I have a 2 year old male CAG, he loves me and nobody else. I am not here all the time, and he is alone when I am gone. I have found a 2 year old female CAG for sale in my area. What do you think? Should I get her to keep my male company? Not trying to breed them, but I do have experience with breeding and handfeeding just in case they did decide to mate. Anyone have experience introducing two CAGs?
2007-01-14 15:28:32 · 8 answers · asked by cinnamon_n_spice97 2 in Pets ➔ Birds
As far as a smaller bird, I do have a female cockatiel in the cage right next to him. He doesnt pay attention to her at all.
2007-01-14 17:43:55 · update #1
Whew........this is a HUGE question! African greys are extremely complex animals. It has been documented that they have a tendency to reject the original 'being' they bond with as they reach sexual maturity (which in greys is 4-5 years of age). As they mature, they choose a 'mate' (or surrogate) and bond strongly with them instead of the original object of their affections. This behaviour has it's roots in evolutionary biology: in nature, it clearly decreases the chances for inbreeding. Your parrot is hardwired to do this. I am afraid that your grey may reject you outright as a by-product of introducing a 'mate' to him. This perceived 'mate' may be either a cockbird or a hen: what's absolutely key here is the complex nature of the bonding processes greys go through naturally. If you search on the net you will find references to these aforementioned tendencies in African greys. Thoroughly research this before you even think of doing anything. There are other ways around the problem: probably better ways. Email me if you would like me to expand on what I have just written.
I JUST FOUND THE FOLLOWING - It's not exactly what I alluded to above but the information is important for you read and throroughly consider"
One Bird or Two?
When people go to look at birds, sometimes they see babies together in a cage and think that they would be happier if they were kept together. Parrots make good pets because of their propensity toward bonding to people in the absence of others of their own kind. If you put two tame birds together, at first they might be jealous of each other and the attention the other gets from people. There may be aggressiveness because of this jealousy. But if you leave them together long enough, eventually they will likely bond, and each will have less potential as a pet (not as tame), had you only bought one. They would certainly not have the same talking ability, because they will talk "bird talk" to each other rather than mimicking you. Also, if these two birds were from the same clutch they would be related, and when they became mature, they may have the desire to breed. If successful, then this would be inbreeding, and not recommended for genetic reasons.
Some people have managed to keep two tame birds together, even of different kinds, but it is because they spend a lot of time with them. If you're thinking about getting a second bird because you have enough time for two, then this might work. But if you're considering it because of a feeling of guilt for lack of time for the first bird, then it would be a mistake, because if you don't have time for one, both would go wild and be unhandleable before long.
If you think you don't have enough time to devote to a bird as a pet, and you would rather just have a nice bird in a cage, then you can and should go ahead and buy another one to keep it company. Parrots are very social, and need contact (touch) as well as verbal and visual interaction. If you purchase two birds as breeders or buddies, then this is okay, provided that you buy two unrelated birds of compatible species, give them a big enough cage or separate cages, and you're prepared to accommodate them with a nest box if they are an unrelated pair of the same species and they want to breed.
2007-01-14 17:18:31 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
It's really not a matter of just introducing two birds and how to go about it. Is this what you want or what your boy wants? It'd really advise you against it. CAG pair-bond for life. If you raised your bird, he probably sees you as his parent / wife figure already. Getting another bird could be catastrophic. Your bird might peck the new one endlessly or begin to develop stress-related problem behaviours to cope with the new changes. If you really must get a new bird, have him visit the girl (and spend lots and lots of time with her) and see what he has to say about it. Be very careful you do not misinterpret him because of your own desires to get the girl. And only do so if you are prepared for him to let you go. If he bonds with the female (and he's evolved to love her FOR-LIFE) and YOU get jealous and resort to separating them, it's really not fair for the boy. He'll never forget her. What he doesn't have right now won't hurt him, what he might lose later on, will.. Get a smaller bird to be his pet..
2007-01-14 16:39:52 · answer #2 · answered by aken 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
There is no guarantee that your male will bond with the female, so if you're getting the female solely for the purpose of entertaining your male, you might be disappointed. However, if you're getting the female because you want it, introduce the new bird into the flock. Just be prepared for the possibility of an angry male. Don’t be discouraged though, eventually he should accept her even if they don’t bond.
2007-01-15 02:36:26 · answer #3 · answered by silver2sea 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
As you know, they might bond more with each other than with you. Use your good judgment and you will find your answer. Such a caring person is great for the breeding of these birds. Should it happen. Have a tweet year.
2007-01-14 16:26:32 · answer #4 · answered by firestarter 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Hi I think you should try to get more time for him. If you dont have time for him you for sure won't have time to breed birds. If you dont have time to take care of him how will you take care of two birds.
Do what's good for the bird. Usaly when you give them a mate they willl not be friendly to you anymore so you will loose him anyway.aybe you can find more time or maybe you should find him a place to stay untill you get more time.
2007-01-15 02:06:15 · answer #5 · answered by jackwalz 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes you should bring another bird because your bird needs someone to talk to and hang out with while your gone. Everyone needs a friend..♥
2007-01-14 16:19:42 · answer #6 · answered by sonya3091 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you do decide to get another bird, possibly keep them in seperate cages at first.
2007-01-14 18:00:32 · answer #7 · answered by mosquitoe_13 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
no
2007-01-14 15:35:41 · answer #8 · answered by jerry 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