raising 2 AG babies at one time

[pennybickley]

We recently lost our beloved African Grey, Seymour, after 35 years. We have recently purchased 2 male African Grey babies who are still at the breeder's. Should we house them in separate cages? What are some of the problems we will encounter? Thank you, PB

[Guest]

It all depends on how close they are. Are they really close at the breeder's? One thing to remember is that when you cage two birds, one becomes more dominant than the other. So, the decision is really up to you.

When you bring them in separately, the best way is to have them in separate cages and let THEM tell you if they ever want to move in together. I have lots of articles on this issue in the article section of this site.

I suggest that you talk with the breeder about the idea of one cage. If it were me, I would have separate cages but let them be fairly close together so the birds can "visit" each other when cage doors are open. If they start hanging out together constantly in one cage, then I would let them stay together.

Hope this helps,
Maggie-

[Guest]

Maggie,

Thankyou for the reply.

We now have the 2 babies at home and we have 2 cages for them. They are definitely starting to compete with each other - sometimes fighting over the same perch or the same shoulder. At first we let them hang out on one cage. Then we put them on separate cages, but they each flew to the other's cage. At night they sleep in separate roosting cages and I certainly feel they need their own space most of the time.

At the breeder's they were always together with their sister, but they each had their own cage too. As you advised I asked her and she suggested 2 cages also.

I will definitely visit your other articles on the issue, for this is a new experience for us.
Thanks, Penny

[Guest]

AS IT WAS A CHALLENGE FOR ME!!! I had the advantage of Jane Hallander (animal communicator/avian behavior consultant) helping me understand every step. The issue of TOP BIRD would be harder for you though, since they came in together.

It WILL work out. Ask any questions you want.
Maggie-