Parrots are intelligent, social animals whose lives in the wild are shaped by constant interaction with others. For most species, daily life involves foraging, flying, communicating, resting and making decisions as part of a group. These social relationships are not a luxury - they are fundamental to Parrot wellbeing.

When Parrots are kept as companions in the UK, those instincts don?t disappear. Research has consistently shown that Parrots who lack appropriate social interaction are more likely to develop behavioural problems such as screaming, feather-plucking, anxiety and repetitive behaviours (Meehan et al., 2003; van Hoek & ten Cate, 1998). This growing body of evidence has shaped modern welfare advice and is one reason many experienced keepers choose to live with more than one Parrot.

That said, Parrots are also highly individual. Living with multiple Parrots can be hugely enriching, but it requires planning, patience, and a good understanding of how Parrots manage relationships. This article explores how Parrots live socially in the wild, how those patterns influence life in our homes, how to introduce birds safely, and how UK owners can create a calm, enriching environment where multiple Parrots can thrive.

1. How Parrots Live Socially in the Wild

Understanding wild behaviour helps set realistic expectations for life with Parrots at home. Importantly, not all Parrots socialise in the same way.

Old World and New World Parrots

Parrots are broadly divided by geography into Old World and New World species, and their social lives reflect this. Old World Parrots, from Africa, Asia and Australasia, include African Greys, Ringnecks, Lovebirds and many Cockatoos. In the wild, these species typically spend most of their time with their own species, often in stable family groups or familiar flocks.

Strong recognition of familiar individuals helps provide security and predictability in their environment. New World Parrots, from Central and South America, include Conures, Macaws and Amazon Parrots. These birds are more commonly seen in larger and more flexible groupings, where different Parrot species may forage or roost in the same areas. While they still form close bonds with their own species, they are often more tolerant of sharing space with other Parrots.

These differences don?t mean that Old World Parrots cannot live alongside other species, or that New World Parrots will automatically accept any companion. However, they do help explain why some Parrots are more adaptable to multi-bird households than others. For UK owners, the key takeaway is this: calm coexistence is a success. Parrots don?t need to be inseparable to live well together.

2. Why Social Living Matters for Companion Parrots

Social Contact and Welfare

Scientific reviews of Parrot welfare consistently highlight social interaction as one of the most important factors influencing mental health (Seibert, 2006). Birds deprived of meaningful interaction - whether with people or other Parrots - are at significantly higher risk of stress-related behaviours.

For Parrots in UK homes, another bird can:

• Provide companionship when owners are at work or out
• Increase alertness, activity and vocal interaction
• Encourage natural behaviours such as exploration and play
• Even Parrots that never physically interact often benefit from simply sharing a room with another bird.

3. UK and European Welfare Perspectives

In the UK, there is no specific law that outright bans keeping a single Parrot. However, UK animal welfare legislation and guidance strongly emphasise meeting an animal?s behavioural needs.

The Animal Welfare (Licensing of Activities Involving Animals) (England) Regulations 2018

These regulations, along with the Animal Welfare Act 2006, require owners to meet animals? needs, including:

• A suitable environment
• A suitable diet
• The ability to express normal behaviour.
• Protection from pain, suffering, injury, and disease

For Parrots - widely recognised as social animals - this increasingly means appropriate social interaction,whether with other birds or through significant daily engagement with humans.

European Context

Across Europe, welfare thinking is moving in the same direction. Switzerland goes further than the UK by explicitly classifying Parrots as social animals that should not be kept in complete isolation. While the UK has not adopted this approach in law, the scientific reasoning behind it is widely accepted by avian vets, behaviourists and welfare organisations.

In practical terms, UK owners are increasingly encouraged to consider companionship - especially for Parrots left alone for long periods - as part of responsible care.

4. Preparing for a New Parrot Health, Quarantine, and Settling In

Before any introductions, new Parrots should be quarantined for around 30 days and checked by an avian vet. This protects existing birds and allows the newcomer to settle into a new home without pressure. Stress compromise?s immune function, and illness can spread easily between birds, particularly during early interactions.

Letting Birds Get Used to Each Other

Early exposure should involve:

• Separate cages
• Visual and vocal contact
• No physical interaction

Relaxed body language, curiosity, and gentle vocalisations are positive signs. Lunging, frantic movement, or persistent distress signals the need for more time.

5. Introducing Parrots Safely at Home Use Neutral Spaces

Initial face-to-face meetings should take place in a neutral area, such as a play stand or table neither bird normally uses. This reduces stress and prevents territorial behaviour.

Early sessions should be:

• Short
• Calm
• Closely supervised
• Always end interactions before tension escalates.
• Moving at the Birds? Pace

As comfort increases:

• Allow brief shared out-of-cage time
• Gradually move cages closer together
• Increase shared time only if both birds remain relaxed

Never force Parrots to share cages or perches. Many Parrots prefer having their own space, even when they enjoy each other?s company.

6. Managing Competition and Jealousy

What Owners May Notice

In multi-Parrot homes, tension often appears as:

• One bird repeatedly displacing another from favourite spots or going into or landing on another?s cage.
• Guarding food bowls or toys
• Increased noise when attention is given elsewhere.
• Withdrawal or stress behaviours in quieter birds

These behaviours usually reflect uncertainty or competition, not malice.

Practical Ways UK owners can reduce stress by:

• Providing duplicates of food bowls, water dishes, toys, and perches
• Offering choice, with perches at different heights and locations
• Balancing attention, spending individual time with each bird daily
• Creating positive shared experiences, such as group foraging trays or training sessions
• Intervening when you see one of the birds attempting to land on or access another?s cage.
• Providing screens if the Parrots' cages need to be close to each other, will prevent either from trying to intimidate the other and give each personal space and privacy.

Predictable routines and enrichment have been shown to reduce stress and behavioural problems in Parrots (Seibert, 2006).

7. Enrichment in Multi-Parrot Homes

Social contact alone is not enough. Parrots need mental and physical stimulation every day.

Effective enrichment includes:

• Foraging opportunities
• Puzzle feeders
• Shreddable materials
• Regular rotation of toys

In homes with multiple Parrots, enrichment should be plentiful, so no bird feels excluded. Shared activities can be valuable, but interaction should always be voluntary.

8. Species Differences and Individual Personalities

Personality matters more than species labels. A confident bird may settle quickly, while a cautious one may need months. Size differences can also matter. Larger Parrots may unintentionally intimidate smaller ones even without aggression. Success should be measured by calm coexistence, not physical closeness.

9. When Separate Living Works Better

Sometimes, Parrots are happier living separately with supervised interaction - and that is perfectly acceptable.

Many Parrots thrive with:

• Separate cages
• Shared rooms
• Visual and vocal contact
• Supervised out-of-cage time

If stress or aggression persists, seek advice from an avian vet or qualified behaviourist. Welfare must always come first.

Conclusion: A Thoughtful Approach to a Peaceful Flock

Living with more than one Parrot can greatly enrich your birds? lives when approached carefully. By respecting natural social instincts, understanding wild behaviour, meeting welfare needs, and allowing relationships to develop at their own pace, owners can create a calm, stimulating environment.

Parrots don?t need to be best friends to live well together. Choice, security and positive experiences matter far more ? and with patience, a multi-Parrot home can become a contented, thriving flock.