Should You Buy One or Two?

As humans, we have a unique ability to project our thoughts and emotions onto other creatures. Oftentimes, this happens with our pets. As pet owners, we want to do what is right for those special animals in our care. We want them to have plenty of food and water, a safe place to life, and a happy life. Many times the owner of a solitary bird will ask if his/her bird needs a friend. Maybe the bird does, and maybe the bird doesn't.

Birds are flock creatures, and most of their daily lives are built around other birds. As a bird owner, you may have noticed that in the early evening or early morning your bird becomes more vocal, just as wild birds do. This is so your bird can connect with its "flock" in the morning for a nice "hello" and to ensure that everyone is safe and sound before he goes to bed at night.

A bird cannot completely preen itself without help from its flock. The nape of its neck and the back of its head are very sensitive areas for your bird, and in the wild, birds will take turn preening these hard-to-reach areas. During molting, your bird will especially enjoy being scratched there.

Yet, just because birds are designed to be flock creatures, doesn't mean that your bird has to have a companion. Before I placed him into a breeding situation, my parrotlet LittleHawk enjoyed me and my husband as members of his flock. LittleHawk would sit on my shoulder for hours on end, pausing only to run over to his playgym and have a bite to eat. He routinely stuck out his head to be scratched, and cooed appreciatively when we had hit an especially sensitive spot. We're still a part of his life, but now that he has a partner, SheBear, she is his preferred preening partner.

A solitary bird can be a happy, well-adjusted bird. The responsibility of making this happen lies with the owner. First of all, a solitary bird must have time outside its cage. If your bird isn't tame enough to sit on your finger or interact with you without flying across the room, now is the time to work with your bird. Many books, such as "The Guide to a Well Behaved Parrot" by Mattie Sue Athan, and web sites, such as Birds N Ways or The copyright of the article Should You Buy One or Two? in Small Hookbills is owned by Mary Wilson. Permission to republish Should You Buy One or Two? in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.