Pionus with another bird.

[Lynsey]

I currently have a WCP a little over a year old. He was a hand fed baby. I am a nurse and work three 12hrs shifts a week. I currently play jungle sounds (with birds) for Fonzie when I am at work. He comes out of his cage and plays and hangs out for a couple of hours after I get off work, and is out pretty much the entire 4 days I have off.

I was thinking about getting another bird for companionship for Fonzie...and I secretly am wanting a cuddly bird. I love Fonzie to pieces and have heard that Pionus are not very good with other birds. I am also totally ok just having one bird. I would hate to disrupt Fonzie in a negative way, or not be able to have them out at he same time. I don't want to have to cut back on Fonzie's out of cage time because of another bird. I was considering a lovebird, parrotlet, linnie, or Timneh African Grey. I know the Timneh isn't exactly cuddly, but I just love them. I do love that Fonzie is very independent, but also like to hangout with me. I am not sure my work schedule would work for a Timneh though. Also, I am still looking at smaller birds, I love the larger ones, but after being bitten a few times from my sweet Fonzie, I don't think I want to experience much more of a bite. I also live in a townhouse and share one wall.

Any advice would be appreciated. I am leaning towards keeping Fonzie by himself....but not sure what's best for him.

 

[a_osborne]

I personally have had great luck with my pi and GCC as companions. They aren't housed together, but they are in the same room and keep each other company. The pi has only been with us a month, but it's going great! I also have an IRN. They chatter to each other and also keep each other company, but that probably wouldn't be the bird for you if you want a cuddler. There are always exceptions to the rule, but they aren't cuddlers as a whole. Pretty independent. I know a GCC isn't on your list of considerations, but thought I'd suggest since they are small and can be very cuddly!

 

[Lynsey]

Thanks, I haven't really considered conures just because of the noise. I love that Fonzie is so quiet. He talks and beeps and does do a crazy yell/call, but that is very infrequent. Maybe once or twice a week and it only lasts a few mins. Although he will poof up and yell the entire time any of the Jurassic Park movies are on. Especially during the roaring dino scenes. Heard conures are nippy. Is that more then a pionus would be. Fonzie is only about 15 months old. about 3 months ago we went through a period of him biting me all the time for like a month, and drawing blood. Not fun. Good thing he is so cute. That seems to have settled down for now. I am learning too! I haven't bled in a few months

 

[a_osborne]

My conure is very quiet! The standard green cheeks are supposed to be on the quiet side, and that's what I have. I think a lot has to do with the environment too and my house is very quiet. No kids or anything. Yes, they are definitely cute to keep us from throwing them through a window when they are naughty Good luck with your decision! You will have to update if you decide to add a new one.

 

[Mimsy01]

My gcc isn't loud either. The only time I can think that she gets loud is if my husband and I are talking right next to her and she is feeling ignored. I wouldn't say super loud, but she'll interrupt me every time I start to speak.

She is super cuddly. She can bite of course, but drawing blood..well when we first got her she did a few times..but it wasn't enough to go get a band aid for. She can self entertain well as well, but it took some encouragement to get her into toys.

 

[RavensGryf]

I'd only get another one if you want it for yourself . Lots of working people keep single birds.

I have not heard of Pionus being known for not liking other birds. Pois (Poicephalus) tend to be that way, I'm not sure if you're confusing the similar names, but with Pionus it depends on the individual. They can be territorial like an Amazon though, especially if they have their territory established.

I think the little conures (GCC) are adorable, but even when taught independence I think they're going to be a little more demanding of attention generally speaking than a Pionus. Also, if they don't get along, that's more to have to deal with.

Let us know what you decide!

 

[Lynsey]

Of course I want another bird I want lots of birds....however, I would hate to make Fonzie have less out of cage time because of the other bird. I have also read that even if they get along when young, this may change later in life after they hit that hormonal stage. How often does that happen?

 

[RavensGryf]

I'm not sure how often it happens, depends on the individual and other factors. That can happen with their bond to humans too.. they can change their bond and suddenly love someone else! I haven't talked about it much, but very sadly I lost my bond with Griffin, and I strongly suspect that it has to do with his "mate" relationship with Raven as he is now getting older (even though they're both male) they're not just friends, they are mates, trust me. Until it's possible to clear out more space to separate them I'll have to deal with some unexpected inconveniences. We don't ever know what is going to happen with these complex animals who still have very wild instincts. We "hope" for the best, but when things with our animals don't turn out the way we expected, well, we do our best and still love them .

If you want another bird, I would look at the big picture and ask yourself the basic questions, then determine if it's the right thing, but I wouldn't look too hard into the hundreds of "what if's". They're such individuals (like any intelligent animal) that it's really hard to say or predict what hasn't and might not happen. You're over thinking it and starting to worry a bit?