Introducing a second bird of the opposite sex

[gerbigi]

We have a 3 yr old female (green), and two days ago we brought home a little blue male that is 3-4 months old. We didn't realize that he was male when we got him and I can't seem to find any info about introducing a new bird of a different sex... is there anything extra we should do, or not do? We have them in separate cages and they seem interested in each other, but not super friendly yet. They were happy sitting a couple inches away from one another on the window sill but tried to bite after a while. We're watching them very carefully. The female (original bird) seemed a little stressed out yesterday, she regurgitated her food and seemed really confused and disoriented after she did it, and that made me nervous. I don't know if she did it because she likes the new bird, or if it was a stress thing. It hasn't happened again and she is acting normally now.

I'm just worried for my female, I figured that with another female they could just be buddies, but now that we know the new one is a male I'm concerned about her trying to lay an egg or something. Isn't it pretty hard on them to make eggs?

Anyway, I would love some advice because I feel pretty lost and can't find any relevant info online. Thanks!!

[Monica]

We have a 3 yr old female (green), and two days ago we brought home a little blue male that is 3-4 months old.
You should have quarantined the male away from the female... in this way, you could ensure that he is healthy, and you could work with him some to tame him down.

We didn't realize that he was male when we got him and I can't seem to find any info about introducing a new bird of a different sex... is there anything extra we should do, or not do?
There's really nothing extra or different, other than the fact that it's possible for the two to reproduce, and thus it's up to you if you want to cage them together (assuming they get along) or separately, thus to reduce chances of fertile eggs.

We have them in separate cages and they seem interested in each other, but not super friendly yet. They were happy sitting a couple inches away from one another on the window sill but tried to bite after a while.
The hen could be upset/aggressive that he's a younger male. I've heard of some hens who get upset because the male isn't mature... can't say I blame them!

We're watching them very carefully. The female (original bird) seemed a little stressed out yesterday, she regurgitated her food and seemed really confused and disoriented after she did it, and that made me nervous. I don't know if she did it because she likes the new bird, or if it was a stress thing. It hasn't happened again and she is acting normally now.
You might want to consider a vet visit... hens may regurgitate for younger birds, but the disorientation could be an issue... has she done this in the past?

I'm just worried for my female, I figured that with another female they could just be buddies, but now that we know the new one is a male I'm concerned about her trying to lay an egg or something. Isn't it pretty hard on them to make eggs?
Hens will lay eggs regardless of whether or not a male is around... and usually speaking, it's not recommended to keep two females around because of how aggressive/territorial they can become... two males are usually recommended over two females... with that said, two hens can get along just fine and act like a true pair, even going as far as mating and laying [infertile] eggs.

It is rather stressful for hens to lay eggs, however, as long as they are on a healthy diet, in good health, and get plenty of exercise, it reduces the chances of issues when egg laying.