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Getting a second Tiel good idea? need expertise

782 views 3 replies 3 participants last post by  tunabread 
#1 ·
Hey all! I’m seeking some expertise from those with experience. So my husband and I have the sweetest female Tiel named Rupert. She’s a little lover and used to getting tons of our attention. Anyways-we have a newborn daughter and we rescued a little old dog a year ago who has to rotate between time being out with Rupert. I’m feeling terribly guilty now as Rupert doesn’t get nearly the shoulder time, love, and attention that she was used too. Of course we still love on her and get her out of her cage but I can’t help but feel sorry for her since it’s not to the extent she deserves. She’s 4 years old...our dog is approx 10 so in time Rupert will have her glory days back as our old man pup ages and our daughter gets older. All this being said, I am debating on getting Rupert another female Cockatiel companion but I’m concerned about egg laying and chronic egg laying if I put her with another ‘Tiel. I’m considering rescuing one from a local organization and they will help with their introduction and quarantine, etc. Rupert has laid eggs once before about one year ago. She laid 3 then stopped however she does sometimes demonstrate “nesting” behavior in her food dish etc. I guess my questions are as follows:
1) In your experience are two tiels happier than one?
2)in your experience is it super likely that Rupert would begin to lay eggs or have chronic egg laying/egg binding issues from having a companion with her?
3) any other advice given my situation is welcome.
4) what would you guys do?
I know there is a possibility of this happening but I want your experienced stories. Has this happened to any of you with two females? Likely? Unlikely?
I just want what is best for my girl! I love her dearly and want to do what is right. I do not want her lonely but by the same token I do not want to risk her safety-especially if the risk is big.
Sorry for the long post! I look forward to hearing what you all have to say! :pied:
 
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#3 ·
Does Rupert seem happy and content as a single bird? Do you give her lots of toys to play with to keep her busy? Do you have the time to care for a second 'tiel? It's always better to get another bird because you want to, not because you fear your 'tiel may be lonely when it's possible she may not warm up to a new cockatiel companion.

There is no guarantee that Rupert will get along with another 'tiel, and in that case you would have to separate them into two different cages. You always need to quarantine a new bird and/or get a vet check before introducing them to your current 'tiel as well. So if you do decide to go ahead and get another 'tiel, keep that in mind.

As for Rupert being hormonal, please check out the Sticky about hormone control here.

Please remember that the members of this forum are in all different time zones so threads may not get replies straight away.
 
#4 · (Edited)
I'm no professional and I'm only speaking from my own experience with my own female tiels.
Last year I got another female tiel for Paprika thinking that she would be happier with another birdie buddy. Of course I gave her lots of love an attention but I was just worried she'd be lonely when I get a full time job. Papri was almost 5 then and the new one (Chicory) was about 2 months old. I introduced them to each other after the new one's quarantine period, she seemed to be okay with Paprika but.. Paprika did not like her! She tolerates Chicory now but Papri still does get a little territorial if Chicory comes too close and she'll hiss and nip at her.

Apparently females may fight with each other so I would be worried about that :( and it would depend on your tiel if she wants to welcome a new bird in her life. Basically if you want a second bird, it's best that you get it because YOU want a second bird - not for your current one. I think it's easier for younger tiels to befriend a second tiel rather than older ones.
 
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