Do any of you guys have any resources or advice to offer if for me if I said I was *considering* adding another Princess to my household? My motivation would mostly be to have an avian flock member for Humphrey. Any thoughts would be most gratefully received.

Questions/Considerations:

1.) Humph has been an 'only' bird for 3 years.
2.) How to introduce them if I got another?

Speaking without a lot of knowledge about Princesses specifically, I would first make sure that Humphrey "needs" an avian companion. Being an only bird, he may well resent and dislike an interloper taking your attention away from him. I'm not saying you shouldn't get another bird, but don't know if getting one for him should be the motivation. Just be aware you may end up having to keep them separated, that's all. Same sex is much better unless you're trying to set up a breeding pair.

Introductions are best done gradually, after quarantine. Once they get to know each other while in their cages, you work toward getting them gradually closer to each other while out of the cages. Its a good idea to have two people, so they can be easily corralled if necessary. When you do finally let them come beak to beak, ideally it should be on neutral territory, (like not on top of one of their cages, or ones favorite play stand) and be on your toes, birds can be so fast! You have the fact that they will be the same species working in your favor, much more likely to succeed than with different species or different sizes.

Again, this is pretty generalized advice, and I'm sure a Princess person will be along soon.

Princess person enters the room (LOL, Nate!)

Michele, are you talking before or after you return back to the USA permanently? Because whatever you decide, it's one more bird to get through quarantine. As you know, I have two male Princesses and they get along brilliantly! They still love me too, they come to me readily, are the first to land on me when I enter the room. Princesses aren't as cuddly as Tiels and Conures but I think I have two really great ones! If you do get another Princess, get another girl so they don't breed. You could also get Humphrey another Aussie companion like a Tiel, Regent Parrot or King Parrot and they would be just fine together.

Thanks for the thoughts, both of you. My husband and I were thinking about getting another one before we move to America. That way, Humphrey would have a friend she knows to be with during the process. (I am also thinking about the welfare of the 'new' bird, don't worry!)

The main motivation, though, is Humph being alone at home. My husband works at home, so he is here most of the time with Humphrey.( She loves him, too. Even though Humph is not cuddly, she has to be on his lap, chair, or laptop most of the time. )However, sometimes we do want to go out for the day, and I am wracked with guilt about leaving her alone for 12 hours or so. Also, in the future we will have to get jobs that mean we are out of the house a lot.

These are just thoughts and discussion at the moment - no concrete plans to get another. I've been thinking about it for a while, and my husband was against it. But last night he said, "let's go get Humphrey a friend".I just wish she could tell me! Do you want a bird friend, or not? She could hate whoever we get, too!

Ideally, if I got another, I'd like a rescue, so I'd be doing the other bird some good, too.

Tiki, your Tjinimin was a baby when you introduced him to Manikay, right? Thanks for the idea about the other species of Australian birds. We did bird sit a tiel a few years ago and Humph got along with him after a few days.

Yes, Tjinimin was 10 months and Manikay was 3 weeks when they met. I don't think there would be any problem with Princesses getting along with other non-agressive birds. They are known for their friendly and gentle temperaments. Any Polytelis would be fine, if you see any other species I can check them out. I wouldn't buy a Neophema for a Princess companion as they can be agressive.

Thanks, Tara. Another question:
Knowing what you know about Princesses, in general, how essential is avian companionship? I know you don't know Humph, but you do know about Australian species and Princesses.
I watched "The Wild Parrots of Telegraph Hill" last night and it made me sad for Humphrey, seeing how these birds live together. But of course I could projecting my feelings on to a Humphrey who is perfectly fine on her own. Who knows? What do you think?

Michele, I think Princesses like any bird needs some kind of companion. The companion can be a human though, doesn't have to be a bird. If she would be left at home for long periods, I think she would benefit from having a friend around. The quarantine part worries me, I wish you could get her and the new bird if any into the States without that. I know you were looking at travelling via Canada at one point.