Can Two Parrots Live In One Cage?

Many parrot owners know the immense value of socialization and companionship for our birds.

In fact, parrots are some of the most social creatures and so ample socialization is incredibly important.

If you are considering getting a second parrot to be a friend to your current feathery pal, then there are several important things to consider.

One of the main issues parrot owners have is physical space.

A good cage, with a healthy amount of space for your parrot to move around in can take up a lot of room in our houses.

To combat this issue, you could be considering having both parrots live in the same cage.

But can two parrots live in the same cage?

The answer is yes, two parrots can live in one cage. However, there are a few factors that need to be taken into consideration for successful cohabitation, such as both parrots should be the same species and the opposite sex.

This article will explore some of the many considerations to be keep in mind when trying to house two parrots together in one cage, and the ways to keep each bird safe.

Successfully housing two parrots together will depend on the parrots, how they were raised, species, and sex.

In this article, we will talk about some of the reasons why you should or shouldn’t house parrots together, which species are best to live together, and the ways you can help to make two parrots living together as successful as possible.

As always, we recommended consulting with an avian veterinarian, or another professional when you are thinking about bringing two parrots to live together, especially in one cage, as there are so many variables that you should know before attempting anything.

 

Can parrots of the same species live together in one cage?

There are certain parrots who are usually more willing to have their companions live with them than others and are more welcoming to them joining their home.

As a general rule, two parrots of the same species do best together, like most, but not all, are very social with members of their own species, as long as they have enough personal space in the cage.

If you are housing two parrots of the same species together, it is usually best if they are of the opposite sex as it will help with lowering aggression between the birds.

Often when parrots are the same species, they will get to know each other well and often display shows of affection such as preening or feeding each other.

Even though parrots usually get along with their own species, it is important to remember that most parrots are territorial by nature and this can cause some issues, especially if they live in the same cage.

If you have two parrots of the same species but living in separate cages, it is probably best to allow them to remain that way.

Even if they get on well in neutral areas, such as the couch or a playpen, going inside the same cage together might cause fighting.

There are many exceptions to the rules of housing parrots together, and it’s quite often an individual case that dictates success, such as the personalities of the birds.

Again, always ask an expert before trying co-habitation even within the same species.

 

Can parrots of different species live together?

As housing two parrots of the same species doesn’t always go well, things get even trickier when owners try to mix and match different parrot species.

There are some species who will not enjoy another species company, and in fact it is usually recommended to house different species in their own personal spaces.

Some parrot species are known to be open and social with other species such as Budgies, Cockatiels, Hanging Parrots, Conures, Lovebirds, and Canaries.

On the other side, Cockatoos, Caiques, Lories, Macaws, and African Greys are notorious for their aggression, especially to different species.

 

What is the best way to introduce parrots to live together?

Though there is no way to ensure that two parrots will get along, there are some things that you can do that may help.

Purchasing both birds at the same time while they are still young is a good way of helping them live in peace together.

This way they will be housed together from a young age, raised together, and raised the same way.

This often works best with birds of the same species but can even work with birds of the same sex.

If they are opposite sex, make sure they are not related as there is the possibility, they will become mates and breeding partners later in life.

In some cases, introducing birds to each other can be done successfully by placing the birds beside each other for a observed period of time in separate cages.

As well they can be allowed to meet and play together in a neutral zone, so that the relationship between the two birds can develop naturally.

Keep in mind that this process can take weeks, months or even years to accomplish success.

 

What can go wrong when housing two parrots together in one cage?

Unfortunately, there are a few things that can go wrong when parrots are introduced or even begin living together after successful interactions.

Many parrots will squabble with each other, which is normal, but these disagreements can turn violent very quickly.

Parrot fighting can result in lost feathers, bites and scratches, but if the fighting is not interrupted it can end in serious injury or even death.

Two parrots of the same sex can get very territorial and fight one another, but this can happen with parrots of different sex as well.

Often the parrots will get along well for the first few months, but will become aggressive and hostile to each other when their adult hormones kick in.

If this happens, keeping the parrots in different rooms may be the only option.

Some owners will even be forced to install partitions to prevent their parrots from physically squabbling, which will do very little to stop them from squawking at each other.

None of this is to say that parrots cannot get along, as they often can have harmonious and happy cohabitation, but it is best to know the risks.

The endeavour is best approached with caution and patience.

One thing is for sure, there is no way to force two parrots to like each other.

 

What are the benefits of keeping two parrots together?

There are many benefits to keeping two parrots together, once the risks are taken into consideration.

Like most birds, parrots are very social creatures and like to have friends to play and visit with.

Socialization is key for parrots mental and physical health and two parrots can thoroughly enjoy each other’s presence.

Some owners are unable to give their parrots the attention that they need in order to stay happy and healthy due to commitments like work and their own family.

But if a parrot does not get enough social interaction they will suffer from psychological problems and can become moody, depressed and even anti-social.

In fact, some parrots will end up severely harming themselves if not socialized enough.

Having another parrot will be easier for them to interact and parrots enjoy being a part of a flock and a community.

Keeping two of them together will create a sense of a flock for them to enjoy.

It is recommended to have a male and female live together as they tend to get along much better, and they can even become mates.

Some parrots even mate for life!

 

What size of cage is best for two parrots to live in?

The cage is one of the most important considerations, though it is not the only thing to keep in mind.

However, having a cage big enough for two birds is a necessity.

Birds will likely develop territories within their environment, and each want to have their own space within a shared cage.

Even when two birds usually get along well, they will still have moments where they don’t want to be right next to each other and a big enough cage will help to deal with those problems.

When two separate cages are provided and each bird has their own possessions, such as toys, they tend to get along easier, so if you can find a cage that has enough room to separate their things it will help to discourage arguments.

Ultimately, having two parrots live in the same cage is much like having two children in the same room.

Sometimes they will get along extremely well and have a great time, but there will also be times when disagreements break out.

Fights and scabbles are part of parrot life, just like humans and so their own space is important to diffuse issues.

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