Introducing our New Baby, Jack

[Drumrnj]

Jack is a brownheaded Parrot. He is in the Pionus family. We also have a Meyers, Sidney, who is eight months old. We just bought Jack and he is four years old. We are about to introduce them and put them in the same cage. I would appreciate any advice anyone can offer on this transition. Thank You and have a wonderful new year. George

[The Outlaw]

Happy New Year to you as well. I think that Joel may have some brown heads or at least have raised them in the past. Perhaps he can hook you up.

[Maui's Mom]

put them in the same cage ?? I didnt know that can be done right away. Or at all for that matter, I thought birds were territoral and would not allow a " stranger" into their home ( cage ).
I will await with you on the experts opinion. Did you quarantine Jack so that he is away from Sidney ?
I wish you lots of luck with Jack, Pionus birds are wonderful. Congrats !!

[Dani#2]

Brown headed parrots are NOT in the pionus family. They are in the Poicephalus family. Poicephalus cyptoxanthus to be a bit more specific.

[Tiki]

Can we see a photo? They are very rare in Australia, unfortunately.

[homebird]

Xavier has a Brownhead & a Meyers & she's on the BB - my friend has a Sennie - all are from the same family but even if they were the same species i would hesitate to put them in the same cage. YOur Meyers might be pretty offended to share. YOu don't know what the older bird will be like with the younger one either.

I hope they are great friends but until they develop their friendship separate homes would be prudent. As you already know they have powerful beaks - & a Sennie can be a very determined bird. A second cage would help too if one is sick or hormonal.

All the best with the new one. Can you tell us more stories about him & why you decided to get one? I'd love one myself.

Post lots of photos please.

[Barb E]

I have a Meyer's (Buddy) and he is very territorial. He'll go after the B&G if he feels his territory (cage) is being threatened.

After you're comfortable that the new bird is healthy then you could try introducing them in a neutral area. A room that Sidney does'nt spend much time in.

It would be nice if they could eventually be friends. I always feel badly that I can't preen my Buddy as well as another bird could.

I do know of people with multiple Poicephalus and they DO NOT get along .... even with separate cages. I'll keep my fingers crossed for you :)

I'd love to hear more about your new bird.... how did you come by him? Keep us posted as to how it goes!

Barb

[SydneysMommy]

Thank you for your feedback. DrumrNJ is my SO and an eternal optimist! I am the pessimist of the family. For now, as long as i have a say, they will only be sharing the stand and other neutral areas and will stay in their own cages until we are sure there will not be bloodshed or hard feelings.
Jack was a rescue bird. We purchased him while on vacation in the Poconos. He had been with a family for 4 years when their child became seriously ill and Jack did not get the attention he deserved. They returned him to the woman who sold him to them years before. He was there 3 weeks when we met him and could tell he needed a new permanant home. He loves his neck scratched (puts his head down right away to be cuddled) and he is very sweet but nervous of hands right now. He and Sidney are in separate cages side by side. They both tend to stay on the side of their cages closest to each other which is a good sign, i think. So far they have had 2 supervised playdates on the stand for short periods of time.
We will update you and please continue your feedback on the housing issue.
We will update with photos soon!!
HAPPY NEW YEAR from Lisa (SydneysMommy) George (DrumrNJ) Sid and Jack.

[SydneysMommy]

one of just Jack, our BrownHead, and one with Sidney, the Myers. Jack has the white beak, and the white around his eyes. He is taller than the Meyers, and definitely feels heavier and more "parrot-like" on your hand.

[CALVINS MOM]

Lisa - glad you are taking my advice! I cannot believe how big Sydney got!!!

Congrats on your new little one! Stop by sometime so that I can see Sydney and Jack.