Cockatiels

[Cinnamon11]

Hi, so I have a 5 year old male cockatiel. The last time he has been with another bird was when he was 2 months old. I want to get another bird and was wondering how to introduce them (or if it’s a bad idea) Would it be better to get another male or a female (I am ok with babies)? The last batch of chicks I got I showed them to him and he tried to make friends with them so I think he would get along. Is their anything I should know?

 

[JaeG]

There is always a risk that they won't get on, but you'd need to keep them in separate cages initially anyway so at worst you'd end up with them permanently in separate cages. But they'd at least be company for each other even if they decide they don't like each other. But they may also love each other - it just depends on their little personalities and they are all quite unique.

I found that when we kept pairs they focused their affections on their partner rather than wanting scritches from us, especially the boys. We currently have 2 boys inside and they are still very sweet and cuddly towards us (one is very demanding about having scritches from his favourite people), but good mates too. They have grown up together.

 

[Cinnamon11]

There is always a risk that they won't get on, but you'd need to keep them in separate cages initially anyway so at worst you'd end up with them permanently in separate cages. But they'd at least be company for each other even if they decide they don't like each other. But they may also love each other - it just depends on their little personalities and they are all quite unique.

I found that when we kept pairs they focused their affections on their partner rather than wanting scritches from us, especially the boys. We currently have 2 boys inside and they are still very sweet and cuddly towards us (one is very demanding about having scritches from his favourite people), but good mates too. They have grown up together.

Thank you! I have worked hard to build the relationship we have so I don’t want to ruin it.

 

[JaeG]

Thank you! I have worked hard to build the relationship we have so I don’t want to ruin it.

They are special, sweet birds aren't they? It may be different in your situation because he has that bond with you first, whereas our pairs grew up together. Hopefully someone else on here has some experience with introducing a girl to the family at a later stage.

 

[Quailobsessed]

When introducing them, make sure you do it in neutral territory. heir first interaction needs to be as positive as possible, otherwise their relationship is set up for failure.

 

[Cinnamon11]

Thanks for that advice I was going to do a month quarantine where they are about 10 feet away so they can see but not touch each other then slowly take them out of their cages. How does this sound?

 

[Cinnamon11]

Well I just bought a beautiful pearl pied cockatiel she is beautiful and my bird has been very interested in her singing to him!

 

[JaeG]

She is gorgeous! I love the pearls.

 

[Cinnamon11]

She is gorgeous! I love the pearls.

Thank you!

 

[Cinnamon11]

If anyone knows her gender I have no clue I’m just calling it her. If anyone has any taming ideas I would love to hear those to because she/he is wild!