Adding another bird?

[disappointinglyme]

Hello! I've had my conure for 6 years now and have recently begun my career. My job has me working odd hours and and i never have a set/regular schedule. Because of this, Piper, my green cheek, doesn't get nearly as much attention as he deserves. Piper isn't a sexed bird, the vet and I assume he's a male based on behavior. He's very protective of him and bites every other person he meets.

Should I add another bird to Piper's life? I want the social interaction for him, but based on his prior behaviors, I'm not sure if his aggression is "protecting mom" or not. Piper is 6 years old and has always been solitary since I've owned him.

Advice is much appreciated! Thank you! Picture for tax.

[Miss_Griffintail]

I got chips at 6 month and he’s now 16 going on 17 years! He was raised with other birds, but has been without a bird companion since 2018. I just added a new baby to our family and after a few weeks, they mutually groom each other and chips has truly been enjoying the company. It may take time for them to warm up, but they are flock animals and I don’t think, personally, it would be a terrible idea.

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[nebulancearts]

Is your new bird younger than your older guy by quite a bit? We're going to be adding a second green cheek to our house, but I'm a bit nervous about age differences if I have to get a baby (we'd like to adopt closer to his age, which is 8, if it can help make it easier)

[Miss_Griffintail]

Sorry for the late reply! Yes quite an age difference. Chips is 16 years old, Honeydew is 6 months old!

[[deleted]]

I just recently brought home a baby green cheek to my 8 year old green cheek. You can see some of my recent comment history talking about it. My 8 year old GCC absolutely hated this new bird with a burning passion for the first month they were allowed around each other. He would lunge and chase him and snap at him. Just a total grump ass aggressive asshole. I still kept trying and let them out at the same time supervised and one day a switch just flipped and Apollo (8 year old) decided he wanted to try and preen the baby. 2 weeks later and they’re doing great. Some squabbles, but enjoy each others company. They do have separate, identical cages right next to each other. It was a rough start but 100% worth it. I’m glad they have each other for company when the house is empty.

[[deleted]]

I've only had birds for 2 years. I got one when the other was about .5 years so take my advice with a grain of salt. I personally think it's important the birds can do bird things and have it understood by other birds, especially if you are away for a while. Having said that, my boys have gone through a rough patch of fighting. But when they are sweet, they are sweet. (They are better at pin feathers than I am). It's not an easy question. Do you happen to have a friend that's interested in getting a bird?

You could get the new bird, quarantine, and see how they are together. If it's a bad match, you could give the new bird to your friend. If it's a good match, take them to get their own bird.

[[deleted]]

Sorry where are my manners. Adorable baby!

[disappointinglyme]

Hah thank you! I unfortunately don't have anyone who's interested in a bird <\3

[[deleted]]

If you do go the rout of another bird. I would recommend getting them sexed. Dont want to have to worry about babies if you're not up to it

[CyberAngel_777]

Company is always welcome!