Expert: Chrys Meatyard - 7/31/2006

Question

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what are the pros and cons just in case i what to get another cockatiel. thanks for your answer
gretchen

Followup To

Question -
I was wondering if I should get another cockatiel. school is starting soon and I have read that if you can't be home all day that you should have two cockatiels instead of one. can you give me some pros and cons of getting another cockatiel?

thanks
Gretchen

Answer -
Hi, Gretchen.  Thanks for posting.

It is not true that if you can't be home all day you should add a tiel to your collection.  This is hog wash!  Your single tiel will be perfectly fine while you are away at school during the day.  As a matter of fact, your bird will be delighted to see you when you come home from school.  Of course, you'll need to spend some time with your tiel after your home from school, but being away for 6 hours or so so you can go to school will not be a problem.

If you still want info on the pros/cons of getting a second tiel, let me know.

Chrys

Answer
Hi again, Gretchen.

Birds prefer other birds to humans.  If you get another tiel, chances are good the 2 will become buds and leave you out.  This depends on the individual birds you choose and whether they are tame or not.  Sometimes tame birds remain tame birds even when another bird is present, but this depends on the personalities of the individual birds and how much time you spend interacting with them.  This is a chance you take when you want to keep more than 1 parrot.  

You could get a male and female, 2 males or 2 females.  If you get 2 males or 2 females, some fighting could break out, but this again depends on the individual birds involved.  If you get a male and female and don't want babies, don't put up a nesting box.  However, they could still mate and lay eggs in the bottom of the cage.  This is a chance you take when you keep more than 1 parrot, particularly a male and female together.

Chrys