[akjeppson]

So I have two 'tiels that have been trying to nest off and on for about a year now. I've been doing all I can to prevent it, but I'm getting very concerned for her health so I have finally given in and are letting them raise their first clutch.

My first worry is if they will go back to their cuddly selves afterwards. I have multiple sources and been told they will, but also told they wont. So I don't know what to expect. I understand they will be very antisocial while nesting, but will they return to normal afterwards? I sincerely hope so, as I miss cuddling and whistling with my babies!

The second concern is that the pair have been fighting a lot since I let them nest. The female won't even let the male into the box! What does this aggression towards each other mean? And will she let him into the box so he can take his turn on the eggs and she can get the food and water she needs?

Thank you so much for your time. :grey tiel: :yellow pied:

 

[roxy culver]

How bonded were they before the eggs? And I don't mean mating. Preening, eating together, sleeping together, that sort of thing. They could be a bondage pair OR she could be one of those hens that wants to sit 24/7 (I had two like this) and only lets the male sit when she wants to eat or poop. The eggs will be fine, she'll be fine, he just wont be able to sit as much.

Yes they will go back to their cuddly selves. I had a hen who wanted to cuddle even while nesting so it just depends on the bird. And they'll still be cuddly when not around the nest. They wont lose that just because they had babies.

I am curious though...why did you let her lay for her health? Egg laying can be dangerous to hens so that's why I'm asking.

 

[akjeppson]

Response to health/bonded questions

They would eat together, and occasionally preen each other. When separated, both would get visibly upset, especially the male who would scream. But they also fought a lot then, but it's worse now.

I know egg laying is dangerous for her, which is why her persistence is bothering me. she has already been laying off and on throughout the year. The difference is that I'm letting her keep her eggs, rather than replacing with dummies. That seems to only work for so long until she tries again. The vet advised me to just let her keep them this time

 

[roxy culver]

Raising a clutch may satisfy the need she has for babies. Its worth a shot.

I'm not sure they were really bonded or just being this way with each other because they were the only birds around. http://talkcockatiels.com/showthread.php?t=36810 This thread explains bonding so that may be what's going on. She can raise the babies on her own just fine.