Alone or with a cagemate?

[alz9]

I am definitely getting an african grey in the near future. I have been helping hand rear a clutch over the last few weeks. However, i am unsure as to whether I should take a single bird or a pair.

I am sure that keeping a pair will be stimulating for the parrots, but will this interfere with the parrots ability to bond with me and reduce their ability to talk and mimic humans in the same way as an individual bird would?

Any advice would be greatly considered. Thanks.

[Amie]

Growing up, we always had more than one bird in the house. But, we always kept them in separate cages, and gave plenty of one-on-one time.

Now, I have an only bird, and I don't find that she is bonded any stronger than when we had multiple birds. She likes her independence just as much as they did, and yet always comes for her Mama time every evening.

I personally believe birds do better in a flock. Since Scarlett became an only bird, we've found a few things have changed with her personality to make us believe she is less happy. So, as soon as we move out of the place we've been staying since Katrina (and we're moving REALLY soon!!) she's getting a buddy.