| Adding a second cockatiel to the household can be a rewarding experience when it includes careful planning and preparation. Although both you and your companion cockatiel may be most anxious to obtain another cockatiel, it can be risky to introduce a new bird without a period of quarantine. Because birds are experts at masking symptoms of illness, which would make them easy prey to predators in the wild, new birds should be quarantined separately to watch for signs of poor health. Many avian veterinarians recommend a 90-day quarantine period, or a minimum period of 30 days. Because some illnesses may not reveal their symptoms within 30 days, a longer 90-day quarantine period is recommended, especially where there is risk of exposure to larger collections. Ideally, a bird kept in quarantine should be maintained on a separate air system apart from other birds. Homes lacking basements and separate air ducts may not be ideal for a vigilant quarantine. If a separate air system is not accessible, a nearby neighbor, relative, or friend’s home – where no other birds are present – may be used so long as the quarantined bird(s) progress can be checked every day. Because this is an ideal opportunity to begin training, if necessary, do not rely upon others to provide daily feed and care. Use discretion about removing a new bird from its cage for training if you do not have control over the bird’s environment. Unexpected opened doors or windows can prove disastrous. However, if a separate air system just cannot be found, isolate the new bird in a separate bedroom with the door kept closed. Never allow birds access to one another during quarantine by alighting on each others’ cage, or touching another bird’s toys, equipment, feed, water vessels, or food items. Because cockatiels frequently hear each other’s calls, they often begin to frantically call back and forth, which may prove to be a distressing time for owners to endure. However, for the health, safety and welfare of your existing bird(s), do not cave in by allowing birds to visit one another before the quarantine period is over. Follow strict protocols; always wash your hands between attending to your existing bird(s) and your new bird. No exceptions! And, always wash up thoroughly after caring for, touching, or playing with a new bird. Taking stringent measures greatly reduces the likelihood of passing along any hidden illness from the newly acquired bird. If children are involved, carefully explain to them the importance of washing up between visiting cages. Once quarantine is over, bring the new bird to an avian veterinarian who specializes in birds for a health check, before introducing the new bird to other birds. If the flight feathers have not yet been clipped to help facilitate training, a painless wing-clip can be performed during this appointment. The cost of a veterinary appointment and any testing or treatments should be considered as part of the actual cost of the bird itself. This expense may prevent further expenditures and/or heartache if a potential disease process infects a new bird or other precious pets at home. Once a clean bill of health is obtained from a veterinarian, the cages may be kept side-by-side, keeping the birds housed separately in their own cages to remain comfortable in their respective, established territories. Provide separate playtime with each cockatiel, taking each bird outside the cage for separate sessions. If the new cockatiel is not yet completely tame, continue its lessons, which you have begun during its quarantine period. Once your new bird observes your loving interactions with your first cockatiel, it will help to gain its confidence and facilitate hand training and the emotional bonding that will occur. Eventually, allow the birds their daily exercise outside the cage during the same time. Once the cage doors are open, the birds may climb out and eventually visit each other’s cages. One excellent method of socialization is to place both birds on a cockatiel play stand, which will act as neutral territory, to familiarize and play with one another. A cockatiel should never be forced to share a cage with another cockatiel, who may perceive the intrusion as a “threat.” We certainly wouldn’t be happy about a stranger suddenly sharing our bedroom and neither would our birds. If a cockatiel should eventually choose to share a cage together with another cockatiel, and harmony abounds, then it is possible to house the birds together. Signs of incompatibility include hissing, screaming, lunging, biting, tail bending, feather pulling, and other aggressive behaviors. Cockatiels that continuously demonstrate these behaviors should be given separate cages and leave socializing to time spent outside the cage. Usually, males and females socialize well, or two males may “buddy up” and become close pals. Introducing your cockatiel to a new companion should be an exciting event for both of you when common sense rules are followed. |
| "Providing Resources to the Cockatiel Community" CF The Cockatiel Foundation, founded in June 2007, began out of a growing need in the avicultural community to address all areas of cockatiel culture. The Foundation offers its members programs for pet owners, breeders and exhibitors, in addition to services never before addressed in the cockatiel community. CF is establishing a Cockatiel Adoption & Placement Program necessary for the placement and rehoming of cockatiels to new, permanent "forever" homes. CF address the needs of our Youth Members in the CF Youth & Education Program developed for tomorrows' next generation of cockatiel aviculturists. Additional special interest programs include: Companion Care Nutrition Avian Medicine Hobby Breeding Professional Breeding Color Mutations Genetics Exhibition and more ... The Cockatiel Foundation serves all cockatiel owners needs - from breeders, exhibitors, and pet companion bird owners - to cockatiel adoption, placement and youth education for tomorrows cockatiel afficianados. Please read our Membership benefits and peruse the website. When you join as a CF Member, you will have access to the Members' Only Area. COME JOIN US! |
Copyright 2007 Cockatiel Foundation, Inc.
| INTRODUCING A SECOND COCKATIEL AS A COMPANION COPYRIGHT © 2003 LINDA S. RUBIN Originally published in December 2003 issue of BIRD TIMES Magazine & http://www.cockatielsplusparrots.com "All Rights Reserved" |
Linda S. Rubin is an aviculturist, lecturer and avian educator of 30
years, with an international byline in avicultural magazines around the
world and author of several books at www.CockatielsPlusParrots.com.
She is the cockatiel expert columnist for Bird Talk’s website,
BirdChannel.com, she serves on the board of directors of the American
Federation of Aviculture, Inc. and is the founding president of the
Cockatiel Foundation, Inc. Linda is a certified panel judge for the
Cockatiel Foundation, and the Society of Parrot Breeders & Exhibitors,
judging shows throughout the US, Puerto Rico and Canada since 1984.
years, with an international byline in avicultural magazines around the
world and author of several books at www.CockatielsPlusParrots.com.
She is the cockatiel expert columnist for Bird Talk’s website,
BirdChannel.com, she serves on the board of directors of the American
Federation of Aviculture, Inc. and is the founding president of the
Cockatiel Foundation, Inc. Linda is a certified panel judge for the
Cockatiel Foundation, and the Society of Parrot Breeders & Exhibitors,
judging shows throughout the US, Puerto Rico and Canada since 1984.
Founded June 3, 2007
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