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I just bought a handfeed cockatiel but it hates being in it cage, should i get another to make it ha2007-11-24 17:22:49

My family has diffrent schedules so we always each spend some time with it , even just keeping it on our shoulders while we are on the computer. But it trys to just grab back on me while i put it back in its cage. We only had it for about a week now. And it was in a cage with another one . We might go back and get the other so it has a friend. Is this a good idea?

Answers:

Hi, I babysit frequently for a green Amazon, an African Grey, and a Cockatiel (among other birds), all in the same family. They are quite pampered by their owners and each has a splendid free-standing perch, in a separate room from their cages. The perches all look different but they all have a sort of tray table beneath to catch poops and seeds and such. These perches have little snack cups attached up high, and you can add a toy or two. These birds go straight to their perches from their cages and are quite happy to sit there indefinitely. Of course, I'm just the sitter (I have budgies at home). You've gotten some good advice from others, but personally I'd hold off getting a second bird until I had a little more time with this one under my belt. You can always get a second one later. BTW all the birds I've mentioned were acquired at different times-- I don't think a "former cage mate" is the only birdy pal your cockatiel will take to.

I think he'll soon think of his cage as a safe place. You could try putting the extra special yummies only in his cage treat cup and leaving the door open. Might occur to him to go in there on his own to explore. Good luck, be patient.

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Ask the pet store where you bought it what they recommend. Ask if you can have a trial with the other bird as well.

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Perhaps it would prefer a roost instead of a cage during the day. I would ask the people that sold it to you what was best, or go to a pet shop that sells cockatiels and ask what is perferred way of caring for the bird. Or even find a book on Cockatiels.

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As a cockatiel breeder for many years I can make suggestions. First, if you want your bird to bond with people, do not get another cockatiel. They will bond to each other, not you. Second, the perch idea is sound. Also, place a cover on top of the cage. Birds want to feel secure. That is why when startled, they will invairably fly the the highest point possible. The "lid" or partial cover gives them a feeling of security as it appears to them that they are already aththe "top". I do not recommend clipping a birds wings. That is their defense system. When they can not fly, they will bite to defend themselves. Hope this helps. I certainly love cockatiels. Each bird has a different personality, lik we do.

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yeah, i guess it needs a playmate or mate.

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you should buy a bird play place and put the bird on that out of the cage for fun then it will get use to the cage and go in