Mollie, although not a parrot, lived alone, and very happily so, for 9 years before I got Mira. He actually hates Mira and would probably much rather have the entire cage to himself again!

Dakota is 10 and has lived alone his entire life. He is completely happy with my mom as his sole love and companion.

Ollie is the only parrot in my apartment, and while not quite an adult (between 2 and 2.5 years), I believe 99.9% that bringing home another parrot would only upset her. She is an only fid at heart, and spoiled rotten. Having another parrot around would mean less attention spent on her, and less out of cage time.

I am not going to wait though. I've made up my mind I'm getting another bird and if the little guy can't be alone within his own cage he can put up with it for a few months until I can get him another parrolet playmate. As for vet bills Jean is healthy as a horse and I constantly moniter his behavior. Should he get sick I have savings I can pull into to make sure he's okay. But having 2 sick sun conures would be impossible. I underestand the birds may kill each other when alone, I get that, but there must be someone to hang out with them and I am not satisfied with only giving my bird 7 hours a day of my attention. They take away my stress and make me feel like I'm not alone My Jean is my baby. It's going to be a Plet or a cockatiel and that's only if I get the gumption up to get near the cage on that one. I'm willing to work through what ever to make this relationship work so please don't try to change my mind...my headache is back....*cries*

Tinna, I've been where you are right now -- wanting something very badly and determined to get it. And the more someone tried to talk me out of it, the more I wanted it. So I know how you are feeling right now, I think.

The folks here are giving you some very good advice and also making some very good points on why you might want to reconsider getting another bird at this time. But now does not seem to be the best time for you to hear this as you are not open to the message. And that's okay. Now just may not be the right time. None of us want to give you headaches -- we are just sharing personal experiences and opinions in an effort to help.

Here's my advice: I have found that with anything involving a major purchase -- and I think the purchase of a bird is always a major one -- that it's best to give myself at least 3 days to think on it -- to mull it over, make a list of pro's and cons, etc. I've walked into petshops and fallen in love with a bird there and wanted to buy it on the spot. But I now always give myself 3 days to think it over. If I still want it/him/her after 3 days, then I feel comfortable that I am not making an impulse purchase and have thought things through pretty thoroughly.

I would suggest that you give yourself that kind of time to mull the matter over. Read over what Camille, Cindy and others have said on the subject. Really think things through -- the financial ramifications, cage issues, the upside and the downside to expanding your flock at this time, whether a parrotlet or cockatiel is the right bird for you and Jean, etc. Then, if after 3 days you still feel it is in the best interests of Jean, yourself, and the proposed new bird that you add a flock member, then look for the right companion. At least you will have the peace of mind of knowing that you thought it through before bringing home a new bird.

I hope I have not made your headache worse. We all mean well and we know you do too. Hang in there!

You haven't discouraged me, just further cemented it. I've been on this horse for 2-3 months, and honestly my backside's been wore raw about it. I spoke about it to my mom, my friends, etc. Everyone gave it thought before giving me an answer right off the bat. I feel I am making the best decision. if something better crops up so be it. But, it's 3 days til my birthday so 3 more days to think, unless something else happens...I'm not going to move on this. And if you know where I am about the bird then you understand.