I'm curious about everyone's thoughts on flock dynamics and how much everyone takes that into consideration in their households.

For example, I often hear people asking, "Will _____ (insert parrot species) get along with ______ (insert a different parrot species)??"

Considering flock dynamics is very important to me - which is why I will not bring in any larger bird into my flock. I have 3 small birds and a larger bird could bring potential danger to my flock if there is an argument. And if there was no way to have the larger and smaller birds out of cages at the same time, that would mean that they would all suffer by most likely getting less out of cage time. (Of course it's never a given that 2 small/large birds of same or different species will get along either.)

Had I known just how much of a difference in demeanor that tiels have versus budgies, I probably would not have agreed to get a cockatiel (don't get me wrong, I love Lulu to death!!). Luckily the budgies and tiel have found a happy balance, but in my mind it's still not the most ideal situation.

After getting a 2nd budgie and being able to watch my two birds play and interact together, I'm also beginning to think that birds should all have same-species buddies to physically interact with. I know this is already a strong opinion of certain folks, but reading about it and seeing it with my own eyes has made a world of a difference.

My 4 are all medium sized and get along well. Mr Buddy can be a bully so we kinda keep him on his own boing but he's out at the same time as the others. I recently considered a parrotlet but realized, it was the the wrong dynamic. For me it would be the same with a Macaw. It worked out with my guys I think because they are size compatible, but I also didnt assume otherwise. I never set a tone for them to be apart.

Flock dynamics are extremely important to me. My suns could so serious damage to a budgie just the way a macaw could do damage to a sun. I have to keep a door closed between the budgies and the suns since the budgies think nothing of taking over the conure's gym. Budgies are fairly brave and do go visiting. The resent budgie injury outside in the aviary is most probably a houdini escape artist budgie invading the turf of suns. It is not because I was trying to co-habit 2 species, I know this is not possible, merely a turf war. My big concern is how suns and macaw will tolerate each other. It is not about being friends, it is merely about not invading each others space. I do not want to have to confine any bird to a cage. Although I also believe birds are happier and better adjusted when kept with a same species buddy, so it probably wont be only one macaw, but one plus his/her best friend. My thoughts are that a bird must be a bird first and then only is he truly free to be the best pet. I chose to handfeed and socialize the babies with this thought in mind. It does not diminish the "pet quality", I don't see a good reason to create velcro babies. It is far better for the human to be a member of a flock rather than a mate.

We've found that our Macaws like the company of other similar-sized macaws. They pair up naturally with a buddy. Bob and Arthur, Ceilidh and Mikey Blue, Kenobi and Rowan. I think part of the reason behind who is buds with whom has to do with the order they came into the house as much as anything.

That leaves Eddie the Severe Macaw and Petey McSweet the Sun Conure. Eddie gives every indication of wanting nothing to do with other birds at all. Petey, I think, is probably lonely, having once been bonded with another conure who was sold separately. Perhaps someday I can find him a conure friend who needs a buddy....

None of our birds is old enough to breed, and except for Rowan, all are males. Only time will tell how the flock dynamics will change as they reach sexual maturity. What I am determined to do, though, is make sure that these family members are birds first, and my companions second. We made a lifetime commitment to care for them to the best of our ability, and that includes appropritate feathered companions, the freedom to fly, a good diet, appropriate toys, our friendship and understanding, and a parrot-friendly and appropriate environment as spacious and enriching as we can afford.

Libby & Boca visit eachother often on the floor or the top of one of their cages. I still keep a very close eye on them when they do.
The two Budgies are in the same cage.
I would not trust Baby with any of the others.
Gem...Well, I hope he doesn't find a friend while he's out and about.

i am a huge fan of not only same size, but same continent. I"ve done quite a bit of research on who my mini macaws would socialize with in the wild, so I know which birds I could add if I ever wanted to. My Hahn's and Illiger's are bonded, which is a lot of fun to watch.

Our Illiger is best friends to a Mitred conure and our Hahn's if best friends with a Yellow Collar. On the larger Size our Caninde lives with our Severe. Everyone has a bird friend around here.....