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You have had one bird for awhile and are beginning to think that one or both of you might want another friend! Whether you want a new bird to tame, or want a mate for your current bird, a new bird is a great addition to an avian family. However, before you grab the keys and run out the door to find that new feathered friend, there are few points to consider. Not only will this new bird alter your life, it will change your current bird's life too! First of all, stop everything and concentrate on your current situation. Is your current bird too much work for you already? Always keep in mind that two birds is double the work in addition to being double the fun. Are you up for the challenge? Do you think your current bird would benefit from a new friend or mate? Then keep reading!! The first few challenges you will face when getting a second bird are housing, taming, and cooperation from your current bird. Even if you are planning to put your two birds together, it is important to first quarantine a new bird for at least 6 weeks, so you will need a new properly sized cage. When quarantining your bird, make sure to wash your hands between handlings of the two bird's toys, food, water, etc. to prevent any risk of disease being passed from one bird to the other. It is also important not to share any toys or dishes between the two birds. Watch your new bird closely to make sure he is not showing any signs or symptoms of illness. Taming should be familiar to you already because of your first bird. The biggest challenge of a new bird is getting him to get along with your current bird. This is an area of great uncertainty because while some birds get along great, others will not! Some bird species do not get along at all, so make sure you read a little about your new bird's species before introducing him to your current bird. The best match for your current bird would, of course, be one of his own species, so take that into consideration when you buy your second bird! After the six week quarantine, you can begin to introduce your birds to each other. For short periods of time, take your birds out in an enclosed area such as a bathroom to introduce them to each other. Use some icebreakers such as toys, playgrounds, and treats. These tools will allow your birds to get used to each other without too much pressure. Remember to never leave your two birds alone together when they are unfamiliar to each other. If you find that your birds do not get along at first, do not give up! Allow your birds to continue interacting with each other. If you find that the situation gets serious, such as one bird is attacking or trying to hurt another, then you should definitely separate them. Also keep in mind that some things such as age differences can affect how birds get along. Some birds that are enemies when they are in such a different age will become better friends as they get older. Best of luck in finding a perfect second bird! | |||||||||
