Questions about Meyers

[Willow]

I inquired about a 5 year old Meyers parrot needing a home. The person has responded giving the followinginfo:

"The Meyers is quite territorial and I can't let her near my Amazon. the Amazon has been with me just over two years now, coming after both my parents passed away. She needed quite a lot of attention and the Meyers was not happy about it.....at all. She can be very sweet and friendly, but if given the chance will go after the Amazon. We did have one biting incident when I turned my back so I am very careful not to let her have access. If given the chance, the Meyers will climb the Amazon's cage and try to chase her off. Everything belongs to her!"

Now, my birds (which are Amazons) live cage free. I have found, perhaps because they are flighted, they do not fight, they just get out of the way if one of them wants something more than the other. None of them are aggressive to one another, though they do have a hierarchy of sorts.

I'm just wondering, if this type of aggression/territoriality is common in Meyers parrots, if it could be situational, and if by coming to a totally new environment not even surface, and just some general thoughts from people who know more about these birds. I know they are small - but obviously this one doesn't let that get in the way! Any thoughts?

Any new addition will be quarantined and gradually intrduced, but I would eventually like the birds to at least be able to have playtime at the same time. They don't have to interact but I can't have a little terrorist in the midst, either, you know? This behavior sounds more like what I have read about in regards to caiiques than meyers, but did I miss something? I do know that every bird is an individual, of course.

Thanks for any feedback!

[Xavier]

Well, I only have one meyers, so I can only speak about mine. Of course, I can't be sure if all meyers are the same, but Indy is not territorial at all. All of my birds hang out together, even though Aree and Indy don't like Sydney, and vice versa. Once in a while there will be a short fight, but other then that they normally just stay away from each other.

I try to make them less territorial by letting them stay in each others cages. It seems to be working. That way they can all climb in and out of each others cages to play with new toys and such without a problem.

However,a territorial amazon-hating meyers with your situation may not be the best idea. I would suggest looking into other meyers, unless you have the time to train the little guy.

Let us know what you decide to do!

[Oscars Mom]

I wouldnt risk it. The meyers is probley better off as a single pet. Your lucky the owner told you it was agressive to to other birds . Alot of times when people rehome birdsthey sugarcoat problems!

[Willow]

Thanks guys, I did decide to pass on the little parrot even though s/he sounded delightful otherwise.