Introducing a Second Bird...

Anansi

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Maya (Female Solomon Island eclectus parrot), Jolly (Male Solomon Island eclectus parrot), Bixby (Male, red-sided eclectus. RIP), Suzie (Male cockatiel. RIP)
This post is adapted from a pm response I'd made to a member regarding the introduction of a 2nd bird when the first was aggressively jealous. It hit me that this question is asked quite often, so I thought it might be helpful to make a post about it here.

Okay, here's the bad news. Some birds, like some people, simply never grow to like each other. Ever.

BUT...

On the lighter side of that realization are two less sobering points. For one, just because two birds don't like each other now doesn't mean it will always be that way. Sometimes there is just an adjustment period that they must go through and, if managed correctly, can get past.

And second, even if they never grow to be particularly fond of one another, they can certainly learn to tolerate each other. Again, much like people. My ekkies fall more under this category.

The following steps may take a lot of work over the next month or two... or three. But in the end, it will be well worth it.

1) Make sure you have at least two play/tree stands. Endeavor to make the two equally interesting. (If you don't have 2 stands, you can do this from the tops of their cages... assuming neither bird is cage-territorial.)

2) Establish a turn-based system with them. You have to be extremely consistent with this. It takes a while, but they eventually come to understand that if you are working with one of them, you WILL be coming to the other next. For me, I combined the implementation of this system with station training. Basically, I always start with my more capable flier (Jolly). Why? Because he's the pain in the butt who'll come flying over while I'm working with the other bird. So best to satisfy him first.

So I do a trick or flying drill or whatever with him, rewarding him handsomely with one of his favorite treats (usually a sliver of a nut). Then I use my station word - in this case, "wait" - and go to Maya's tree stand while he is still eating. I do a trick or targeting drill with her, back completely turned to him, and reward her for doing whatever I've asked of her. Then I turn back to him.

Yeah, this goes smoothly now. But not so much in the beginning. Which leads us to 3.

3) Be clear about what is acceptable and what is not in terms of their behavior under this new dynamic. Yes, we have to understand that this situation is something new for them. But clearly defined boundaries must be set. This is key.

For "soft" infractions, such as when Jolly used to fly over to my shoulder while I'm working with Maya, I acted immediately by removing him from my shoulder and putting him back on his tree stand. Once on his tree stand, I again tell him "wait" while using whatever gesture I associate with the word. In our case, an upraised finger like what one might do if obnoxiously telling a person to wait. Lol! And then I turned back and continued to work with Maya. You might have to repeat this a few times before the lesson hits home. But they eventually get the message.

For "hard" infractions, such as nipping/biting either you (displacement biting) or the true object of his ire, the other bird, the offender would be put on immediate timeout. This should only last around 5-10 minutes before you bring him back into the session. In the earlier stages, you'll likely have to put him right back on time out after taking him out of it because he may repeatedly go after the other bird... or you. Don't be discouraged by this. Though frustrating, just know this happens in some cases. Just take a VERY deep breath and soldier on. It's simply a matter of being just that much more stubborn than he is. He'll eventually get the message.

4) Reward desired behaviors generously with favored treats and enthusiastic praise! This includes when either bird stays put after the stationing command. Make a big deal of it. Full on spectacle.

Following these steps consistently for as long as it takes can make all the difference in the world.
 

chris-md

Well-known member
Feb 6, 2010
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Parker - male Eclectus

Aphrodite - red throated conure (RIP)
Beautifully written from the master himself! Bravo my friend.
 

Janet

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Mar 26, 2018
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Valencia, CA
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Violet IRN (Rain); Turquoise Green Cheek Conure (Aspen); Budgies (Sunny & Summer); Grey IRN (Indy) & CAG (Mr. T for T-Rex)
Thank you for your input. I am new to this site and eager to learn as much as I can. I have an IRN (1 year old) and 3 babies still being hand fed at the store. A cinnamon turquoise Conure will be the first to come home, followed by another IRN (both probably within the next month). The forth is a CAG that will come home in 2-3 months. I've likely bitten off more than I can chew -- but equally looking forward to the challenge! OH, and I work during the day. Hopefully will retire in 2-3 years, and spend full-time with my hobby (my birds). Any on-going thread you would recommend I visit regarding the introductions and training (loved the above advice) would be greatly appreciate.
 
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Anansi

Anansi

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Maya (Female Solomon Island eclectus parrot), Jolly (Male Solomon Island eclectus parrot), Bixby (Male, red-sided eclectus. RIP), Suzie (Male cockatiel. RIP)
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Wow. That is a lot to take on all at once. How long have you had the 1 year old IRN? I'd normally advise that taking in 3 birds at once is too much, especially for someone who is not experienced with a multi bird household, but it sounds as though the purchase has already been made. So let's see about getting you ready for the feathered pandemonium about to hit your home. I've got lots of homework for you...

A thread outlining the possible dangers to be found in the home: http://www.parrotforums.com/new-mem...friendly-warnings-keep-your-parrots-safe.html

Here is a great video on target training: [ame="https://youtu.be/HaOicTtwIZo"]Beginners guide to target training parrots - YouTube[/ame]

A thread debating the merits of different training paradigms: http://www.parrotforums.com/training/43631-old-vs-modern-techniques.html

A video on indoor free flying: [ame="https://youtu.be/NzyZGdMp9kM"]Myth-busting! Parrot Training - Indoor Free Flying - DUCK!! Pet Parrot Free flight Skills - YouTube[/ame]

Flight Training:
http://www.parrotforums.com/questio...-s-teaching-birds-fly-one-baby-step-time.html
http://www.parrotforums.com/eclectus/57030-teaching-how-fly.html

Flight Recall Training: http://www.parrotforums.com/training/44769-building-success-flight-recall.html

Station Training: http://www.parrotforums.com/training/56274-flighted-bird-training-advice.html

Step Up Training: http://www.parrotforums.com/training/57538-not-stepping-up-doesn-t-understand-stepping-up.html
http://www.parrotforums.com/training/48810-need-help-step-up-training.html#post435993

Harness Training: http://www.parrotforums.com/training/59374-harness-training-videos.html
http://www.parrotforums.com/eclectus/57748-guess-who-finally-got-her-harness.html

Startle Desensitization: http://www.parrotforums.com/training/52891-startle-desensitization-training.html

Bite Prevention: http://www.parrotforums.com/training/57935-brainstorming-biting-parrots.html

Bite Pressure Training: http://www.parrotforums.com/training/63988-bite-pressure-training.html

And remember that quarantine is necessary. 30 days at a minimum, but true quarantine is actually around 90 to account for the "shedding" life cycles of many diseases.

Congratulations on the soon-to-be new arrivals to your home. Hope all this helps and that you will keep us updated on your progress.
 

GaleriaGila

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May 14, 2016
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Cleveland area
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The Rickeybird, 38-year-old Patagonian Conure
GREAT IDEA!
May we share this with new members in the future, Anansi, or do you prefer to do it directly?
 
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Anansi

Anansi

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Dec 18, 2013
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Somerset,NJ
Parrots
Maya (Female Solomon Island eclectus parrot), Jolly (Male Solomon Island eclectus parrot), Bixby (Male, red-sided eclectus. RIP), Suzie (Male cockatiel. RIP)
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Share away, my friend!
 

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