What to do before I bring home a second bird? Please help!

[MiloMacaw]

Ok... so I've decided to bring home a second bird, and it is inbetween the greenwing macaw at my vets who needs a home and a blue and gold macaw baby who needs a special home, as he only has one leg :(

I have a few questions before I make my decision:

#1) I have *no interest* in breeding, so should I definitely get another female? Will macaws breed without special circumstances (Lighting, nesting boxes, diet etc etc) or would just not catering to those things allow me to keep male and female?

#2) Quarentine: How long, and where? Should they not be in the same house, or just not in the same room?

#3) Introduction: How do I go about introducing the two birds? How can I make sure Milo doesn't get offended or jealous by the new bird? What sort of steps should I take there?

#4) What should I expect as far as Milo and I's bond? She and I are very close, will that definitely change, or is there something I can do to help preserve the bond?

Lots of help would be appreciated, I'm so excited, but so nervous too!

[wildirish]

#1) I have *no interest* in breeding, so should I definitely get another female? Will macaws breed without special circumstances (Lighting, nesting boxes, diet etc etc) or would just not catering to those things allow me to keep male and female?

Since there is really no guarantee that they will even like eachother, it may not matter, however if they do like eachother, it may be easier to have two females. We have 4 females and 2 males, the only two who remotely like eachother are Gypsy & Roarke, and Gypsy is the mother hen, she babies all LOL!

They will breed just about anywhere, but not as common without the box etc.

#2) Quarentine: How long, and where? Should they not be in the same house, or just not in the same room?

At least seperate rooms. And strict hand cleaning and clthes on your part. With a clean vet visit I would say 30 days.

#3) Introduction: How do I go about introducing the two birds? How can I make sure Milo doesn't get offended or jealous by the new bird? What sort of steps should I take there?

Small things help, like when giving treats or whatever, go to Milo first. As for introducing them, I would start with them across the room and maybe a play area that can be shared with you there, and let them decide. Ours beak at eachother and make there own choices LOL!

#4) What should I expect as far as Milo and I's bond? She and I are very close, will that definitely change, or is there something I can do to help preserve the bond?

It won't necessarily change at all, just make sure that you maintain the same level of attention between both, with Milo always being first in line, at least until you know how they are handling things.

[Nazir's]

#2) Quarentine: How long, and where? Should they not be in the same house, or just not in the same room?

Most would recommend separate rooms, nothing less than 30 days.
That wasn't a possibility for me. Therefore, I just had my second parrot tested for anything possible and once everything came back okay, I started bringing them together slowly. They resided in the same room but different cages about three days later.

#3) Introduction: How do I go about introducing the two birds? How can I make sure Milo doesn't get offended or jealous by the new bird? What sort of steps should I take there?

I would say that the introduction should be gradual with no expectations. I waited until Iris (my first bird) gained interest in Clover (the second bird) before bringing them together. However, I always made sure that Clover saw Iris and I interacting. That seemed to make a huge difference, as building trust was easier and he seemed to come around and trust/adapt more eagerly. The breeder that I got my second parrot from told me to make sure that Iris (my first parrot) always came first; the first to be fed, held, greeted, put to bed, etc. That surely didn't hurt because till this day, Iris's bond with me has not change, not one bit.

#4) What should I expect as far as Milo and I's bond? She and I are very close, will that definitely change, or is there something I can do to help preserve the bond?

Yes, keep her first and assure her that your love for her has not and will not change. Keep everything simple and relaxed. Talk to her about the new parrot and you both may be able to greet and welcome the new birdie together. Clover use to act weird when he was ready to eat and being hand fed. I always talked to Iris about Clover. Still, I'll say to Iris to look at crazy or handsome birdie Clover and she'll just laugh, which makes me laugh, and we'll laugh together.

Good Luck!

[MiloMacaw]

Thank you all for the wonderful advice! I will take it all "under wing" (groan)

[Nazir's]

Oh, you're welcome. I am sure that some others will chime in too. Keep us informed and let us know how it goes. Best wishes!

[MiloMacaw]

Well I'm heading to birdzone (our local avian store) to snag a new cage and some toys.. so someone is gunna be filling it!!!! I will keep you all informed and send pictures!