I want to get a second parrot.. any input on how my first bird could react?

[Morgan_smith03]

I have an amazing Senegal parrot at the moment named Johnny. He turned 1 on January 1st this year (2011). He loves the ladies but is not so fond of men. I take him frequently on outings and to visit other birds and he loves it! He even has a girlfriend (a B&G macaw), he's snuck out of his cage a few times to be next to her! I love Johnny with all my heart but I'm really considering, and more than anything want to get a Moluccan Cockatoo.
I'm really nervous about how Johnny might react to that though. I don't want him to get jealous or even aggressive towards me. If anyone has 2 birds, do they have any input or advice they can give me while considering this? I don't want to do anything that could possibly hurt my lovely Johnny and I don't want him to be jealous or anything. I just simply would like another addition to the family and maybe even a buddy for Johnny to hang out with!

 

[MikeyTN]

You just never know! Cockatoos are pretty shy birds so I would be really careful introducing one to your senegal. Each individual bird is different so you just never know how they would react.

 

[Spiritbird]

A Moluccan Cockatoo is one of the most difficult parrots to care for. You need lost of bird handling experience. If I were a sennie and saw this big bird come into my home I would freak out big time!!

 

[Mondos Parents]

We will be brining home a second bird also, I have the same concerns. After see spirtbirds comment, I'm a litthe worried. We have Mondo a 10 year YNA and bringing home a 8 year old Green Wing Macaw. What steps need to be taken?

 

[Morgan_smith03]

I'm totally aware that moluccans are difficult and take a lot of effort. That's why I'm giving myself a year to really research them before I go ahead and bring one home. I've worked around a lot of birds and although I've only owned small ones, I'm quite comfortable and confident with caring for a larger bird. The only reason I haven't gotten one yet is because I knew I didn't have the time to devote to a larger bird. However, these next 4 years I'll be off work and studying and will be home almost all day and will have all the time in the world to devote my love to another bird.
If anyone has any helpful info on Moluccans to give me that I should really consider before getting one that 'd be appreciated! I want to know everything about them and make sure I can give it the best life possible before I buy one.

 

[MikeyTN]

We will be brining home a second bird also, I have the same concerns. After see spirtbirds comment, I'm a litthe worried. We have Mondo a 10 year YNA and bringing home a 8 year old Green Wing Macaw. What steps need to be taken?

Its the new one you have to worry about mainly. But you have to quarantine anyway so that gives the new bird time to settle in. Then introduce them slowly. Whenever I bring home a new one, that is the one that gets picked on by everyone.

 

[Ratzy]

Quarantine!!!

 

[Mondos Parents]

Quarantine!!!

Room is set up and ready to go! I couldn't bare anything happening to Mondo.
Told the current owner we were going to this, they went "HUH" and they have 4 birds.

 

[mtdoramike]

Now what research I did on Senegals nefore getting mine was that they are more of a loner bird and like to be the only bird in the house. But I don't much stock in that. I would imagine most all birds would feel the same way.

I agree with Mikey, I think it depends on the two birds, how they adapt to each other and how they are presented to each other. I'm sure you probably will want to house them in the same room once the quarantine period is up. But you might find that they get along better if only seen by one another periodically so they might have to be in seperate rooms. Some birds get along good with each other and some don't. So I guess it's the luck of the draw.

To me, I have the same questions, because I wouldn't want to bring in another bird and totally upset my bond with my Senegal. She is sweet as sugar or bad as a butt kickin on Saturday night. It just all depends on her mood at the time.

 

[dragonlady2]

You say that for the next 4 years you will be able to give it the time and care it requires as a Too. What about after that? I have a Sennie and he really is not interested in my other birds. He likes to play with his toys and roll around. Your Sennie doesn't really need a playmate. Sounds like you are the one that wants this and you are right to think about the impact on your Sennie. What about checking to see if there are any rescues in your area and try fostering one to see if it works out?