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Hi, I hope someone will have some advice for me! We are recently the proud new owners of a cockatiel pair. Specifically bought together because the shop assured us that they belong together. Both are about 6 months old. We've had them at home now for nearly 4 weeks and considering a rocky start they both seem to be settling in and will take millet and brocolli from my hand.
What concerns me is that the male doesn't give the female any affection and is actually quite snappy towards her if she is in his way (we have an avery style cage so there is enough room for both). She even puts her head down in front of him for preening but he ignores her and carries on preening himself
He seems very content and is actually getting quite tame, sings happily throughout the day but I feel sorry for the female as I think she would like more affection. (She's very squawky in the mornings like she needs something but she's not interested in millet) Unfortunately, she doesn't trust us enough yet otherwise I feel like we could be a good subsitute.
I've never had a cockatiel pair before so is this behaviour to be expected? Or is there anything I can do to encourage him to be nicer to her?
What concerns me is that the male doesn't give the female any affection and is actually quite snappy towards her if she is in his way (we have an avery style cage so there is enough room for both). She even puts her head down in front of him for preening but he ignores her and carries on preening himself
He seems very content and is actually getting quite tame, sings happily throughout the day but I feel sorry for the female as I think she would like more affection. (She's very squawky in the mornings like she needs something but she's not interested in millet) Unfortunately, she doesn't trust us enough yet otherwise I feel like we could be a good subsitute.
I've never had a cockatiel pair before so is this behaviour to be expected? Or is there anything I can do to encourage him to be nicer to her?