with a child and two nosey parrots!

They like drama. If an argument is ensuing and voices are raised, one can hear the rapid fluttering of wings as they fly up to the front of their cages.

They pull out the tiny buckets of popcorn and watch intently, waiting for that moment when they can throw in their own 2 cents/squawks. ;p

Oh, it's funny. They're something else, I tell you.

I know that you've gotten tons of advice. Hopefully I've shown you a few snippets in the life of living with 2 parrots.

I think that you're going to do okay, whatever decision you make.

Welcome to the forum! It's great that your interested in being a parrot owner!
I haven't owned a whole lot of birds in my life, and never a bird quite as big as a macaw.
My first conure was a Sunnie. I researched so much about them, and then adopted one off of Craigslist. I loved her, and she was such a sweet bird.
But even researching as much as you can, there a still TONS of things you can't learn from the internet. I socialized her with everyone in the family, and sometimes they hung out around her more than I did. But, she decided I was her person, and not even a week in, she decided to bite everyone who came near me! A very hard bite, too. I adopted her when she was an adult, so her true personality had been formed. She ended up dying though, after I only owned her for a few weeks{my avian vet was on vacation, and the next avian vet was 6 hours away! Nonetheless I set up the appointment, and when I went to work the day before her appointment, she ended up dying when I was gone.{Sorry for blabbering. xD xP}

Adopting two birds have many pros, but they also have cons as well. Especially for someone who has never owned a parrot before. Many people on here voice their concerns{or non concerns} about the chores and supervisions. But I find that many people give their parrots away because they can't spend time with them, or their parrots are needy. It seems like you are not too concerned about the noise, so that's great!

I think they'll have a very wonderful home with you, if you choose to adopt both. But please be prepared that anything can go wrong. One of your birds might end up deciding they hate everyone in the family except for one person. Or they love anyone except for someone else in your family. And spending time with them, just in itself, is very, very time consuming.

For most people, I would think it wouldn't be such a good idea to adopt a Macaw and a Sun Conure, but then again, some people have great luck with it. It all depends on the person.

I wish you luck, and I bet they'll have a great home with you and your family!

I started out with Sassy my BFA who was not tame. I have always wanted a Sun Conure and shortly after I brought Sassy home I found a Sun (already tame). I thought maybe, just maybe, it would help bring Sassy around by her seeing me handle another bird. I had the same questions as you, and probably most people wanting to add to the flock. I asked and got many answers and what it boiled down to was this, I should not get the sun in hopes to try to help Sassy, but if I wanted it because I always wanted one, then I should get it. Before I got the sun, Cisco, I made kind of a list of pros and cons. The biggest "con" for me was realizing they may or may not ever be able to be out at the same time. I realized that going in, and worked around it. I have the birds (3 of them now) on a schedule and it works well. Hopefully in the future I can get 2 of them out at the same time but if not, I will adjust to make sure they get their time.

So, did Cisco help Sassy??? I'm not sure but Sassy did come around and is a totally different bird than when I got her She probably won't be able to be out with Cisco or Peanut...that's just her...or maybe someday she will. Cisco is awesome and laid back and very easy going and so far, so is Peanut. Do I regret getting any of them...ABSOLUTELY NOT!!

And there's one of me...there's 4 of you...lol:09: (hubby loves the birds but I take care of them...he's a dog person...I'm the crazy bird lady:30

Can't wait to hear what you decide though..for what it's worth, I think you can handle the 2 now...just sayin...

For some of us, it's a lot easier than saying no... !!!

I started with "just" a sun conure.

Then I started volunteering at the parrot rescue. I took on a Red Lored Amazon that was out of control, and needed serious rehab and retraining. (And then there were two.)

Then my daughter brought home two more conures. (And then there were four.)

Then I brought home two more amazons. (And then there were six.) And the macaw I always wanted. (make that seven.) And my girlfriend took in some rescued breeders that were on eggs... "I'm sending you a gray." (Make that 8) Then there was another amazon left by the dumpster to die. (that would be nine.) And then there was a little G2 that I was the only person that bird ever allowed to handle it. Would you please take him. (What's one more.) Then throw in another large macaw... (That makes 11!)

Then, of course, cycle through a number of foster birds, and rehabs, that didn't come to stay, but hung out with us for awhile... (We were amazon central during breeding season there for awhile...)

And then there were three wild blue jays who used to come inside the house, cuz we fed them so well.

Adding birds?! That part's easy!!! (Especially when people know you're a soft touch, and keep trying to give them to you!)

I'm down to five now.

Unless my numbers hit, there won't be a six.

(Yeah. Like I've never said that before!)

I am a big believer in birds having bird friends, but I have also noticed that it seems to be easier to add birds to multiple bird homes than to single bird homes, and the jealousy issues seem much smaller. From your other posts it really seems to me like you understand what you are getting into as much as someone who has never owned a bird can understand it. You also seem to know your family well and have a plan. I do believe it is easier and safer to bring both home at once if you plan to have both, and both are babies now. Why leave one bird to think they rule the roost only to add a second later and risk territorial issues? I am not saying it can't be done, simply that it is easier to do it at once, and safer considering the size difference.

With that said, I think it really boils down to you and your family. Can you manage two? If you think you can, go for it. Those of us with multiple birds obviously think it is doable. But if you feel you would be taking on too much, then simply wait. You know yourself and your family better than we can, and there are good, reliable ways to introduce a second bird safely. My suggestion is to go with your gut. Better yet, your wife's gut!

