rollo@xerxes.Xylogics.COM (Dena Rollo) (06/06/91)
I have a four-year-old yellow-naped Amazon (named Puck); I've had her (presumed to be, never been sexed) since she was 14 weeks old, and she's always been very attached to me, although she's not strictly a one-person bird. Here's my dilemma, and my question: Lately, she's been a lot less cuddly, doesn't like to be scratched very often (she's always liked to be held and scratched as often as I've been willing to do it (though I'm the only one she allows to do this). She's not ill- was recently at the vet for a routine checkup, eats, plays and SCREAMS as much as ever, etc. I know she's reaching sexual maturity, and while she used to "copulate" on me quite often she hasn't been doing this much either (can't say I miss it!). I'm worried that she's lonely- I've had less time for her lately. Also, there's going to be a new (human) baby in the house in January. And I'm worried about Puck's reaction to that (she's always been an only child). So here's the question: I'd like to get her a companion, but I'm not sure which way to go. Has anyone here with a large bird made this decision, and how did it go? I'm not sure whether she'd get along better with another bird, or with another kind of pet (i.e. a dog). She hasn't had any contact with other birds since she was a baby; she *has* lived with dogs on a temporary basis, and seemed to like that just fine. If I do decide on a bird (which seems more "natural" to me, but I'm not sure it will to her), I'm not sure if she'd do better with another nape, or with something else (African grey, conure?). I'd consider having her sexed and getting another nape for possible breeding, but frankly, that's not my main concern, and I'm not at all sure she's good breeding material (as I'm not at all sure she even knows she's a bird). But I'm absolutely not ruling it out. And while companionship for Puck is a prime motivation, don't worry - any animal in my house will be taken very good care of (and I personally would love to get a dog). So, anyone out there introduce their parrot to a new bird/other animal? How did it go? Was it eventually positive for the first bird? Any suggestions, replies, etc. would be much appreciated. Thanks very much. Dena