Hot take: getting a second bird rarely solves loneliness

I keep seeing advice to "get a companion" for a lonely bird. But in my experience, the two birds bonded with EACH OTHER and became less interested in me. If your bird is lonely, the solution is more of YOUR time, not another bird. Unless you genuinely want two birds for yourself.

Lol my Senegal parrot does the exact same thing. I've just accepted that the bird runs the house now. I'm just the food delivery service.

Great question! So in my experience with zebra finch, this usually comes down to a few things. First, using a stainless steel cage with proper bar spacing for the species. Second, make sure they're getting enough sleep — 12 hours of uninterrupted dark sleep is crucial. And third, pay attention to stress from loud noises like construction because that was a huge factor for my Oliver. Hope that helps!

I respectfully disagree. I think it depends heavily on the individual bird. My Poppy is the total opposite.

100% this. Wish I'd known this when I first got my bird.

Following up on my earlier comment — I tried what you suggested and it actually worked! My lineolated parakeet is doing so much better. Thank you!