I break up fights daily because they're stubborn, little things who don't back down.

The Sun's beak could do a lot of damage to my GCC who can be quite the bully and both are jealous of each other.

THAT'S PECULIAR TO HAVING TWO CONURES THOUGH... OR TWO BIRDS ROUGHLY THE SAME SIZE.

A CONURE IS GENERALLY NOT GOING TO MESS WITH SOMETHING THE SIZE OF A LARGE MACAW. A MACAW IS GENERALLY NOT GOING TO BE CONCERNED WITH ANYTHING AS TINY AS A CONURE UNLESS THE CONURE DOES SOMETHING AMAZINGLY STUPID... (IN WHICH CASE, THE CONURE BETTER GET GONE IMMEDIATELY OR THE MACAW WILL HAVE A LITTLE SNACK...

AND YES, SMALLER BIRDS (PARTICULARLY LOVEBIRDS) ARE ON THE MACAW MENU IN THE WILD. MY RUBY MACAW WAS A NOTORIOUS LOVEBIRD KILLER AT THE RESCUE... UNFORTUNATELY WHEN THEY GOT OUT, THEY INSTICTIVELY GO TO THE TALLEST SPOT IN THE ROOM, ie the large macaw cages. BAD MOVE! THE SECOND THEY LANDED ON RUBY'S CAGE - GOTCHA!!! SHE COULD BE QUITE EVIL!!!

I CAN SHOW YOU PICTURES OF MY THREE CONURES ON THE SAME PLAYSTAND WITH TWO MACAWS, A CAG, AND TWO AMAZONS, AND THEY ALL GOT ALONG JUST FINE...

The mess... There are some cages with seed/food guard skirts that help some.

PERSONALLY, I REMOVED THOSE FROM MINE, BECAUSE THEY ARE HARDER TO CLEAN THAN THE FLOOR IS. WHETHER YOU GET ONE BIRD OR TWO, YOU WILL BE CLEANING EVERY SINGLE DAY... WITH TWO BIRDS, THE AMOUNT OF MESS YOU ARE CLEANING GOES UP, BUT IT'S THE SAME CLEANING. (DITTO TEN OR MORE.)

This drives my daughter crazy. I think it's quite amusing trying to have a conversation with a child and two nosey parrots!

IT'S EVEN MORE AMUSING WHEN ONE OF THEM IS A CAG, AND CAN GIVE HER ONE OF YOUR PARENT LECTURES VERBATUM...

cambios said:

thanks for the info.

My wife was watching a video tonight and it suggested that having 2 birds is better than one, as even when they are in different cages they can entertain each other when you are gone. Any truth to that?

There are 4 of us in the family so we aren't doing this alone. The kids already know that a lot of the cleaning and other duties are their responsibility, and they are good about that sort of stuff.

Click to expand...

yes and no.

They do, but in this case the big bird/little bird issues are so great that they probably would not interact with one another. It's pretty rare, but it does occasionally happen...

Two birds the same size possibly...

But - keep in mind, both conures and macaws are pair bond birds.

Which means they could also get insanely jealous of one another.

I wanted to get a second one, and now I already have 5! The birds are most happy in flock.

We brought the sun conure home tonight. It went far better than expected. She seemed to love her new home right away. She is so affectionate and happy with all 4 members of our family.

She seemed to like her cage right away, but she mostly sits at the bottom. We've watched her climb up and onto the various perches and such, but she ends up hanging out at the bottom.

We will bring the macaw home in a few weeks - she isn't done hand feeding yet.

Well, first you have to find a contractor. He will come out and go over the ideas with you. Then he will have to pull permits from the city. Next comes all the hassle when they start doing all the demolition work. Usually a lot of noise and dust flying around, broken promises about how long it's going to take. Then, when it's all said and done it will have cost more money and taken more time, but you'll finally have your 2nd bird.

Congratulations!! So happy for you and your family and the sun. Have you named her yet? Can't wait to see pics (hint,hint). I bet a few weeks will seem like forever while you're waiting for your macaw! Congrats again!

Congratulations!!! I second 4dugnlee's call for some pics of your new family member!

I'll also be looking for updates on your multiple bird experience with great interest, as I have only recently added a second bird to my family as well. It is an adjustment, but it's been more than worth it for me.

I can tell you that you've gotten some great advice already on this thread by some people VERY familiar with the multiple bird experience. All I'll say is that consistency, hand in hand with flexibility, is working rather well for me thus far.

I say consistency in terms of establishing a routine for them where each bird gets valuable time with you and your family, and learns that "their turn will come". I've only had Maya since Labor Day, but I've noticed that they've both gotten a little less anxious about time spent with the other bird now that they have come to understand that their turn ALWAYS comes around.

As for flexibility, it pays to remember that each bird's personality is unique unto itself. So you'll have to adjust accordingly. But as long as you watch their body language closely, you'll come to see just what I mean.

Anyhow, good luck with your new addition... and your soon to be expanding flock!

Enjoying reading these posts as I'm considering having a second bird. Not simply to have a friend for my cinnamon gcc, but just to have another friend around. I've always had two birds at a time, just is a good number for me. But I'm taking my time. Maybe a crimson bellied conure or a blue headed pionus. Will see which bird likes us best!