I had a fairly turbulent weekend, consisting of taking the BF to various stores so we can empty our wallets in exchange for birdie toys, birdie food and birdie books, and the trip to the Birdbrain with Gayla where we met Casper and Phoenix.

At the Birdbrain we also had the chance to talk to Amanda, who works with the Gabriel Foundation at the aviaries, and Julie Murad about Valo's behavior issues. I never really talk much about them, since they don't surface all that often. To make a long story short - he's in love with me, and chews on everybody else who enters the house. He's the sweetest little birdie and cuddles and snuggles for hours with me, but he'll bite the BF even when being taken out of the cage . We got great advice (thanks so much again), and even after 2 days it was a little better. However, I don't count on great improvements considering the current living situation - I live alone with Mr. Stinkefuss, and BF only comes rarely for visits. I don't have friends over often, and if I do they know that Valo is the prince of the house.
So, for now the situation won't be improving much as my options are limited. But we'll continue to work with him whenever we can, and I'll take him out more often as soon as I'm mobile again (grrr - almost done being without a car after 3 months )

So, yes.... all this babbling above did have a purpose - it's kind of necessary as background info.


There's this thing that's being going through my mind, on which I'd like to hear your guys' opinions on.... since Valo does spend quite some time alone, and I can see how much he enjoys having another birdie around (he was looking for Ms. Bella girl this morning) I'm seriously considering a family expansion, and I'm currently considering 2 options:

*) One of Gayla's friends (small world here in CO ) has a GCC, for which she's looking for a new home since she can't give him enough time. The little guy is most likely a boy, though not tested, and about 3yrs old. He shows signs of cage aggression, but seems to like men almost more than women. He's not been to the vet (so I'd assume he's also flighted), but the lady is willing to work with me since I'm a little space limited, and after going through quarantine already once in my 1BR apartment, I don't feel like doing it again. She's also willing to give it a try and take the little guy back in case he doesn't work out (needless to say, that I couldn't do that ). I just talked to her on the phone, and I'm planning on going to see him next weekend. BF is a little concerned, since we already have an alpha-male GCC in the house who thinks he's the boss... understandably, he doesn't necessarily want to completely loose in the pecking order. Nevertheless, I think it could work out if the little guys is less bossy than Valo... what's your thought on this? 2 GCCs more aggressive than one?

*) Well, needless to say that the other birdie I'm considering is Phoenix. He's an 11yr old blue headed Pionus, who's lived in at least 2 homes before. He's microchipped and for adoption through TGF. He fully flighted, and a little skittish.... while we were with him on the weekend, he would sit on my finger and then all the sudden take off. But he's friendly, overall pretty calm, of course very handsome and I see a lot of potential in this guy. Granted, through the size difference I'd expect more expenses - but oh well.... graduation is in sight. In his previous home he's been living with a quaker and a cockatiel, so he's used to other birdies around, while the little GCC is probably not. The adoption procedure is obviously more time consuming which would probably mean that Phoenix wouldn't be coming home until the end of August when I'm back from my trip to Austria (wouldn't want to bring him home, and then have to board him 2 weeks later). One concern I feel regarding him is that he's currently in the aviaries and fully flighted. I'm planning to go visit him there (IF I ever have a car again - frustration), but if he's really happy flying around with all the other birds, I'd feel bad bringing him back to a cage...


So, that's the story.... I currently have no rush making a decision, since I want to think things through, but I'd like to hear your input.

I think another bird might help with Valo, but am not much use with which is the better pick. Maybe try some visits with Valo and the GC, and meanwhile take the classes (or whatever steps are necessary) to adopt someone from TGF. That was if the first bird doesn't seem to be a good fit, you can see who is available and a good match at the end of the summer (of course, if it was me, I would take them both....which is why I have 30-odd birds......)

hmmm..... do you think i should take advice coming from you, then? LOL... BF would kill me if i'd get them both and maybe add another one....

That's such a tough call. Yup. I'd say take 'em both!

I'm so glad you are considering another parrot for Valo. My opinion is it's ALWAYS better to get the same species opposite gender. As nature intended. Then they have a "true" family.

The three biological imperatives are food & water, shelter and procreation. A true mate is a simple gift we can give them in exchange for being captive to us. And even if they breed once every spring, it's easy enough to not hatch any eggs. And the psychological benefits are huge.

That being said, it's also good to help a homeless bird out while you're at it.

So I vote for the Conure if it's only between these two.

You might consider letting Valo decide if multiple conures appear. And no, IME two doesnt equal double aggression.

Bea remember it's breeding season, too. He'll calm down after July 15th. Just watch you keep his protein and vitamin e on the low-ish side and raise his dark leafy greens and veggies. And sleep of course the number one reason for crankiness IMO.

BTW there really is no such thing as an alpha male bird. In nature they are all equals with a touch of bossiness here and there.

You have a breeding season conure, IMO.

Anyway a hen will be the boss of him ...that's always how it works. ...so you better hope that GCC is female. Then you'll be off the hook as far as being his focus and he'll drop the frustration towards you, IME.

100% right a bird is not alpha male but alpha toddler for life (complete with tantrums). Yes hens are more bossy, they are the ones who make make sure that the breeding investment actually produces good babies.

I vote GCC male or female but if possible Valo needs to be in this choice. BCC is a bit bigger than GCC and the size difference would be a concern.

Everyone likes a buddy!

I would go with the GCC just so Valo could potentially play with him. I know with my guys I am always afraid to let Prinny play with the bigger ones. I really think Valo would be really happy with a friend, especially if he spends alot of time alone. Good luck with your decision.

I do think that Valo could only benefit from another bird in the family - even though Jerry's interactions with Lulu were extremely limited (when they were the only ones here), I could still see that they both benefited from being near and watching each other.

I know it's such a big decision to make, I know I was a wreck when considering both Lulu and Winston - but it has all been VERY worth it. And now that Jerry has a playmate, it's worth it that much more.