Wednesday, January 25, 2012

Is getting another cockatiel right for you?

Wow! I have missed writing for my blog! Recently, a lot has changed in my life, namely that I graduated from college and got a nine to five. I have not had time to update my blog or respond to your comments and for this I am truly sorry, but now that I am in the groove of things I will be avidly writing and replying to comments.

Since starting my new career, I have not had much time for anything but work, and unfortunately, that includes Loki. I feel awful leaving her for eight hours while I am working. Of course, I dote on her when I come home, but I still feel extremely guilty leaving her for so long.

I started contemplating getting another cockatiel for Loki so she wouldn’t be lonely. But, adding another member to your flock is not a decision that should be taken lightly.

There are many reasons you may want to get another tiel. You may want to start breeding tiels or you may want another just because they are so damn cute! Or, if you are like me you may want to provide companionship to your lonely cockatiel while you are at work. Whatever your reasoning is for wanting another cockatiel, this is a big decision.

There are several factors you need to consider:

  • Bonding between the birds and you
  • Caging and feeding
  • Getting the same or opposite sex tiel
  • Quarantining

Your new cockatiel and current cockatiel may not bond; there is no guarantee that they will like each other. If this happens, then you will be left with two birds that each demand individual attention from you. On the other end of the spectrum, the birds may bond so well that you lose your close relationship with your first tiel. You need to ask yourself if you are OK with not being number one to your cockatiel.

The next consideration is the cage. Will you upgrade to a larger cage to accommodate both birds or keep two separate cages? Both options will cost money and the latter will also mean more cleaning. You will also need to consider the costs of maintaining another healthy tiel, including additional food and vet costs.

If you are getting another tiel because you want to breed, then you obviously need to get the opposite sex. However, if you do not want your tiels to breed, then I strongly recommend getting the same sex. Keep in mind; breeding can cause lots of complications, including egg binding. If you do not want them to breed or do not have the time to tend to breeding cockatiels then get the same sex as your current tiel.

The last and most important consideration when deciding to get another cockatiel is quarantining. Because birds hide their illnesses so well, you need to quarantine the new bird for a minimum of 30 days. I actually recommend keeping the birds separate for at least 60 days. The birds need to be kept in two different cages in different rooms. Respiratory infections are very contagious between birds, so all precautions should be taken to keep these two at a safe distance to protect your first baby.

I decided to ask my vet her opinion about getting another cockatiel to squelch Loki’s daytime boredom. Her response was, “Don’t get another bird, unless you are the one who wants it. Another bird means double everything.” I decided rather quickly that I do not want double everything! So, she gave me some awesome suggestions to keep Loki occupied while I am working, including rotating out her toys once a week to keep everything new and exciting and leaving a radio or TV on for her. I must say Loki really seems to enjoy listening to the music I leave on for her and she seems happier now.

Getting another cockatiel is not for me, but it may be for you. Ask yourself the questions above and take time to really consider if adding another cockatiel is right for you and your bird.

18 comments:

  1. Thank you for your wonderful post, so informative and helpful.

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  2. Love the post! I've got a cockatiel named Charlie and I write about him here:

    www.theanimalmommysanimals.blogspot.com


    I also write about my hamster.
    I follow your blog now!

    The Animal Mommy

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    Replies
    1. Awesome! I love meeting animal lovers like myself. Thanks for following my blog. I am going to go ahead and follow yours as well, so I can learn more about Charlie.

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  3. I have 2 tiels, (both male) and I have been wondering if I should get another...One tiel is very touchy feely, and loves for the other to groom him and play with him all the time. The problem is the other one is not a physical guy. He never wants to play or groom the other one. He is happy and sings all day, but he just doesnt like the physical stuff. So when the one gets rejected by the other, he comes to me or my husband for love and I thought it might be a good idea to find another tiel that enjoys the physical stuff as my tiel is lonely. I wouldnt just go buy another tiel, i would set up a sort of playdate and see if he chooses one and it chooses him...I dont mind the extra work. what do you think? I dont know if this will be stressful for either of them. Also, my cockatiels have a large cage, but they are only in it to sleep and eat meals. They get free roam of the house and they have several perches and jungle gyms throughout, so buying another cage will not be neccesary...

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    Replies
    1. Hi Jaime,

      Birds are like people and each has their own unique personality. Some birds get along well with others and some do not. I often worry about my Loki being lonely now that I am working full time and out of the house most of the day. I have considered getting another bird, but I am concerned they may not get along and then I will be stuck with two lonely tiels.

      The issue is that it is not really safe for your birds to have a "playdate." New birds need to be quarantined for at least 30 days before being introduced to rule out any illnesses. This will prevent your current tiels from contracting anything harmful.

      You can take a gamble and get a third and hope the two tiels bond, but if they do not, then you will have three lonely tiels all vying for your human love and attention.

      I recommend spending more time with your "lonely" tiel; the affectionate one. If you are able to give him more attention, then you don't need to worry about him being lonely.

      I hope this helps. Please update me and let me know what you decide(d) to do.

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  4. im waiting ur new entry..love to read ur blog!!

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    Replies
    1. Thank you so much! I will have a new post coming soon! Please stay tuned!

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  5. Hello! I work with a brand which has just launched a new line of bird food and treats. I recently discovered your blog and would love to share some information with you to see if you’d be interested in providing your insights. Drop me a line when you have a moment at ashlee@kazoomarketing.com. Thanks in advance for your time,
    Ashlee

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    Replies
    1. Hi Ashlee,

      I am going to email you now, sorry it has taken so long to get back to you!

      Delete
  6. We have only had our cockatiel for a week, he was hanging around our garden for 2 weeks where my Mother feeds the wild Galahs and King Parrots. My son tried to shoosh him away and he hopped on his hand! He or she looks as though he is quite young and a little underweight, I think he is very lucky to have survived out in the wild.

    I just wanted to thank you for your blog, it has been so informative and helpful, I've read every post! So thanks again, hope your new kitty and Loki make fine friends.

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  7. Great post and beautiful photographs. You can see your love for cockatiels shining through.

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  10. Hi, my name is Kendle and I've been considering getting another bird. I already have one, Rocky, he's a cockatiel and I've had him for about a year now. I know he might grow out of it with time but he also might just not really be affectionate. Which is something I kind of wanted in a bird, plus I am in high school so I'm not around the house very often.

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