Expert: Julia Booth - 3/27/2008

Question
I am considering purchasing a 5 mo old Red Belly Parrot.  I have a cockatiel who has been with me for 5 years.  They would have separate cages & reside in the same room.  I have lots of love to give them both.  My fear is that Winnie wouldn't handle the transition well.  Do you have any experience or advise concerning the compatibility of these two breeds?

Answer
My belief is that if they are going to be in separate cages, it should not be an issue. Cockatiels are not nearly as possessive over their owners as many parrots can be. I have seen them share (large, aviary-sized) cages with finches and parakeets. The do tend to be intimidated by birds that are larger than themselves, though.

Things to look out for, though- If the cockatiel starts plucking out its own feathers or tossing its food out of the cage or doesn't sing as much as it would normally do -consider moving the parrot into a different room. Birds are easy to fool in that respect. Out of sight, out of mind.

Good luck,

Julia