Guide to a second bird??

[momo]

Morning, Morning, Morning.

Is there a guide to getting a second bird somewhere?
I am really thinking about getting elmo a friend. my only problem is, when ever he sees birds at the window he starts to yell and flap his wings at them.. so this isn't a good sign is it?

I always feel guilty, as an only child, having my fid as a only fid. I always wished to have a brother or sister to play with.. and I am scared that elmo wants that, but can't tell me it for obvious reasons.

What would I be looking for? Elmo is turning 10 months.. does this mean I should get an older or a younger bird, or someone the same age?

Do I get a lovebird (preferred) or another type of bird?

Elmo is quite possessive with his stuff.. (or her stuff) I would def be caging them separately unless they showed signs of wanting to live together. but this also makes me wonder whether elmo would even take to another bird. If i TOUCH one of his toys, he will run straight too it, regardless if he's already playing with another toy.. And elmo flock calls to me, so that makes me wonder how would he get along with another bird playing on his play pen?

The purpose of the second bird, is really just keeping elmo company. If I get REALLY serious about getting a second bird, I would get elmo DNA tested.. if elmo is a girl or a boy, what is the best combination? boy boy, boy girl, girl girl?

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I've been doing some reading, and I do have the time to give to elmo for one and one companion, but well.. he isnt the tamest bird, maybe the word tame might not come into the category :whistle:. I sit beside him when I watch television when he's in his play pen. But I just wonder if that is enough interaction to keep him satisfied?

[linda040899]

Before you go any further with considering a second bird, I would DNA test Elmo to find out gender. If Elmo is a male, I always suggest another male if you don't want to deal with the possibility of babies. Males can be great companions together and it might make a great option. Should Elmo be a hen, your options are more limited, as 2 hens rarely get along well. However, since you plan to house them separately, a female is a possibility.

Since lovebirds can be aggressive and territorial, I would be looking for another lovebird. Other members have lovebirds that like birds of other species but there's no guarantee that Elmo would form that kind of attachment.

The reason that Elmo flaps his wings and chirps when he sees/hears another bird is an attempt to communicate. He may or may not be lonely but that other bird will know he's alive and living nearby, if you know what I mean!! :lol

[momo]

oh my gosh, imagine if elmo was sending our SOS bird signals.. oh heartbroken!!

I am a little worried that if I get two, will they both still play in the play pen? or will they just be too into each other and won't worry about the rest of the world (this is assuming they bond some how)

I will def get elmo dna tested. Is it better to do it at the vets or at the home kit things?

Because now, we just sit next to elmo and if he wants to come over we let him, but we don't force him to come sit and play on us. So there isn't alot of play time with him. Though when I went away on my holiday, elmo would run to my mums lap every single time she sat down but now that I'm back he just hangs around on his play pen instead and doesn't care if he we sit there or not.
What could have made him revert back that type of behavior?

[linda040899]

The bond between human and bird is dependent on attention, attention and more attention. Be it one bird or multiple, the human does not have to be left out of the equation unless the human wants to be left out. Even with a second bird, Elmo will continue to like his humans as long as they pay attention to him when he chooses to socialize. Elmo is independent but he's a lovebird so that makes him naturally curious. Yes, he may very well enjoy the company of another lovebird but he will also continue to enjoy visiting with you, if that's what you want.

DNA testing involves removing several plucked chest feathers (molted feathers don't work) or short cutting a nail so that you can take a blood sample. Doing it yourself is cheaper but not everyone can do what's necessary. Either way will work. It's just a matter of personal preference and money willing to be spent.


oh my gosh, imagine if elmo was sending our SOS bird signals.. oh heartbroken!!
He could also be saying "This is MY territory and you are not welcome here! I won't share!!"

[momo]

I'm not exactly sure how to provide attention with him at the moment. He isnt hand tame, he is rope tamed. The only way i sort of know to give him "attention" is putting his toy on my lap and letting him play there. but otherwise i am entirely stuck. i feel as though we have gone beyond the sitting and talking next to him because he is no longer curious with me when I do that, he has his toys.

