Companion for Max the Senegal ?

[Lindann]

Hi Everyone--

I have a bit of a dilemma going here and sure could use some input. Yesterday I was at our local feed store where they sometimes have birds in the back. Usually there are a couple of budgies and canaries from local breeders. Their cages are neat and clean and they have toys, etc., but not a lot of stimulation. Well, yesterday there was a tiny female Bourke's parakeet. The clerk told me that most of the prospective buyers had passed her by, saying she was ugly, apparently thinking she was a budgie. I asked to see her and they told me that she was antisocial, had been caged with and bonded to a cockatiel that was sold, and had been miserable ever since. They said all she did was scream and try to bite. To make a long story short, I held her, and she screamed in terror for a few seconds, then I made some Senegal clicking noises to her and she calmed right down. Within a few minutes she snuggled into my hand, then sat on my finger and began to sing! Everyone in the store was amazed and said they had thought there was no hope for that lonely little bird. It broke my heart to have to leave her.

To make a long story short, I really want to buy her, bring her home and give her a good life. Her cage would be across the room from Max and I figure they would keep each other company when we're out. However, my husband has his foot down and says no more birds, that adding a second bird would upset Max and alienate him from us. I believe otherwise, but I don't want to compromise the amazing relationship we have with Max. Does anyone have any experience with something like this? Would Max bond to the other bird and lose his bond with us? He loves to imitate the songbirds in the tree outside his window and my feeling is that he'd welcome the company. Any advice would be much appreciated!

[Monica]

It's not likely that the two would get alone... Although I do recommend bourkes for anyone looking for a mixed aviary of sorts, I do not recommend putting them with another species such as conures or senegals... so as long as the two did not interact they could probably live happily together.

There's no way though for us to tell you how Max will react... he'll either not care, or he may be curious. He may even be jealous. However, you should not loose your bond with Max unless he gets so jealous of having another bird around that it pisses him off... but few birds are like that. Birds are, after all, flock creatures.

[Sashagirl]

If you choose to get the Bourke as a companion for Max.As long as
they are kept in separate cages I don't see a problem.Interacting outside of the cage will definately be a problem.Speaking from experience.I have Sydney
the 11 year old Senegal who we call "Murderer"explanation not required.I don't
trust her around any of my birds not even the large Macaws.I think she's confused because she thinks she's a large bird.For quite time she was a single
bird due to theft of my other birds.So I eventually brought home other birds.She seemed happy which later turned into jealousy.She started attacking the other birds and size didn't matter.I know each bird is different too.Sydney came from a Pet Store's crazy cage which was where all the unmanageble birds were thrown in a cage together.She okay now but I will never trust her with my other birds.