1 Bird or 2?

[goalerjones]

This is a current discussion in our house.

I have 1 bird now, a Hahns Macaw. My work hours are getting longer and longer (Saturday I started at 8am and didn't get home until 1:30 Sunday morning). Hahnzel is shredding his feathers I fear from boredom.

My wife and son can both socialize with Hahnzel, but they are not me, nor are they home all day. We are considering a 2nd bird to create more of a flock for him to interact with.

Things I know:
1) don't buy a bird for my bird
2) they might hate each other forever
3) double the mess, double the food, double the toys etc...

Questions:
1) will this potentially help Hahnzel and his shredding?
2) even if they can't play together can the flock approach help his boredom?
3) a Senegal was mentioned as a good match. Is this accurate? Are there better similar sized bird matches?

Thanks for your time with this guys.

 

[Pinkbirdy]

I think a 2nd wont hurt [someone to chit chat with ] . Better than being alone,for the upcoming change.I would definitely get whatever bird YOU want. Size doesn't matter who they tend to choose as friends . You see all my birds [and you would be surprised who likes each other]. They tend to like the bird who lives in the cage next to him . Try putting newspaper intertwined through the bars and on the bottom to shred [also cardboard boxes.

 

[Kiwibird]

My personal opinion is- I would not get a second bird while Hanzel is having this problem. It could work out to be a positive thing where they get along great and the issue with Hanzel resolves itself, but it could also make things much much worse as you will now have 2 birds to give attention to and possibly end up with 2 unhappy birds who shred their feathers. I would not personally take the gamble.

I am much in the same boat as your wife and daughter right now. My husband started a new job with a long commute and excessively long hours. Kiwi is not pleased with this change. Just like your family, Kiwi is accepting of me, but my husband is his favorite. I also noticed Kiwi showing some signs he may reverting back on his old behavioral issues of inappropriate screaming and biting. I've been trying to nip that in the bud before it ever becomes a major issue again. Since he does tolerate me well enough, I have been working with him to build a better relationship, and figuring out fun activities while my husband is at work to do with him. I have been working on trick-training him every day. He's no birdie Einstein, but he is having a whole lot of fun interacting in a direct way with me and getting extra treats, so that's been a positive step. I also got a backpack carrier so he can come on my daily walks with me, as he enjoys being outdoors and that will make it safe and easy to bring him along. I've stepped up on the "toy production" too. Been making him lots of new and intriguing toys to play with, to keep him distracted. If your wife is home during the day, perhaps she could set aside an hour to directly interact with Hanzel. You know, just give her a little extra attention. Your daughter too, perhaps once she gets home from school, she can take Hanzel with her when she does homework My moms birds LOVED being with me when I did homework. I would give them old pens we had removed the ink part from and washed up to play with, and they really liked that. Maybe have a family meeting and see what everyone is willing to do to help Hanzel adjust better to this change And don't forget, domestic birds see their HUMAN family as their flock too, not just other birds. So get the "flock" she already has and is familiar with involved in helping Hanzel.

 

[jenphilly]

I totally ditto Kiwibird's post... having one bird with some issues won't resolve when a second bird comes home... you'll most likely end up with two birds wit issues or poor Hanzel will be really distraught and behaviors will become even worse....

If you have other bird friendly family members, have them spend more time with Hanzel. If Hanzel can be out of the cage whenever someone is home. Make up lots of homemade shred toys to keep him busy. Invite him to have lunch and snacks with the family. Being part of the flock helps to make a happy bird. Ivory is literally my shadow. If I go into the bathroom to do my makeup, she flies in and checks out what I am doing (and tries to steal a makeup brush). When I'm in the kitchen, she has to come out and see what the big event is... be it getting a glass of water (and she's gotten into the habit, if I get a drink of water, she needs to have a glass of water that I hold for her and she drinks from too). Okay, maybe my bird is just beyond spoiled, but she is part of the flock and gets involved with anything going on.

Maybe Hahnzel being included in everything your wife and daughter do as well will help to offset not having you around quite as much.

Just be prepared that your bird may turn his affection to someone else more then you... Ivory was originally my husband's bird, but after being home with me for probably less then a month, she turned into a total momma's girl.

Best of luck!!!!

 

[jugoya]

I personally don't agree with having one bird in a home.
Birds need birds.

Heck get a couple of finches or something and put them across from his cage, I've found that while Porter HATES my budgies.. they stop him from plucking.

I've used smaller birds as therapy for other birds as well.. Charlie my sister's Hans did much better when he was in sight of my budgies.

So.. give him something to watch, it doesn't have to be another parrot you interact with.. just something with feathers. A couple of budgies in a large cage, or finches will do the trick just as well. And since those are birds that don't nessisarily need a lot of contact.. and they sing all day long those long hours you are away and your birdie is 'alone' he won't feel so much alone.

Birds of any kind help the flock situation.

Instead of buying 'birds for your bird'.. buy a couple of little singing jewels to watch.

More entertaining than tv.

 

[Jayyj]

I still agonise over this one. I only leave mine for 7-8 hours and she seems to cope ok, but I hate thinking of her bored and miserable while I'm at work. The thing which has stopped me doing anything is the idea that if they didn't get on I'd have to split the time I am at home between two birds and Alice would get less time than she has now. But I feel for you, it's not an easy decision.

 

[jenphilly]

I disagree that every bird needs another bird... While the conures and cockatiels like to hang out with other birds, my Ivory absolutely wants nothing to do with other birds. Does not talk to them, does not call to them, if one comes near her cage she screams for help. But she loves her human flock...

