Naughty Black Capped Conure

Question
Hello Alicia,
I have a naughty black capped conure boy who is a year old, which I admit I have spoiled alot! He is getting better, and I've gotten more stern with the rules. I know he gets lonely while I'm at work during the day. We leave the tv/radio on for him and he has plenty of toys. My husband and I are debating about getting him a friend. We are thinking about a little cinnamon conure girl. Do you think this would be a good idea? He is starting to reach maturity and enjoys humping things, and I'm afraid he might be aggressive with her? Figured I'd ask an expert. Any suggestions or comments would be helpful.

Answer
hi! thanks for your question. i know what you mean, i still find it hard not to spoil my bad little sun conure boy rotten! first off, it sounds like you are trying your best to keep him occupied during the day (toys, TV, radio, etc.)  i also do this as my male sun conure is solitary.
in regards to your question about getting another bird to keep him company, there are a few things to consider.
first of all, you are absolutely right about being concerned with aggressive behavior. two birds, regardless of species or gender, have the potential to be aggressive toward one another.  usually, birds who have not been raised together can get quite territorial.  
second, if you did want to consider getting another bird, i would suggest getting a bird from the same species, if possible, another black capped. however, since black capped and cinnamon conures are both from the Pyrrhura species, I have heard that two Pyrrhuras can usually get along (as opposed to an Aratinga and a Pyrrhura etc.)  people have told me that they have mixed Pyrrhua subspecies and they have been fine together.
third, if you are considering a female, be prepared to deal with mating behavior, nesting behavior, and the possibility of dealing with chicks.  although you can remove a females eggs, she will continue to lay and this can be very energy consuming for her. additionally, the pair may become very protective of their nest and of one another. once they become a bonded pair (if they did) they may shun everyone else in their flock (meaning the two of you). the masturbatory (humping) behavior that you are witnessing is perfectly normal and healthy for a solitary bird who is trying to satisfy sexual urges.  he does not necessarily need a mate to do so as you have observed. as your bird gets further into sexual maturity, you may notice even more of this sexual behavior.
finally, getting a second bird entails twice the noise, twice the mess, twice the food/supplies/toys, and twice the bonding time with you and your husband, and so on. this may need to be taken into consideration if your time, budget, and space is limited.
i would take all of these into account before even purchasing the bird.  i am not downplaying the significance of how important it is for birds to be social and have more people in their flock. however, sometimes getting another bird isn't necessarily the answer. solitary birds can do just fine if you continue what you have been doing and try to spend as much of your down time with him as well. i would hate to see you purchase a new bird only to have to return her after realizing that the match isn't "working" out or to see either bird get injured by aggressive behavior. this lands many birds in shelters or in the vets' office.
i hope all of these suggestions help. good luck with your decision and congrats on your sweet lil spoiled baby boy!!!  alicia