When he is on my shoulder, he tries to bite my neck which he thinks is hilarious, he also tries to run down my shirts. and nip me. I try to take him off every time he bites me, i say no and try to get him off but he's learnt really well how to avoid the rope.

I can not put fingers near him as I will lose one.

I guess this is another reason why I am considering an another bird for elmo so he can have a real friend because i feel like I've failed.

[linda040899]

Elmo sounds a lot like Ginger, my CAG. She loves to interact verbally with me but just don't touch her! It's been like that since she joined my flock in 1991 and I've come to accept that this is the relationship she wants with me. She has Harley (TAG) to hang out with and she seems to be content with that scenario.

Personally, I would not feel like a failure at all. I'm betting that Elmo is happier than you might think he is. Perhaps more toys on your person as an attraction might change up the relationship a bit. Climbing under hair, into pockets, down clothing is great fun to a lovebird, even if it proves to be uncomfortable for the human slave! :)

[momo]

I think I read too many forums, with people talking about their lovies being all over them or all over their fid friend that I worry that elmo needs that sort of companionship.

So i tempted elmo over with some roudybush but after about 10 mins his play pen is more exciting for him. Maybe I just have a bird who enjoys his own company.

Is there anyway to see whether a lovie is "lonely" or "unhappy"?

[linda040899]

Is there anyway to see whether a lovie is "lonely" or "unhappy"?
I'm not sure about lonely, but an unhappy bird just kind of sits quietly and doesn't do much of anything. At least that's how mine are when something is wrong. My personal pets are always into something and my breeders are usually doing something, too.

Each bird is an individual so Elmo is going to be different than other birds that you read about. Echo, my single Abby male, lives by himself (his definite choice) and he's not too crazy about being handled. However, he's very interactive when humans are around, especially humans with food in hand!!!!! :rofl: Alex (BFA) likes to sit on Echo's cage and there are other lovebirds right next to him.

While I think Elmo might enjoy another lovebird companion, what level of friendship could develop depends stricly on Elmo and the other bird.

[momo]

well elmo never sits still so I guess it's a good sign he is happy. i bought him a new toys (i felt guilty about having to board him...) today sort of like a mini ferris wheel.. he's seems to be in loove with it..

when I am away, elmo is being boarded I am going to ask them how he handled being around so may other birds.. cause their set up is the small birds are together in a bird room side by side :) no cages are touching though. if he shows signs of aggression then i will assume he is a-ok with being a loner bird.

[Pips mom]

If i TOUCH one of his toys, he will run straight too it, regardless if he's already playing with another toy.. And elmo flock calls to me, so that makes me wonder how would he get along with another bird playing on his play pen?

Pip does this same thing! and he doesn't mind another bird on his playpen at all.....in fact, the more company, the merrier in his eyes! Also Pip does the standing all tall and wing flaps with a loud chirp too......it's to get attention, like saying.....hey, look at me! All of my birds love seeing the birds outside! Some will even respond vocally. Also......some might not see Pip as one of the tamest birds either, as he hates being touched or hands! BUT he still loves our company, being on heads, shoulders, and I can tell that he is a happy little lovie!

[momo]

I think pip and elmo are quite the similar!!..

I guess elmo must be content to some extent.. because she keeps asking me to mate with her. hahahahaha.

[Pips mom]

Well.....the one thing I love about Pip's personality is that he just LOVES other birds.....doesn't matter what kind of bird, he even loves other animals and would ride around on the dog we used to have! He is just SO social! Loves everybirdy, everybody....he just loves company....the more the merrier! So....I am lucky because I feel sure that if I were ever to bring another bird into our home, I feel certain Pip would like them! He is so totally in love with Ivy! He loved the tiels too, but they are a bonded pair and had each other and didn't really like Pip's high energy personality....so when Ivy came along he was really wanting a friend, and being that he isn't picky at all, Ivy would do just fine!
I'm thinking if Elmo was so happy about being with a new person while you were away, that he may go for a new lovie buddy as well!