Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Ok I have a male cockatiel, he is almost five years old. We adopted him from a scumbag back alley pet store, and the guy sold me the bird, cage, food, and toys for $50 because he said the bird had been left in the cage alone and was not properly socialized.. in other words, he's nasty! It took me less than two weeks to tame this bird, he came around so fast, he just craved attention. We moved into a new house, and the only place there was room for him was in my son's playroom, unfortunatly, there isn't a whole lot of traffic in that room, so I worry a lot that he is very lonely. I go in and play with him, and for a few hours a day I shut the playroom door and open his cage so he has full run of the room. Still, I have noticed he is slowly getting a little more aggressive. I have considered for a long time getting him a playmate. I do not think he would get along with another male, but a female I just don't know because I don't really want baby birds... and he humps his toys a lot so I worry that he might not ever leave her alone if I get one. I just feel for him and think he deserves a friend. Please give some advice on joining two birds, and if it is at all possible since he has had a cage to himself for five years. He really is a sweet bird... thanks!!

You really have to decide whether you want him to bond to you or to a bird friend. That is your decision alone. I want MY female to be bonded to ME so she has never had a bird friend and is very happy with me as her partner. Your bird will adjust to whatever you want, as long as you give him love and attention if you don't want to provide another bird. If you don't have the time or inclination to be his "significant other", then you should get a partner for him. However (maybe others know more than me), he may not even be able to adjust to another bird at this point, since he is age 5. It seems to me that you are spending plenty of time with this adaptable bird and he is bonding with you. Why can't you move him out of this room for a couple hrs per day, say in another cage or move the cage in a more active room? My loving female has two cages and I also play with her and take her in the bathroom while I shower, etc. (she sits on the towel rack). She is happy as a lark, lol. Heck, do you really want TWO birds to clean up after, and neither of them bonded with you but to each other? Only you can decide.

I completely agree with not getting another bird unless you want the possibility of two unsocialized birds. If you do decide to get another one even knowing this possibility you will have to be open minded to also needing two cages. If you cannot fit two cages into your area then definitely do not get another bird. If the birds do not get along with each other then they will need their own separate space.

Just think, keeping the one bird by itself means that he will bond to you or your family even if he does show some aggressiveness at times. Owning two birds there is a chance neither will bond to you, you will have twice the mess and possibly two cages instead of one. Just try to spend more time with your bird if at all possible. Have a television or radio that stays on all day to keep your bird used to human noise even while you are gone just shutting it off either when you are spending time with him and at bedtime. This may also help him to vocalize or whistle more. Provide plenty of toys and if possible allow more free time.

Good luck!