How Important is it For Parrots to share their Lives With Other Parrots?

[spiritbird]

In my opinion its very important. The social enrichment of humans can be variable and inconsistent at times which in turn may confuse the Parrot.
Its bad enough that our captive parrots have a lack of foraging in the wilds, lack of free flight and general lack of stimulation. To separate them from like flock members (similar or same species bird) no wonder many of then have behavior issues. In a birds natural living environment it is rare that a Parrot not have a mate, even if its same sex mate or family group. Sometimes its a seasonal flock they will join every year. Of course there are many parrots that are kept on their own with no other birds in the home they can relate to. I am sure they are catered to and are well adjusted. They may be missing out on relating to other birds but how do we know? That raises the question do our birds see us as humans or as we often say we are the birds flock?

So many thoughts running in my brain this am.

[BirdWhisperer]

Omg I deleted another post grrr... Anyway... Some birds see us as their flock I'm sure.

I think Jazzy thinks I'm her momma, she will preen me, head bop and show off her feathers to me, and she just loves to be near me.

As for Ruby she has bonded with me but she does love her alone time. After qaurrantine maybe they can meet.

[kendrafitz]

I agree Dianne. Not having another parrot for Rosie is something I struggle with.

There are a few reasons we have only Rosie. Namely, she gets looney if she sees me interacting with another parrot. My fear is we would bring another bird in and it would end disastrously. I also don't think I could handle 2 macaws. Not to mention Jef and the kids would move out.

If possible, I believe it is probably psychologically healthier for birds to have bird flock mates. Of course I also think the healthiest thing would be for them to have never been made human companions in the first place.

[Casper's 2nd best friend]

An excellent question Dianne.
Casper doesn't show any interest in other parrots when he meets them in the vets which does sort of worry me because shouldn't he be curious? But then again, it is a relief because I don't feel so bad about him not having any parroty friends at home.

[spiritbird]

Good answers.

[Mare]

We are their flock, especially if there are no other birds around to associate with. Before I brought Sassy home, Amigo had only us to be his flock mates. Even though he dislikes Sassy, very much, he is happy to have her in his room with him. He frets when we bring her out in the living room area to hang with us. Hmmm..could be he's just jealous :). JK, he's always more relaxed when she is back in the same room. The cockatiels are very happy having each other, too.

[spiritbird]

How do we know if they think of us as flock or humans? We don't have feathers or beaks.

[BirdWhisperer]

How do we know if they think of us as flock or humans? We don't have feathers or beaks.

Makes sense. My Ruby is like my buddy I think of her also as my child but we are more so pals. And jazmine is more like a baby, she licks me and tries to preen my hair. We are all big happy family, when the test comes back we can all be together all my birds. :)

Maybe we should get a bird outfit and we shall be accepted. hehe