Multiple parrot homes vs singular parrot homes

[Jumpingtadpoles]

Before I got Rico I was going to get an amazon, and a macaw. Now the we have Rico, I'm not sure if another bird is a good idea. I don't find Rico THAT noisy, but he is still grieving and begs/and does for sure do the flock call in the evening. I'm pretty positive he misses his old family, and some nights he behaves better, others he's impossible to make happy.
I don't mind the noise, the begging gets to me.
He begs for some him but nothing I have he wants, and then he starts begging to go to places in the house he's viewing as nesting sites. So in the evening is the hardest. He begs for what I think is his family, then begs to make a family
He doesn't make a HUGE mess, and is generally very sweet and easy to understand.

I'm not sure if adding another bird will make things harder or easier.
If it would be good or bad.
Would he feel like he has less of me?
Would I feel like I took on to much?
I weigh maybe he would feel less lonely. But maybe he would hate (the other bird).
Maybe the other bird would be more destructive, turning his destruction to our home. Rico doesn't. Maybe the other bird would make things noisy, and unbearable to be in our house.

We are afraid of making the decision to bring one home, to only regret it deeply, and feel like we are stuck with the bird
We are counting our lucky stars with this boy, we are afraid of ruining it.

I'm wondering what you all think it was like becoming a multiple parrot home?
And for singular parrot homes, why do you stay singular?

 

[TessieB]

While having multiple birds is what many folks do, having only one bird is not that uncommon. Many people just don't want two birds and that's okay. Having one bird will allow you to spend more time (and money for things!), and save you the vet expense of having two birds. Not to mention your current bird might bond with the newbie and you'll have to learn to deal with his loss of interest in you.

The number of birds you own is a personal choice. Train the one you have. And remember you can always add another bird at a later date. This way you won't have to go through the trauma of rehoming a bird you are just not ready to deal with.

 

[MonicaMc]

When I got into owning multiple birds, I had budgies.

For me, if you had one bird, it was pretty obvious you should get a second! I mean, one budgie could get bored alone in it's cage while I'm away at school! The bird should have a friend to play with while I'm not there!


And when two birds led to three, three led to four, four led to six..... soon enough, I had my own flock!


I could potentially see myself as a single bird owner if I owned *one* larger species, but I have many smaller birds plus two medium sized birds. Not all of them are tame, so not all demand attention, and that's fine by me!

 

[Allee]

It's definitely a personal choice, what works for you. My first flock member was a quaker with a lot of issues. She was an only for six months before the next two additions. We have six birds, four species. They have separate cages in the same room, except the budgies, they share a cage. They seem to enjoy each other's company and I can't tell that any of the birds are less bonded to me or more attached to each other. The original quaker seems happier in a flock and her plucking isn't as big a problem, we usually work on target training in the same room with the other birds and she is still just as interested. We seldom have conflicts between birds. There are much bigger flocks than mine on the forum and there are also a lot of single parrot families. Continue your research and take all the time you need to make your decision.

 

[RavensGryf]

Well for me, I'm in the process of "building" up my flock again. A SMALL flock

To me it doesn't really feel like the two Budgies count as far as time and attention and tons of money and cleaning time. They're bonded to each other and would prefer to not be handled. Cleaning is pretty easy too, so while I enjoy the budgies, I will talk mainly here about the ones who really do take time, money, etc.

I've always thought that three parrots was a good number, and during the past 20 years, Robin has a couple times found himself my only bird... but I preferred one or two more little "friends".

KEEP IN MIND though, that while I can handle having several small/medium INDEPENDENT species, I would not personally be able to keep several larger or more demanding species, and I give lots of credit to those who are able do it!!

* My "goal" is to end up with the birds I have now for as long as they all live (they're all different ages and lifespans), plus Ruppell's weaning this summer, then most likely a Dusky Pionus. Then for me, I will be MAXED out notice I say "me" as my husband only plays with them lol. I don't mind one bit since I'm the one who's the truly bird crazy one :30:

 

[BirdyMomma]

We are a multiple parrot household.

The only thing preventing us from having a really big flock is space. We don't have a lot of it. Each bird is a joy, in his or her own special way. We love watching their personalities develop and seeing how they react to one another.

Forgive me if I'm mistaken, but you have only had Rico for a short time, right? When it comes to behavioral issues, like adjustment to new things for example, I find that I am sometimes guilty of not seeing the big picture. I will stress out about something one of the birds is fearful of, or won't do, or doesn't like, and I worryor get frustrated. In reality, they will live as long as we do, or longer, so I really should just be patient because we have a lifetime together.
I feel for you when you describe his begging. That would tug at my heart. It would be frustrating for me not to be able to comfort him. It's still pretty new for him though (if I am correct), and although I am totally into multiple bird homes, I would wait a little while, and give him more time to adjust before getting a second bird. It will give you ore time to devote to him, as well as more time to choose the right bird if you do choose to get another.

 

[lucy1]

I'm a multi-bird house. I fell foul of the 'get a companion for my bird' mistake... I see it on here so many times 'get another bird for you, not for your bird, he/she might not like them' and it's so true!

My Red Lored Amazon was bought as company for my beloved Orange Wing Amazon. He wasn't overly impressed with my idea. They would preen for a short while then squabble and fight if not separated. When Kev (OWA) tragically died, Roo (RLA) was clearly pining. He was constantly begging, similar to what you describe with Rico, but he also wasn't bonded with me enough for me to be able to offer any comfort. I did the unforgivable and bought the first available amazon I found within my budget and travelling area. I introduced them (without quarantine- I was devastated about Kev and couldn't care less, but still unforgivable. Both later checked out fine) and they instantly fell in love. Roo was never overly friendly with me and Rosie is clearly a wild bird- they are now very strongly bonded and hate me. They tolerate me only as a food provider (cleaning is always fun, not!). They have a home for life with me though, I would never sell them on to end up back in the relentless circle of buying and selling and unsuitable homes.

Milo is my hand reared B&G macaw. I think the amazons are company for him when I'm out, and he likes to shout at them. I would only get another bird if I wanted another bird though, rather than thinking he might like friend.

It sounds like a good idea to get a companion for your bird, but remember your bird hadn't agreed with the idea. My experience was to double the space, time, expense, mess and noise and not really benefit my boy at all

 

[Terry57]

We are also a multiple bird family. we started taking in ones who we felt really needed a home, and all the large ones are in separate cages with the exception of 2 of the zons. I would not change one single thing, except for wishing for more space as we have run out. It takes work to make sure everyone is getting the amount of attention they need and deserve, but it is so worth it.
Much more mess, much more time, much more food...much more love
I think that when the time comes, you will know it is the right time, and will know that you aren't taking on too much I think I would wait just a bit anyway, and then see how you feel about it.