I've been told, I have brother and sister GW's. How true this is, I have no idea. They do not have any physical contact. They are side by side on play gyms, outside aviaries and play cages. Each has their own everything but it sits inches away from the other one.

They don't sit and look at each other. They don't each sit as close as possible to each side of their cage, play gyms or aviary. They most often sit, play or eat with their backs to each other.

I'm not getting any indication that they want to be anything more that visual buddies. Do you think if they wanted to be bonded or physical buddies, they would make some attempt to seek each other out?

I think so! And maybe this is enough for them. Its the same with Occy and Alex. But Occy and Afa play close and kiss.

If they wanted to become a bonded pair, it would be really hard for you to stop them! If I were you I would be very grateful to have them the way they are. Bonded pet macaws can be really not fun to deal with! I have to keep my BG, Midori away from MaiTai the GW at all times, she becomes very overprotective and aggressive if allowed any contact at all. they are in the sme room and are out on their stands daily so it's not like they are isolated. MaiTai though, enjoys bird company but still really likes people too. MAiTai really does not like Midori being overly bonded to her as she gets anxious and tries to get away from Midori. No one is interested in Mr.Max though! He has shown no interest in them either. So I keep kim in the middle cage so they are not next to each other. So far so good!

I think they would make some move but I also think it's too soon. Given their background. A couple of years seems like a long time to us but I don't think it is to an older Macaw. Older meaning their ages. I know a Grey who never did ONE THING after she went to her rescue including move on her perch. Her caretaker had to actually move her feet. She sat there catatonic. In a big open non caged required bird room with other birds. For a whole year. Then finally with the help of a little Senegal who befriended her she bit one string with a bead on it. Then she actually chewed the little bead off it a week or more later. It was a long haul.

I read of another bird afraid of light after living in a closet. Over a year still afraid of light after moving to a rescue but marginally better.

I think they're a comfort and strength to each other and are happy to learn what a real life is and aren't in any hurry to risk losing their food, you, their little posessions and security. Time is the thing. And they're still recouperating from physical stuff so I think they know they're in no way ready for the next step. Yet. I think they're good for now, imo and sound really happy. They're probably like "no way am I messing this deal up sharing anything" LOL.

This is good to know. I was kind of thinking that the 6 inches that I put between them wasn't a barrier if they truly wanted to physically be with each other, but wasn't sure.

I guess this is one of those cases where I was only thinking about the good things that their companionship could bring. It's good to have a reminder that bonded birds can change the dynamics of a household sometimes. I want what's best for them, but I have to admit the way things are right now work very well.

Thanks! Kita who has gained over 200 grams in just a little over a year readily agrees that she ain't sharing any of HER food.

I totally agree with oxyxena, they'd be clinging to the cage sides yapping all the time back and forth and trying to fly away from you onto the other's area when out. Just like bratty Piper has done with the boy Budgie for the past sixteen months! (but then she bites him LOL)

I'm snagging your piggy gif if you don't mind it's perfect!