during day -happier in cage next to other birds or free flight alone upstairs?

[texbird]

We are having a bit of a debate over what to do with the IRN during the day.

She is free flighted.

IN the mornings i take her upstairs where she flies around, gets fed, bathed, rides on my shoulder, etc while i get ready for work.

I have been leaving her up there during the day - she has access to 3 rooms and has several perches, food, toys, radio music and water. She really enjoys flying around from room to room. The rooms are fairly safe for her i believe.

Bu the question is , would she be happier in a cage downstairs next to the cockatiels?

She likes to land on top of the cocaktiels cage and stare at them. But They are not buddies. They do not get along while outside the cages - the IRN is insanely jealous and chases them. But she seems to like to be hear them and watch them - I suspect because they look like her (she is white). She does NOT want to get into her own cage however. She doesnt play with toys while in her cage, she doesnt like being in her cage in general. But leaving her out downstairs is not a safe option.

But When she is left alone upstairs you can sometimes hear her giving those lonely location calls to try to make contact.

SO, better with flight freedom but all alone. OR better in cage next to other birds? We are having debates on this.

[mabird]

Hello! I'm just wondering is there any way you could put the cockatiels upstairs... perhaps just during the week, while you are working? That way she would have the best of both worlds. I realize that space & time may not allow for this, however I just thought I'd throw it out there. Good luck with whatever you decide.

[red192]

My IRN has her own room and when I'm not there I'm not sure how much fuss she keeps. But when I'm there, she's with me. but it's ok, I love it when she's lovey dovey.

[Kathy]

Mine calls out to the budgie when I seperate them. He, too, loves to fly to the top of the budgies cage...with only one intention...to eat the budgie.
So if I am not home- he is in a cage. if i am home- free flighted.

[catschair]

My ringies love to supervise the other birds. I would not leave them loose together (honestly I am a worrier, I would not leave any of my birds uncaged when I am not around, although their cages are the size of some apartments), but I think they enjoy the companionship.

[huntress]

Too many dangers for parrots in any home to be loose unsupervised. Too many toxic things to chew on like stained wood, old paint, metal objects with nickle zinc or worse lead. Wiring and electric cords and much more. My vote is safer and less lonely downstairs with the teils in own cage until you get home.