Hi all it's Sasha and Uptown,

Happy Holidays!

After much deliberating, researching (which includes asking the wonderful members on this site for their opinions) and thought on the subject, my boyfriend and I have decided to adopt an aviary companion for Uptown. We understand the possibilities which come with the choice to add another bird to our family and feel Uptown and us will all benefit rather than not. So, any suggestions on where to start our search? I figured this was the best place but if anyone knows others please let me know.

We are looking for a bird whose life span is equal to that of Uptown (Uptown is a 1 1/2 year old Quaker, who we rescued from the streets of NYC he has a band so we knew he was not one of the many wild birds here in the NYC/NJ area). We recently spent time with a Senegalese and are thinking this species would be a nice addition as they are not as powerful vocally (Quaker owners know what I mean )

Please contact me if anyone has ideas or possibilities. I am willing to open further communication.

I am going away from 1/1/09 - 1/11/09 and boy the screening process to find someone to care for Uptown took in our area (NYC / NJ) took months, but we feel comfortable with the family we chose they have a parrotlet and a Senegalese of their own.

Hope everyone has a wonderful Holiday!

-All the best
Sasha, Ray and Uptown

First, as others have probably told you, you should decide what kind of bird YOU want rather than what Uptown might want. No matter what you get, the new bird and Uptown might not hit it off.

When we got a second bird, we got a parakeet (budgie) because I'd had one as a kid and wanted another. She and Clyde are company for each other when we're gone because their cages are next to each other, but he's kind of afraid of her when she's out of her cage and so much bigger that I doubt they'll ever be able to play together. We didn't get her for him but for us. So while it's nice that they chirp at each other and cute that Bonnie has a giant crush on Clyde, it's not like the dogs. When our Lab turned up and decided to stay, we consulted George before we took her in, to make sure he was OK with it, and he was, and they're buddies and play together, but dogs are a lot more willing to make friends with each other than birds are.

Something to keep in mind is that, initially, the birds might not seem to like each other much. If you keep them in cages side by side for a while, after they've calmed down a bit they might start to talk and bond.

Hey, I live in Silver Spring, MD (right outside DC) and I need to find a home for my quaker, he is about 5 years old. If you are interested shoot me an e-mail, emralph@gmail.com. I would love to give him to you since you already have a bird... I think he would really like to have a companion.