MissK wrote:Hi Kate,
I have that situation in reverse - my Ringneck is the larger bird. Because he seems quite possessive of his toys, and possibly the cage, I never let him out at the same time as the smaller bird, a Budgerigar. In fact, I also prevent the Budgie from landing on the Ringneck's cage, to protect those precious toes from being bitten, and I cover the Budgie's cage when the IRN is out. They never get close enough to touch, and while this is sad, I feel it's the safest bet.
In retrospect, I'm not sorry to have the Budgie, but I do regret having to take all the precautions. I imagine that eventually I'll slip up, and then we'll learn if there is a true reason for concern or just a perceived one. In my opinion the main risks are toes being bitten off and beaks being destroyed. Actually, our vet also voiced some concern about the larger bird ripping off the smaller bird's beak. Of course, a beakless bird would most likely be euthanized, unless some great progress has been made for prosthetic beaks. But I don't think they are available.
They might be fine together, but it would be a great risk. So search your heart and really consider how you would like to live always keeping a step ahead of the birds coming into contact. I guess your Macaw really has the final vote.
Best wishes, and happy New Year,
-MissK
Thank you so much for your response, it is something that concerned me, what would happen if they didnt get along how would i cope and would it be fair on the bird.
I considered it for a long while and i think that as i have plently of space (they could live in seperate rooms) and plenty of time to devote to both that worst case senerio they would both be loved and cared for equally without a problem, but i of course am hopful that they will tolerate each other given plently of time and space
