Introducing another Quaker into our clutch

Question
We have a very sweet quaker about 3 y.o.- she's healthy, happy as can be, big
talker, loves her showers and she spends most waking hours ON me or my
husband which we don't mind. I work out of the house, I'm usually gone by
8am and don't get home until after 6. My husband works at home and is
there most of the time but sometimes has to leave her for as long as 8 hours
at a time. It's so pitiful, almost panic, she gets herself so worked up when she
can tell that he's leaving.  He and I have talked about getting another baby for
her to be friends with - not looking to breed. But a pal for her and another
Quaker for us to love. We aren't sure how to introduce another bird into our
"clutch" without causing jealousy or perhaps the new baby getting injured. Do
you have any suggestions as to what the best way for us to bring home
another quaker and us all "bonding"?

Answer
We have a unique way of keeping our flock at the ready for new additions: Get the cage you'd need for a new Quaker and outfit it with all the appropriate perches, food bowls and the like.  Take your time, do this over a period of days or even longer and include a 'snuggly', snood or other Quaker looking toy for the new guy to feel secure with when he/she gets there. While you're waiting, talk to the empty cage and regularly reach in and busy yourself with moving food bowls as if you were changing them.
 After a while you're established bird won't think twice about this new cage (expect her to put up a fuss at first and be wary, but do not let her IN the new cage) - and that's the time to bring home your new addition.

 We never recommend housing two birds of any kind together in the same cage since this often encourages them to bond with each other (even if they are different species) rather than maintain their loyalty to their human.

 I also understand how you feel about the separation anxiety your little one shows.  The display likely ends shortly after your husband leaves the house and is not unlike a child throwing a tantrum when mommy leaves.  Once mommy's gone, it's not unusual for the child to just stop, shake it off and engage with something else. It's nothing more than a 'show'.
 To help put your mind at ease, install a video camera one day as you leave.  It's pretty surprising.

 Take a look at how we set up our flock and let me know if you have any other questions ok?

 www.4AnimalCare.org (click on 'birds')