Birds--General/Cockatiels

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Expert: - 1/4/2008


Question
I am twelve years old and I have a female Cockatiel. She is very sweet and protective, she is also around nine months old. My family and I wanted to get another cockatiel and I was wondering if I should wait or not get another. I am afraid she will get angry and will not respond to me anymore. Please answer me back.

Answer
Hi, Alysha,

I found your post in the question pool this morning.  Evidently, the person you sent your question to originally could not answer for some reason.

Birds prefer other birds to humans and the best pet bird is a single bird in the home.  If you want your current bird to remain tame and friendly, you take a chance if you get another bird.  They may like each other so much, they won't like you any longer.  However, this depends on the individual birds involved.  Each bird has its own personality.  Your bird most likely won't get angry with you, but she may not be your buddy any more if you get another bird.  You are your bird's companion.  Also, the addition of another bird of the opposite sex may result in offspring.  Are you ready for baby tiels?  Breeding involves a new world you may not be ready for.  

Chrys

Birds--General

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Chrys Meatyard

Expertise

I`ve been raising/breeding/handfeeding/selling parrots for over 20 years (parakeets/budgies, cockatiels, 6 subspecies of conures, parrotlets, amazons, lovebirds, etc.). I've been published in "Budgies" and "Cockatiels" offered by Bow Tie Productions, and have written avian articles for publication in England. I can provide advice in raising healthy birds, handfeeding/weaning babies, some health problems (although I'm NOT an avian veterinarian), nail/beak/wing clipping, general husbandry, etc. I also have experience with racing/showing homing pigeons. I cannot diagnose specific illness over this website. If you suspect your bird is ill or if you have an emergency, contact an avian veterinarian or emergency pet clinic ASAP.

Experience

Experience: Over 20 years raising parrots and over 13 years raising pigeons. Organizations: Currently, American Racing Pigeon Union and American Federation of Aviculture. Prior member Miami Valley Bird Club, Southern Ohio Pigeon Association, National Cockatiel Society, Miami Valley Sportsman's Club, others. Publications: Monthly newsletters of bird clubs.

Publications
I've been published in "Budgies" and "Cockatiels" offered by Bow Tie Productions, and have written avian articles for publication in England.

Education/Credentials
American Federation of Aviculture, completed Level I course, Fundamentals of Aviculture. Keeping/breeding parrots and other birds for over 20 years.

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