I would love to get a small companion for Dobby even though he is not left alone for any long period of time. I'm thinking he would not be so starved for attention from me. I don't want him to lose interest in me but even now that I've trained him to stay off me, he still makes this noise of frustration for not having physical contact all the time. I'm thinking that since I live alone and he looks to me for entertainment when his toys become boring, another bird might help. (or any animal, really)
The one main concern, is my grouchy upstairs neighbor. She and her son hate the noise and still stomps everytime Dobby gets excited and screeches.
So, I'm looking for suggestions. I've been looking at finches. They're quiet, right? and they don't require a lot of attention but they are beautiful and I love the soft noise they make.
Will this do the trick or should I let Dobby remain the king fid?

Well I can honestly say that having other birds doesn't keep Max entertained in the least. She completely ignores them unless they get too close to her (then she just wants to eat them).

I've always said.....never get a bird for your bird. If you want another bird, then great!! But don't buy one specifically for your exhisting bird. They really do do fine on their own.

Kinda like buying a pet for your pet?

I have to totally agree.

lol, it's not what I wanted to hear but I appreciate the honesty. I guess that could be considered "trying a quick fix"

I agree, don't get the bird for the bird...get the bird because you want the bird yourself...If you're having trouble giving Dobby the attention you think he needs having two birds is gonna make it worse...2 birds require more time...twice as much work, cage cleaning feeding etc.

Finches don't require the one on one attention that the quakers and others need but they take just as much if not more cage cleaning and feeding etc. Just a little suggestion, if you decide to go with finches...get even numbers of bird regardless of the sex but its better if you have even of each especially if you're planning on letting them breed...

But again, don't get another bird unless YOU want the bird.

yes, quite honestly, Dobby is all I want and the place isn't big enough for a large bird or dog, etc. but I worry about his happiness and if he is getting enough socialization, especially when I put him on his playstand and he won't play, instead he stares at me and makes these wierd sounds. He leans forward like he has to get as close as possible to me. I know someone suggested putting him in a small cage but then he really acts like he's going to die of loneliness.

Funny you mention that about Dobby on the playstand just sitting there. Georgie is like that too. Just sits on one foot all fluffed up and staring at everything I do. I tell her all the time that a play stand is for play, not sulking because you have a feather in the wrong place.

Dodger had always been an independent bird..happy to play on the playstand with his toys.But after we added more birds to the home, he went through a period where he HAD to be with me ALL the time...I guess it was jealousy.I have since been able to curb that...but getting another bird may have the opposite effect of what you are trying to do....