[frantheman]

Hi all, quick question for you: should I get my tiel a friend? My bird Bella has been so restless lately because she's in season, and my family were wondering whether it would be worth getting her another cockatiel friend to calm her down.

Our main concerns are that my mother may develop an allergy to birds if the dander of more than one cockatiel is in the house (she is already allergic to both dogs and cats + has asthma) and that instead of calming Bella down, another cockatiel will just mean double the restlessness and noise that we've been having lately.

Thank you! earl:

 

[Lindamary71]

I have two cockatiels and yes there is double the dander to clean up. But my birds love each other and play together and keep each other company. But you will have to clean the area and the cage more often. So it's really up to you if you have the time.

 

[plumb_pudding]

It won't necessarily help. It could make the problem worse. Theres also a chance the birds won't like each other.

 

[Merlintiel]

We just got a friend (Mickey) for our tiel Merlin, and as a result Merlin stopped singing. They get along, but it seems like Mickey is the alpha male.

 

[plumb_pudding]

I have a boy and a girl. And so far she picks on him a bit. They'll preen and eat around each other, as long as she feels in control. but aside from that they have their own personal bubble. Also my female is a hardcore velcro bird. Since getting a second, she went from always needing to be near me to constantly needing to be on me. If Im more than a foot away she screams. They both fight over me. Getting a second bird can be very stressful not just for the bird. Do lots of research and make sure your getting a second bird for the right reasons. And remember every bird has its own personality. And you could end up losing your friend, or having two that completely hate each other and fight over you. It could make your situation a whole lot worse.

 

[silpugs]

I have three now because I rescued one. I have SOOOO much dander! LOL but most of the time they get along well. Until they all want to be on my one foot! They are all obsessed with my feet! LOL