mates...need advice

[momymema1]

I am a new owner of a cockatiel a male. He seems lonely, can I put a female in the same cage with him? Any ideas?

[smallonion]

Do you have enough time for him? Does he have a lot of time outside the cage? Does he have lots of toys that you change weekly?

The thing is, if you get a female you have a good chance of babies, and from what people here have told me, it's not easy to raise them! THey are a big responsibility/worry.

I'd try to improve my bird's life first.. Can he have a male companion? Someone here will be able to answer.

Best wishes,
Michele and Humphrey

[Joel]

Hello Mommymema1...........IMO & IME, only get him a female mate if you want to breed and if you want to take ALL the responsibilities of breeding to include purchasing, well in advance, all the supplies for breeding and handfeeding (incubator, brooder, thermometers, formula, syringes, meds, books etc.) . Also one needs to study up & make notes on breeding and the pitfalls of same. You will also need to hunt for responsibile loving people to buy the babies once weaned.

If ya just want a playmate or simple company for him I would recommend another male. Put both into a new/different cage at the same time to avoid possible territiorial squabbles and possibly injury to usually the newcomer if using the already occupied cage.

I personally think cockatiels are one of the easiest, if not the easiest, species to breed and raise although they are prone to yeast infections so one must be prepared with proper meds in advance just in case that happens to your hatchlings etc.......JMHO