Want another parrot, but I don't want to break his heart

RisingSun

New member
Feb 6, 2013
70
0
Florida
Parrots
cockatiel - Lucy; SI eclectus - Matisse
I want to invite another parrot to share my life. I always imagine having a small flock of parrots (2-3). The problem is, I have a very jealous and clingy companion in my male Ekkie, Matisse. When I give Lucy the cockatiel attention, he immediately assumes the begging position, or stares with hateful jealousy the entire time. I tried to do everything right. I researched the social structure of different parrots before deciding on a male Eclectus. I wanted a parrot that was less likely to form a strong bond with just one person (I have commitment issues haha), and ok with playing on their own a few hours per day, and be able to be in the same room without having to constantly be all.over.me.

Needless to say, Matisse has broken the mold. He came to me as a mama's boy and only bird in his previous household, and I am sure I added to that. I want to get another larger parrot in a few years but guilt is holding me back. I think it would break his heart. Lucy was here before him, so he grudgingly accepts her, and I don't think he sees her as a threat, but how would he feel about me bringing another bird into his territory and spending time with this new handsome or pretty stranger? Would he know I still love him too?

Has anyone else felt this guilt? Or had a bad reaction from a jealous bird, like feather plucking or a personality change? Did it go away?
 

Tami2

Well-known member
Aug 18, 2017
5,088
2,454
New Jersey
Parrots
Levi - 6 yr old CAG

DOH-4/2/2016
I feel the same way. I only have Levi & since having him I have fallen in love with the conures. I would love to get one, but I've read to many negative articles & testimonies about adding a second bird to the family. I love who Levi is and would hate to be the reason he changes in any way.
Sorry, I know that's not very helpful. I also would like to hear from the forum experts.

Thanks for posing this question.
 

LeaKP

Well-known member
Aug 11, 2014
3,146
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4
2,453
South Africa
Parrots
Congo African Grey
I have introduced other birds and find that as long as you make sufficient time for each bird, you will have better results. I had a gcc years ago and he was in the house before a cag joined our crew. I always made sure to take the gcc out first before the grey. They were never friends (the gcc liked to push the grey's buttons) and I kept them apart.

3 birds would be a balancing act. Ive never had more than 2 at a time and now only have one and will keep it that way as I so enjoy having my 1 grey.

Hope that helps!
 

SailBoat

Supporting Member
Jul 10, 2015
17,646
10,008
Western, Michigan
Parrots
DYH Amazon
So well said: Life's "Balancing Act."

Our 'wants' and their 'needs.' And, in near all cases 'needs' win out over 'wants,' every time.

Its why we are a single Amazon household. In the moments of health, one can dream. But in the crazed moments to save and /or regaining, life's reality check rings clearly - their needs win.
 

plumsmum2005

New member
Nov 18, 2015
5,330
94
England, UK
Parrots
Lou, Ruby, and Sonu.
Fly free Plum, my gorgeous boy.
Yep definitely 'their needs win!' Plum is and will stay an only, I would love another and was offered a CAG only last week. It pulled my heart strings to say I couldn't take him. I just about get away with being a holiday mum to another RB2 but Plum is different during the time the youngster is with us. I think he has got used to the fact that it is temporary now. I also had a Patty a few times to help my friend out but Plum was beside himself with jealousy each time he came, not a happy bunny.

I would hate myself to make him miserable, it is a shame when you know there are birds out there that need good homes. Yes a good question and nice to read others replies especially ones that are in the same boat.

Keep telling myself that it is better to do one thing well than several poorly.
 
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itzjbean

Well-known member
Jan 27, 2017
2,572
Media
4
119
Iowa, USA
Parrots
2 cockatiels
I think it is a lot like 'only child' syndrome and eventually they learn that they have to accept them. Just be sure to introduce them slowly, give both attention separate and at the same time and lots of treats!! I too see myself with a small flock of larger parrots someday and I they will all have to get along. You never know, he could end up loving a new sibling!
 

Notdumasilook

New member
Jul 28, 2015
539
6
Charlotte, NC
Parrots
Blue Fronted Amazon, Cookie..Sun Conure..lil Booger (RIP) Have owned Parakeets, lovebirds, cockatiels, cockatoos, pocket parrot, and quakers.
No way of predicting how another bird would affect the household. I didn't want a second bird in the house when I ran across my lil sun conure Booger. Situation called for a rescue right away. Scared Cookie ..my BFA would kill him on sight. Surprisingly the introduction went well and within a few days Cookie adopted Booger as his foster child... almost like fulfilling a need Cookie had to be a daddybird. Booger was fine taking up the role of babybird. All of the above AND both birds still remain close to both wifey and myself. I would never have thought that the addition of another bird could go so well. Bottom line, ya just don't know.
 

GaleriaGila

Well-known member
Parrot of the Month 🏆
May 14, 2016
15,045
8,742
Cleveland area
Parrots
The Rickeybird, 38-year-old Patagonian Conure
The Rb is so territorial and bonded and aggressive...
I have long LONG craved a few parakeets or 'tiels, but...
*sigh*
Yeah, he's the solo act hereabouts.
:)
Good luck in your decision. Good for you for, reaching ou!
 

wrench13

Moderator
Staff member
Super Moderator
Parrot of the Month 🏆
Nov 22, 2015
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Isle of Long, NY
Parrots
Yellow Shoulder Amazon, Salty
Thats the thing - there are no'experts' on this, because each parrot is an individual. SOmetimes it goes well, somtimes its a mexican standoff , sometimes it goes very wrong, with everthing in between possible. Me - with unlimited time and resources I'd have several ( maybe), but Salty is our only and we love him too much to take a chance.
 

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