Ringneck and African grey

Question
QUESTION: Hi,

I have a female indian ringneck which I had for +-1 year. She is not a tame bird. She has a large cage and I feel that she needs a partner. I am considering an african grey. What I would like to know can I add the African grey to her cage?

Thank you
Craig

ANSWER: Hi Craig,

9 times out of 10 birds of different species do not do well together.  When they do it's because they were introduced to each other at a very young age.  Because of the size difference here, I definitely would not recommend mixing these two together unless you are willing to do it VERY gradually and if it does not work out, you are willing to keep them housed separately.  I have nine parrots in my home, all are different species except for my three lovebirds.  I've tried introducing all of them to each other at one time or another and the only ones that get along with each other are the lovebirds (obviously, they are the mom and her two babies) and my Nanday Conure and Green Cheek Conure - who are a bonded, non-breeding pair.  Those two were introduced to each other at a very young age and after quarantining the Nanday for 30 days, they hit it off immediately!  All of them are kept in the same room, in close proximity, but not close enough to engage in any fighting.  

So unless you are ok with the good probability of having to keep them separated, I would recommend you don't bring a Grey into your home.  It's just a hit or miss situation that you should be prepared for the possibility of it not working out.  

I hope this helps and wish you the best.

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thanks for the quick reply. What would be the ideal partner for her, without consequences? Thanks for your help.

Answer
My first thought would be another Ringneck - however there is no guarantee there either.  Maybe a conure of some sort, but again - no guarantees.  No matter what you may bring home - it's going to be a trial period situation and you must be prepared/ok with housing them separately if they do not get along.

If you do decided to bring a new bird in your home - no matter what, quarantine the new bird from you current bird for 30 - 45 days in a separate room to assure no illness is passed.  (Also have the new bird examined by a good avian vet during this time). This will give them time to "talk" to each other from across the home as well which may help when the face to face introduction starts as well as help you monitor the reaction of both birds just from hearing each other.

When the introduction is made - it should be in a room or area of the home that is neutral to both birds with either cage out of site.  A playstand in an area neither of them are familiar with is a good place to start.  Remember slow and steady here.