Parrots flock together in the wild as a means of security and protection. When we put them into our environment, even though they are much safer, their instincts still tell them that they need to flock. Parrots are thus “hard wired” in their desire to be part of a Flock. Because this instinct is so strong, Being left alone most of the day can produce undesirable behaviors. These include but are not limited to: screaming, feather plucking, and aggression. I believe this is a direct result of the anxiety they feel from being alone. Toys and other stimuli can be helpful, but fall short in fulfilling their ultimate need for companionship.
The parrot that will become a very close friend, talk the most, and come to believe that it is more “human” than “bird”, is the one that has an owner that can offer lots of time. This requires a big commitment. People who are retired or work from home can usually fulfill this requirement. Although many of us desire this relationship, and may even believe we are capable of giving it, find that it is difficult day in and day out for years on end. This type of owner is ideal but the percentages show that these owners are less common. I attended a bird mart on one particular occasion and witnessed first-hand one of such people. This man had his Ring-neck Parakeet with him and had such a close bond with the bird that it seemed they shared a sixth sense. I’ve seen this in “flock mates” or closely bonded breeding pairs. When I saw this man interact with his bird I Thought “it would be neat to have that kind of bond with one of my birds” but I just don’t have the time at this stage in my life. I am much more content as a flock member that my five macaws accept as a welcomed guest going in and out of their daily activities.
Now, what does this mean for the majority of us who want a pet bird but can’t be the perfect companion? I would seriously consider getting two birds that are compatible, and caging them separately, but allowing them to see each other or be together outside the cage during the day. Compatible birds are usually around the same size but not necessarily the same species, although being of the same parrots is helpful. My five pets are a Green winged Macaw, a Scarlet Macaw, a Blue & Gold Macaw, a Buffons Macaw, and a Red Fronted Macaw. They are not the same species but are of the same family of macaws. I let them be together all day every day, outside of their cages, but they sleep in separate cages at night. I can interact with most of them as much or as little as I have time for and am able to love my birds for their beauty and their individual personalities. I love to offer treats, scratch their heads, talk to them, and play with them. I always encourage the bond they share together. It is the healthiest thing for their ultimate well-being. I am part of their “flock” but not the only or most important part. They have each other. I can leave them for long periods of time while I’m on vacation and I don’t worry that they will be alone and anxious. “Flock abandonment” can and does produce extreme fear and anxiety in many birds. My birds are allowed to be “just birds”, but at the same time they are my pets. For me this is “the best of both worlds”. Parrots were intended to live in groups, not as solitary animals. I seem to add to my “flock” continually as I find many people are not able to keep these large birds for as long as they can live.
So the answer for me is yes, two or more are better than one. The answer for you may be different. One thing to remember is that it is much easier to “flock” birds when they are young or at least in their first years before maturity. Older birds can be flocked, it just takes a little more time and effort on your part to do it right.