Thinking about adding to your flock????
I am often asked about adding a new companion parrotlet when someone already has one...
First consider what you want, or enjoy, about owning a parrotlet.
While some folks enjoy the one-on-one companionship that a parrotlet can provide, others enjoy just watching the antics and hearing the musical sounds provided by our feathered friends, without feeling the need for handling their pet.
I found myself in this situation of considering a second parrotlet when my work obligations seemed to leave me little time for interacting with my pet. I contacted the same reputable breeder from whom I had adopted my original parrotlet and bought another male. This worked out very well for me, in great part, because I took several precautionary measures to make sure I provided my pets with the best environmental conditions for a successful outcome.
Factors for your consideration:
With two males, you will definitely need two separate cages. In my case, I purchased a matching cage to go with my existing cage. Each bird had it's own home. I was always careful to never allow them to go into the other parrotlet's cage. Parrotlets are very territorial so it is very hazardous to allow them in the same cage at the same time. I did allow them supervised time outside their cages so that they could interact. Over time, they did form a bond that was enjoyable to watch, but again, I never left them unsupervised when out of their cages. I think the fact that my second pet was about nine months younger than my original baby helped with their eventual bonding.
If you get a female to go with your male, or visa versa, there is a good chance that they will bond together and leave you out completely. That is not a problem if you are ok with just watching their antics and listening to their beautiful sounds if they do bond together. There is never any real guarantee that this will happen but be prepared that it might. Parrotlets can be very picky about their mates so they will not always pair up.
Plan on a slow introduction of the two pets. Not rushing or forcing close proximity of the two allows them to gradually get used to each others presence. Always, always, always start with two separate cages, no matter what the sex of the two birds happens to be. Only time will tell whether they ever choose to be physically close to one another, but for my part, I have always just enjoyed watching and listening to these beautiful creatures!
Feel free to contact me with your specific questions at peachstateparrotlets@gmail.com
