I've had my CAG for 9 years, since he was 11 weeks old and still learning to perch.  He's the healthiest bird you can imagine with a great vocab and loves to cuddle and be scratched.  Only by me mind you - he'll tolerate stroking from my kids, and has an improving relationship with my wife!

 

Anyway, having two kids, I don't think he gets as much attention as he used to and although he regularly joins us in the lounge in the evening and gets bits of whatever's being cooked (usually raw), I've been wondering about getting him a companion.

 

Unfortunately although I know a lot about my bird, I know very little about the species or how they interact.  I also couldn't afford a reared grey.  So, do you think there's any chance Birdline could help me?  Could I find out if my CAG reacts well to others and take them on if they do?  I'd love for him to be able to share a cage though preferably with same sex as I've no interest in offspring!

 

Incidentally, regarding the last point - I really have no idea if he's male or female.  In fact, from behaviour I'd almost certainly guess female.  Other than for matching with a same-sex bird, would that be an issue with temperment  or parrot-parrot bonding?

Hi Steve, welcome to the Forum. Birds are like people in lots of ways. If you were on a desert island with one other person, you might really like each other. On the other hand..... you might not. Same goes for birds, particularly Greys, who are amongst the most intelligent breeds of bird. If you're a Birdline member, you could apply to be a Safe House. This involves having different birds in your home until they are found permanent homes. This way you'd see if your bird a) likes other birds, and b) if he/she would like a Companion. Or not. I have a Grey here who was originally bought as a Companion for the owner's own Grey. My Grey loathes other Greys with a passion, and was given up because she drew blood on the other bird. She dislikes all birds, but particularly Greys, and I have to watch her if we have her out when there's another one in the room. This is not to say they're all like that, but being a Safe House is a great way to find out what your bird would prefer. Whereabouts are you?
Doddie

Hi Steve, and welcome. I have a tag here who loves to talk and whistle to the other birds here, but he cant be out when they are, as he will attack any other birds, whether they are his own kind or any other species.
You can never really tell how they will be.
Others are fine out together but will not tolerate another bird in or near their own cage.
SAFEHOUSED birds however, cannot be allowed to BOND with your own birds, as they do move on, and it wouldnt be fair to either bird to form a bond then have to be split up again, even if you decided to apply to foster it, you are not guaranteed to be successful for that particular bird. I have both safehoused and fostered birds, and two of my own, who all love each others company, but none are bonded and each have their own cages.
If you become a member, then contact your local aco, they will help you.

Thanks for the replies. I'm in Camberley, that's outside the SW rim of the M25. I wholly agree with ann, I'd hate to see Snoopy (my CAG) bond with another bird but not have any guarantee of them staying. Equally, I'd hate to 'volounteer' to home a new bird and then not be in a position to do so. It hopefully goes without saying that there's no way in hell that I'm letting Snoopy go anywhere! Although he's not getting as much attention as I'd like at the moment, he's well looked after and I know things will improve as the human kids grow

I was thinking of investing in something like http://www.animalanticsonline.com/items_images/12500104858764-liberta-parrot-cage_jpg.jpg to introduce other birds, but the problem remains that it may not work out, in which case I'd imagine it'd lead to upset for both birds and inevitibly would put us back to square one.

Hi Steve
I'm in Farnham so not so far away from you. I'm a safe house. I foster a grey and a sennie and am currently safe housing a grey and a cockatoo. If I can be of any help PM me and I will give you my mobile number if you want a chat.
Laura

Hi Steve,

I got a friend for my Alexandrine. Although I'm not in the UK the BLers gave me some invaluable tips which all 'came true':

1. You won't get a clear picture for at least 2-3days whilst the new bird is in 'shock and awe'.

2. The first 2 weeks were quite painful with some inevitable territorial issues. I was lucky they accepted each other fairly fast, it could have gone on for ages. There is a gouge mark on a beak that is still growing out 6mths on.

3. You need two full size cages to begin with, when you eventually put them together (you'll need a huge cage) it's heart stopping at times. Mine still squabble at night over who gets the nice spot.

4. Mine was blocking the food and water (for months) and even now has jealousy issues when it looks like the other piece of apple looks tastier.

5. If one bird is clipped it will lose all the fights and end up on the floor a lot.

but

6. The idea that the birds become less tame or interested is probably a case by case thing. If you continue to be an attentive owner you'll get more than twice the reward. Mine are louder, friendlier, more talkative.

7. Knowing the birds keep each other company is priceless, both for your holidays today and in decades time when your household is quieter.

Good luck finding a pal for Snoopy. I went male&female, I may end u with baby Oodies, I'll cross that bridge if I get to it.....