 

[thekarens]

I disagree that every bird needs another bird... While the conures and cockatiels like to hang out with other birds, my Ivory absolutely wants nothing to do with other birds. Does not talk to them, does not call to them, if one comes near her cage she screams for help. But she loves her human flock...

Ditto, my sennies could care less about the finches or linnies. They pay zero attention to them and they don't like each other either. Sammie would gladly eat Sydney and boot him out of the house if she could. She's all about the humans.

 

[jenphilly]

but I do disagree with one bird homes on a different level.... its like eating one potato chip who the heck has that kind of self control

 

[RavensGryf]

Hmm, I think it really depends on the bird, but SPECIES has something to do with the level of forgiveness too. I've found over the years that Poi's and Pi's tend to do well (especially Poi's) with being extremely independent and forgiving for long times if they have to. A couple times during Robin's 19 years, I had a less than ideal life schedule and Robin was essentially alone in his cage with his toys MUCH of the time. No other animals or people. NO problems ever. NOWDAYS I am SO glad that I didn't rehome him, as he is my little soul mate bird.

I feel for you, as I realize that even mini Macaws are Macaws, and they're like "big" birds who are not forgiving if their routine and certain parameters aren't met.

So, in this case, sounds like Hahnzel could use more mental stimulation somehow (as you know). Others have brought up valid points about what 'disaster' could happen if you get a second bird for this reason.

I wonder if Hahnzel's acting out has more to do with the fact that his "mate" is gone (?) rather than boredom, as I'm sure you provide adequate toys? You always sound like such a good daddy to Hahnzel. I'd say you'd need to figure if it Is truly boredom, or if he's missing a mate. I believe it would have to be dealt with differently depending on your determining which one it is. Of course the boredom fix would be easier. The other, I personally don't know. Gosh, that is really a frustrating one. Can you quit your job? Jk good luck.

 

[goalerjones]

Is it possible that I myself am cueing his over grooming? I tend to groom his neck head and cheek feathers every time I'm with him. I've tried to become more conscious of when I'm doing it but it's kind of an automatic response for me now.

 

[MonicaMc]

Yes, you could be causing his over-grooming, but perhaps in ways you aren't even aware of.

Personally, I'd say to get one more bird! If you want another bird that might get along with your current one, then I'd recommend a medium or large conure species, or another mini macaw... better chance of them getting along instead of going with a completely different, unrelated species.


Of course, you need to be prepared for any and all possibilities - such as those already mentioned.


I think it would be a great idea to read through this thread about Mac and Tiki....
http://www.parrotforums.com/general-parrot-information/35919-my-heart-breaking.html



I currently have two red and green conures (separate, but similar-ish species) that don't get along, but I still believe that they benefit from each others presence. I'm fine if they don't ever get along, but I am happy that they still "feed" off each other. I have noticed that Charlie bathes more now that Jayde is here, and he's gotten back into the habit of flying more often. I wonder how much of Jayde's fears and hesitations were lessened by watching Charlie and I interact.

 

[SoCalWendy]

Rio and Kiwi could careless about each other, and would rather kill one another then be friendly. But... What I have observed is they do mimic one another. If one is eating the other eats too. Same goes for preening and playing. They are across the room from each other. And Rio, my Sennie, does mimic Kiwi's chatter too. But they will never be friends. I do think they do get some good out of being able to see/hear each other though. So far neither bird shreds or plucks it's own feathers. I do have the both of them on Volkmann's feather glow - birdie buffet. Along with chia seeds and Harrison's fine pellets. I mix it all together. They are doing very well on it. And both no longer have any stress bars. I don't know if it's the food or the environment, probably a lil of both. Also, when I am not here but if my husband is both birds are able to get out of their cages. So they are most always out of their cages when at least one of us is home.

 

[BirdyMomma]

I have a YCM, and she is most definitely attached to me more so than my boyfriend, and although she is our smallest, she let's everyone know, she is número UNO!

In my experience, I believe that our birds do benefit from having one another around. They talk to each other, and will call to each other if I remove one of them from the room. I feel as if they all appreciate the others presence, even though I don't let them interact very much at all.

The only concern I would have is that if you are already strapped for time, it will be hard with a new bird. You're going to want to bond with him or her, and not have Hahnzel have the only bond.(that's assuming that they will get along)

I would also like to add, that our YCM is a cracker jack of a bird. She's just awesome, and sweet, and smart. If you do decide to get another baby, please consider one.

 

[Zumaria]

I am so glad you asked this question and prompted these responses.

I too have a similar issue. I have a 7 year CAG that I adopted about 6 months ago. While we do get plenty of time together, I feel terrible that she is home alone all day and never go out after work because I feel guilty. She very much overpreens her feathers. She is also a little fuzzy on the chest (but to be honest I can't tell if she is plucking them or molting!). I also know that you shouldn't get a bird for your bird, but her and I don't have the type of relationship that I am looking for in a companion bird so I've thought about getting a second to meet that need - but then again, I've only had her 6 months, maybe we just haven't "clicked" yet so I've been holding off, but yet another part of me says maybe getting a baby sun conure would help her by seeing that I can pet and rub the other bird and I'm not a bird crusher.

SO CONFLICTED!

The conclusion that I've come to is that if another bird finds their way into my life I will be receptive of it, but at this time I will not go out and seek it. If it's meant to be it's meant to be.

In the mean time, Jenga gets her toys rotated regularly and always has a phone book in her cage!