Do Cockatiels Need Friends?

[RatAtaT2693]

Planning on getting a cockatiel come December-ish, and I wanted to know if I should get one or two. I have a habit of working a little more than full time, but there may or may not be someone home at all times. (Not 100% sure about the living situation right now, hence the waiting.)

At first I was planning on just one, but then I started reading that they get really lonely really fast, which concerned me. I have a few other pets that hang around, and depending on if things go the way we plan (knock on wood), there will be a decent amount of activity in the house.

Would it be enough to place the cage near the center of the house? Should the cage be in the center? Would it be best to get two?

(If anyone doesn't know, I've never had birds before.)

 

[cottontiel]

Cockatiels absolutely need friends! The real question is WHO will be their friend; another bird, or you?

I completely understand your concern for the loneliness of the 'tiel. When I was working 7 days a week non-stop for months on end, I would come home absolutely exhausted and that meant a bit of neglect for my fid. I felt entirely guilty about this, so I tried getting him a companion. The thing is... they aren't guaranteed to get along. In my case, they did not. Surely if you got two from the same breeder or store and they are already caged together that may work out, but then you have to remember that 2 birds equals twice the amount of care.

If you want this bird to be your companion and view you as their bonded flock member, you will want to get just one. If that doesn't matter as much to you, you could get two. But cockatiels have little attitudes and for a first time bird owner, if there are behavioural issues with both birds you may find yourself overwhelmed. Just something to consider. If you believe you'll be home often enough to get at least one hour of handling time per day with your 'tiel, then you shouldn't have to worry about starting with one. Definitely place the cage in the room where the action is-- but be wary of household hazards and educate the rest of your family on them.

I think that you'll do just fine as a bird owner since you're already so concerned for the well-being of your future fid.

 

[RatAtaT2693]

Cockatiels absolutely need friends! The real question is WHO will be their friend; another bird, or you?

I completely understand your concern for the loneliness of the 'tiel. When I was working 7 days a week non-stop for months on end, I would come home absolutely exhausted and that meant a bit of neglect for my fid. I felt entirely guilty about this, so I tried getting him a companion. The thing is... they aren't guaranteed to get along. In my case, they did not. Surely if you got two from the same breeder or store and they are already caged together that may work out, but then you have to remember that 2 birds equals twice the amount of care.

If you want this bird to be your companion and view you as their bonded flock member, you will want to get just one. If that doesn't matter as much to you, you could get two. But cockatiels have little attitudes and for a first time bird owner, if there are behavioural issues with both birds you may find yourself overwhelmed. Just something to consider. If you believe you'll be home often enough to get at least one hour of handling time per day with your 'tiel, then you shouldn't have to worry about starting with one. Definitely place the cage in the room where the action is-- but be wary of household hazards and educate the rest of your family on them.

I think that you'll do just fine as a bird owner since you're already so concerned for the well-being of your future fid.

I can pull off an hour. I was mostly worried about two because I've seen what happens when people get two dogs at once. Not usually favorable for anyone.

 

[cottontiel]

I can pull off an hour. I was mostly worried about two because I've seen what happens when people get two dogs at once. Not usually favorable for anyone.

If you are going to treat your cockatiel like a member of the family and not just a possession, then you needn't worry so much. Show them that you care and they'll get the message.

 

[texsize]

IMO the short answer is yes, two birds.
I will try to make a long story short.
First cockatiel, we found each other in the outdoors at my place of work. I did not know how to read cockatiel body language but he looked like he wanted something. I got him a friend at the pet shop and they have been best of friends since then.
and now I have 5 of the beautiful little birds.
It is possible that the birds will not bond to you as well if you have two instead of just 1, but I do think with only 1 as you described would be lonely.
texsize