Should I get a 2nd Kakariki??

[RainbowRose]

I have a male kakariki. He's over a year old. He had a rough summer cause he was sick and stuff and ever since then he's just not the same. He's had some various issues but my vet has found that nothing is ever detrimental. He's had anemia and a bad molt that he had pain and stuff but he's just, off.

He eats and drinks and sleeps and climbs. He used to vocalize a lot and take baths everyday but now he's really quiet and doesn't take baths. I give him fresh fruits and veggies and he eats pellets and some seed mix. He has a really big cage. I take him out as often as I can. He has many toys.

I just don't know what to do. He just seems so down. I don't know if it's because he's sick (even though the vet finds nothing severe; I've brought him in many many times because I worry.) , or if he's lonely.

Should I get him a mate?? I don't know what to do anymore to make him lively again. What do you think??

+ ?

and IF I get a mate for him would that affect his interactions with me? Would he not bond with me anymore and only want to be with his mate? I want to maintain our bond I would not want to lose that and I know with some birds that can happen.

 

[Selestine]

This is a very difficult question.

Curiously, to start -- what kind of tests has your vet done? I mean, has he done blood tests, or just things like a general health exam / looking at poop / listen to heart / etc?

If you do decide to get another bird, the most important thing to do when bringing that bird home is a quarantine. That is where you keep the birds in a separate airspace for 30 days. Change your clothes in between handling the birds and wash your hands and arms thoroughly, to avoid passing disease between the two. Get the new bird blood tested for any sign of disease. Until the blood test comes back clean and the 30 day quarantine is passed with no sign of illness, maintain your strict separation / cleanliness routine.

You also have to know that there is no guarantee that two birds will ever get along. They may absolutely hate each other, and refuse to be out at the same time (going so far as to attack each other).

Even if they do get along and enjoy spending time together, I would advise against housing them in the same cage (unless you choose two of the same gender). You really, honestly, do not want to breed. If you breed them, it will almost certainly change your relationship with your current bird for the worse. There are breeding birds who enjoy spending time with their owners, but it is a HUGE risk to be taking. And breeding isn't something to undertake lightly, and definitely not as a means of cheering a bird up.

Honestly, I think your money would better be spent on hiring a bird behaviorist to come to your home and help you figure out why your bird seems so sad lately. Or perhaps seeking the advice of a different veterinarian if you feel the cause may still be medical.

Is your current vet an avian vet, or a vet who simply sees birds in addition to other animals?

I really hope that you can find a solution -- it is extremely apparent by your post how very much you love your bird.

 

[RainbowRose]

He has had blood testing done by the vet and he has been on some medicines to help his past illnesses and he was hospitalized under their care so they could watch him carefully for a few days. This was all a few months ago.

Yes I definitely would NOT want to breed, I would get the same sex if anything just so he has some company that he could live mutually with (really in the same cage, I don't have room for another ). Is it possible to bring my bird to a breeder, etc, to introduce my bird to another bird and see if they get along first??

I am definitely not jumping on getting another bird just yet, it is just an idea I have. I wonder how do people know when it's time to get a second bird?? Of all the birds I've ever owned I mostly got pairs and seldom had individuals.

I feel stuck on what to do

 

[Scott]

Does your vet specialize in avian medicine? It is essential to visit a DVM that has deep experience AND the necessary equipment. Most vets do not have avian practices and will direct you elsewhere - those in the middle can ultimately prove most unhelpful.

Ultimately finding a mate for Tiki may prove best for all, but perhaps not until he is verified as healthy. While visiting a breeder or other source to observe his interaction can be desirable, matters of quarantine to prevent the transmission of disease are critical.

 

[RainbowRose]

Oh sorry, yes, my vet has 40 years of experience in avian and exotic medicine, she was the only one willing to take a look at my Kakariki, other vets didn't want to so she was extremely knowledgeable and helpful.

I guess I will keep an eye on Tiki for a bit longer and think more on whether or not I should get him a companion.

I really appreciate the input because getting a second bird isn't as easy as 1,2, 3. It is definitely a big commitment. I just want the best for my little man even if it means him having a companion vs having just me I have to think of his best interests

 

[Selestine]

I think you will be unlikely to find a breeder (at least a quality one) who will allow you to bring Tiki into their aviary to socialize beforehand, especially when Tiki has been ill lately and you haven't been entirely able to find the cause. Not only does it put all of the breeder's birds at risk of possibly picking up any sickness that Tiki might have, but it puts Tiki at risk of picking up anything that one of the breeder's birds might be carrying.

I'm not saying it can't happen, just that I think that it is unlikely and that you will really need to think long and hard about the risk you would be taking. And even though Tiki might make friends with another bird on neutral ground doesn't necessarily mean that he would be willing to share his cage with someone else.

Would you maybe be able to take a video of Tiki's sad behavior to see if someone here can try to notice something wrong that you might be missing? Also, perhaps taking him outside to get some sunshine (in his cage, in a travel carrier, or on a harness) might help to improve his mood.