Quote:
Originally Posted by Odysseus
2nd:
"Keeping birds of different species who can provide company if not companionship for one another is a good idea."
Is it considered easier to keep the bond with your individual bird if you choose a second bird that is of a different breed? I am jealous of many of you with a variety of bird companions in your home, and while I may never adopt a dozen like I would like. A second or third is certainly in the plan.
Should I be considering getting a different specie than Tui as a better choice than adding another lovebird someday?
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Same species and different species flock dynamics really interest me. I started with a single budgie, then added a cockatiel, and then added another budgie. I've learned just how different species can act and communicate differently (ie, budgies are hyper and in-your-face and tiels are much more laid back). I am glad that we decided to add another small bird when we brought the tiel home - I think it's too risky for myself to add a larger species with my current mix. I'm interested in nearly every species but I also know that I want my birds to be able to hang out outside of the cage in the same room. (I realize that even birds of the same species may not get along too though.)
Adding a 2nd budgie has been wonderful - I agonized so long as to whether or not I wanted to do that (and most of the agonizing was selfish worry that I would lose the bond that I have with Jerry - but in the end I knew it was best for HIM). I have NOT, however, lost any of my bond with him. Both his life and my life have been enriched by adding another budgie. It has made me see that a same species companion is very beneficial. In the event that I do get another bird while my current 3 are still around, I've made up my mind that it would only be another tiel.
What I'm trying to say is that this is where I partially disagree with the author of the article - that having another bird in the house is very beneficial and that a same species bird can have enormous benefits. And I don't necessarily think that having same species birds will lessen the human bond - I don't have a ton of experience with that, but it has not been what I've seen at all with my 3 birds.