Bonded Pairs and You

Ringo (orange wing amazon), as always, being JoJo’s (yellow nape amazon) security. I cannot look, talk, get close to, or touch JoJo without Ringo’s permission.

But not all bonded pairs are like this. Even though Ringo is so protective, JoJo could care less, as long as he comes back to his boyfriend eventually. He also doesn’t care if I handle Ringo, though he knows if Ringo is coming, he is as well.

My other pair, two females Rosie (cinnamon pineapple green cheek conure) and Maui (sun conure), are very bonded, but you can handle both independently. They would prefer to travel together, and if you forget one, they’ll come flying over. But they’re still both super friendly with others and each other.

A lot of people say don’t bond birds because then they will want nothing to do with you. I have rarely found that to be the case. Yes, the relationship can change, but you can still interact with them and still have those bonds and relationships.

Pairing birds is very beneficial to the bird. It’s been scientifically proven that parrots do better in captive care with a buddy. It also gives them that companionship while you’re not there to give it to them, helping them be more independent, which can decrease behaviors like screaming and mutilation.

Not every bird wants to be paired due to early socializing from a bad breeder for not socializing them heavily with birds and humans at a young age for the most success. But majority of birds would benefit from another bird when you find that good match. Remember, you can’t expect two strangers to get along because you want them tp, similar to humans. It has the be the right personality and species match.