Should You Get a Second Bird? | Queenslander Aviaries

Thinking about getting a second bird? It can be a great move, especially if your bird spends a lot of the day without company. The important part is knowing that two birds will not automatically become friends.

Before bringing another bird home, you need enough space, time and equipment to care for both birds separately. Some become inseparable. Others are perfectly happy living in their own cages and chatting from across the room.

Here is what to think through first.

Jump to Why Get a Second Bird?, Will My Bird Still Bond With Me?, Same Species or Different?, Will They Breed?, How to Introduce a New Bird, What Extra Gear Will You Need? or Frequently Asked Questions.

Why Get a Second Bird?

Many companion birds are highly social. Another bird gives them someone to watch, call to and spend time near while the household is busy. If they form a close bond, they may also play and preen together.

That does not mean every bird needs a cage mate. Some prefer their own space, and adding a second bird will not automatically fix screaming, biting or feather damaging behaviour. If your bird's behaviour has changed, start with an avian vet check and look at its diet, routine, sleep, cage setup and enrichment before assuming loneliness is the cause.

You also need to want the second bird yourself. There is always a chance the birds will not get along, leaving you with two cages, two routines and two birds needing individual attention.

Will My Bird Still Bond With Me?

Usually, yes. A bird with a companion may be less dependent on people for attention, but that is not the same as becoming untame.

Keep handling, training and spending individual time with each bird. This is especially helpful during the first few months, when the new relationship is forming. If having a very people focused bird is your main priority, one bird with plenty of daily interaction may suit you better.

Should You Choose the Same Species or a Different One?

Two birds of the same species are often the easiest match because they use similar body language, eat a similar diet and are closer in size. Two Budgies or two Cockatiels can work well, but personality still matters. Being the same species does not guarantee they will like each other.

Different species can enjoy each other's company, although sharing a cage is not always a good idea.

Size and beak strength matter. A larger bird can badly injure a smaller bird, even if the clash only lasts a few seconds. A Conure and a Budgie, for example, should not be treated as an even match.
Space changes things. Budgies and Cockatiels may live together successfully in a large aviary, but a household cage gives them far less room to avoid each other.
Some birds are more territorial. Lovebirds can be particularly determined around cages, food and favourite spots.
Their diets may not match. Separate cages make it easier to see what each bird is eating and feed them appropriately.

For most mixed species households, separate cages with supervised time together are the more practical setup.

Will Two Birds Breed?

A male and female of the same species may breed if they form a pair and the conditions encourage it. Indoor birds can show breeding behaviour at any time of year, although longer daylight hours and warmer weather can have an effect.

Nest boxes, enclosed huts and dark spaces that feel like a nest can encourage breeding behaviour. If you do not plan to breed, leave these out and speak with an avian vet if either bird becomes hormonal, territorial or starts laying eggs.

Many parrots cannot be reliably sexed just by looking at them. An adult Budgie's cere can provide a useful guide in many cases, while DNA testing is a reliable option for species without clear visual differences. Your avian vet can advise you on the right method.

Choosing two birds of the same sex prevents fertile eggs, but they can still form a pair bond and hens can still lay. It is worth knowing the signs of egg binding, even when there is no male present.

How Do You Introduce a New Bird?

Do not put a new bird straight into your existing bird's cage. A bird can look healthy while carrying an illness, and suddenly sharing territory can lead to a serious fight.

Book an avian vet check. Your vet can examine the new bird and recommend testing based on its species and history.
Quarantine in a separate room. Many avian vets recommend around 30 to 45 days, but follow the timeframe given by your own vet.
Keep their equipment separate. Care for your existing bird first, then the new bird, and wash your hands between them.
Let them see each other gradually. Once quarantine is finished and your vet is happy, place the cages in the same room with some distance between them. Move them closer slowly while watching both birds' reactions.
Meet on neutral ground. Start with short, supervised sessions on a play gym or another area neither bird claims as its own.
Do not rush cage sharing. Calm behaviour during several meetings is encouraging, but some birds should always have their own cages.

If you eventually try a shared cage, use a roomy setup that neither bird already considers its territory. Include separate food and water stations, give them several places to rest and watch closely for guarding, chasing or bullying.

What Extra Gear Will You Need?

Start with a second cage. You will need it during quarantine and may continue using it permanently if the birds prefer their own space. A spare cage is also useful when one bird needs quiet time or veterinary care. For Budgies, Cockatiels, Conures and Ringnecks, the Bono Fido Flight Cage is a good size for quarantine and works as a spare afterwards.

Browse our bird cages and choose one for the bird that will actually live in it. If different sized birds may eventually share, the bar spacing must suit the smaller bird, while the overall size and construction must also suit the larger bird and its stronger beak.

In a shared setup, provide at least two food and water stations in different areas so one bird cannot control access. Multiple perches, comfortable resting spots and a good spread of toys also give them room to make their own choices. Our guide to choosing perches for a bird cage can help you set up a practical mix.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it better to have one bird or two?

It depends on the bird and your household. A second bird can provide company, but one bird can also do well with enough interaction, enrichment and attention. Only add another bird if you are prepared to care for both separately.

Will a second bird make my bird less tame?

Not necessarily. Your bird may become less dependent on you for attention, but regular handling, training and individual time can help maintain your relationship.

Can a Budgie and a Cockatiel live together?

They may live together successfully in a large aviary, but sharing a household cage is less predictable. Separate cages with supervised time together give each bird more control over its own space.

Can Lovebirds live with other species?

It can be risky because Lovebirds may be territorial and can injure smaller or less assertive birds. Separate cages are usually the more practical choice.

How long should I quarantine a new bird?

Many avian vets recommend around 30 to 45 days in a separate room. Arrange a vet check and follow the quarantine and testing advice given for your birds.

Can I put a new bird straight in with my current bird?

No. Complete quarantine first, then introduce the birds gradually in separate cages before allowing short, supervised meetings.

Can two birds share one cage?

Some can, but both birds must be compatible and the cage must give them room to move away from each other. Many pairs are happier in separate cages placed nearby.

Should I get two males, two females or a male and female?

A male and female of the same species may produce fertile eggs. Two birds of the same sex remove that possibility, but they can still bond, show breeding behaviour and, in the case of hens, lay eggs.

How do I tell if my bird is male or female?

In adult Budgies the cere colour is a useful guide. For many other parrots there is no reliable visual difference, and DNA testing through your avian vet is the most reliable option.

How long does it take two birds to get along?

It can take anywhere from a few days to a few months, and some birds never become close. Sitting near each other calmly, preening each other and eating side by side are good signs.

Do two birds need separate food bowls?

Yes. Provide at least two food and water stations in different areas so one bird cannot guard access.

Will two birds be louder than one?

Often, yes. They may call to each other, especially in the morning and late afternoon. Some birds call less for human attention once they have company, but a quieter home is never guaranteed.

What should I do if my birds fight?

Separate them immediately if there is chasing, biting, injury or one bird is being kept away from food and water. Return them to their own cages and slow the introduction down. Some birds should never share a cage.