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Birds--General/cockatiel living with white dove

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Expert: - 12/16/2006


Question
hello,

I have a white ringneck dove since August.  It is a young adult, I still have no clue if it is a male or female but I think it is a male.  I just bought a hand fed Cockatiel appros. 7-9 months old.  The two birds have been in contact with each other and follow each other around constantly.  Occasionaly, they peck at each other.  Is that normal?  Will it cause a problem?

Answer
Hi, Rhonda.  Thanks for posting!

The 2 birds can live in the same home together, but don't allow them to live in the same cage together.  It's OK if they are buds.  I'm sure they will peck at each other, just like all birds do when they are with other birds.  This situation will be OK, as long as the 2 get along together.  Just be aware that the tiel can most likely inflict more damage on the dove than the dove on the tiel due to the type of beak the tiel has.  The dove can only peck; the tiel can bite.  Watch them closely when they are together.

Chrys

Birds--General

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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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