I dont think there is anything wrong with needing to get away sometimes. My guys are screamers! I wouldnt be able to keep them if I couldnt get away for a break. And realistically, the mess with more than 1 bird is overwhelming. Even though their cages are in that room, they arent always caged. All of their gyms and hanging toys are in there. Theres nothing to hurt them so they can be out for long periods. It doesnt take long before more than 1 bird can take your house over and before you know it you dont want company because they place is wiped out most of the time. Im just being realistic here. As always, I dont hold back. When we just had Afa, she was in the family room. There was a mess but easy enough to handle. The dander was a small issue. Mr Buddy came, and it got a little much for me. Then Occy and Alex came at the same time and went upstairs for lack of room. At that point, there was dust on EVERYTHING! I had to clean every single day. I try to keep a nice house here so mess bothers me, and then I start to really question whether or not bird keeping is really for me. I think this happens to a lot of people. You really cant comprehend the mess until its in your house! So last year, we moved very heavy office furniture, and computer stuff all upstairs to an empty bedroom. The office became the bird room. We took the carpet out and I painted with a satin finish for wash ability. My life became A LOT easier as far as the bird care went. The dust isnt everywhere now. I can easily heat the room, clean the floors and walls. It just makes sense. Thats not say they cant come into the rest of the house. My guys run all over the floor and sit out for up to 3 to 4 hours a night with us. Then we easily roll the perches back into the room and its all cleaned up. But I agree with 1 maybe 2 tops being kept with the family and not in an isolated room. My guys have each other and they really do play together. My next bird room, will be for full flight. No cages.

That's my DREAM!!!!!!!!!!!

Now how to get a Macaw, Ekkie hen, and a Patagonian Conure to all get along nicely together.......

Josh might be able to answer that one!

But the Ekkie hen wants to be TOP BIRD...HECK....TOP EMPRESS of the place...so who can answer that one??

Occy wants to be top dog as well. But he an Alex still play together. My full flight room will be very very big. Big enough for them to get away from each other. My theory is, they all already know each other. Well, my birds anyway. They all play in the same 11x11 room now uncaged. So in a big full flight room, with individual perch areas, they will b fine. This may not be for everyone with mixed species though. It could be dangerous if your birds are not already incorporated. In that case, I would have dividers. Start introducing your new macaw right away. Just like puppies and kittens. I never gave my birds a choice to be honest. I introduced them, kept watch and life is good.

Leslie has seen my set up! Im good right?

Cool!! Approval from more experienced people is always important to me! Thank you! Hey..ever start that hoopball?