Anyone who has more than one parrot has learned pretty fast that parrots learn fastest from other parrots. Even when learning to talk, they learn best from listening to other parrots speak. I've learned both of these things from having a flock of birds compared to just one. Obviously, I had to start with just one at one point in time and progress to more to learn about these things.

The nice thing about having more than one parrot is that they learn from other birds much faster than they would from a person. For example, with weaning... it's great to have other birds around to help out the younger ones. 

Photo by Jamieleigh Location: Spokane, WA Oatmeal Eaters: Galah "Bondi" & Blue Throated Macaw "Jinx"

My 4 year old rose breasted cockatoo, Bondi, was sweet enough to teach my baby blue throated macaw, Jinx, that oatmeal is a tasty food to eat. I didn't have to do a thing but make a little extra for breakfast for the two of them.

I put a bowl down and let Bondi start eating first while Jinx sat on the same counter exploring around. The house was unfamiliar to them both as I was staying at a friend's house in Spokane, Washington. As Bondi began to eat, Jinx saw her and decided to try it for himself. The oatmeal wasn't hot but it was still warm, resembling a little bit like baby food which I believe helps baby birds in trying new things (if it has a little resemblence to baby food in either temperature or texture). 

If you want to learn more about the principle of birds learning faster from each other, just research into what is called "observational learning" to understand more.

Article by Jamieleigh Womach. She has been working with parrots and toucans since the age of 17. She isn’t homeless but is home less than she prefers to be. She travels the world with her husband, daughter, and a flockful of parrots whom she shares the stage with.