fights

[freda]

Hello I have two cockatiels, bought as a couple but six years later, not an egg in sight, so I presume they are two males, I know for a fact the grey is male, I have recently rehoused them, with a large nesting box but this is basically for warmth, they both love it and are constantly inside, they have always got on ok or mostly, one seemed to chase and chatter after the other and obviously the other one didn't care for it much. Recently they have started having quite vicious fights, no injuries but rather alarming to see, are there any options, I havnt really the room in the cage to get females?
many thanks

 

[texsize]

I don't think adding a female will help. I think it might make things worse.
If you are right and you have 2 male birds a third bird even a female will be seen as an intruder. 2 male birds can bond just as firmly as a male/female pair. I know from experience. My first 2 tiels are both male and firmly bonded to each other.

Any time my tiels squabble I separate them. Not for a long time just an hour or two.

 

[Tropical]

I also have two male tiels who HATE each other! They avoid each other for the most part and ignore each other... but sometimes they get into beak fights. I've noticed it's mostly an "intimidation" thing than a vicious fight. It's been many days since they have gotten into a fight as after a while they just developed an understanding with each other... they simply go about their day as if the other does not even exist!

They BOTH want only ME and always fight for my attention... they LOVE me but HATE each other, go figure

How long has your 2 males tiels been around each other? It took a few months for mine to establish their own "rules". It's all good now... it's sad they don't like each other though.

 

[SilverSage]

Remove the nest box at once. Likely what you have done is introduced a source of sexual frustration and given them something to fight over. If the fights continue, you will need to separate the birds.


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[texsize]

Remove the nest box at once. Likely what you have done is introduced a source of sexual frustration and given them something to fight over. If the fights continue, you will need to separate the birds.


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My 2 bonded male tiels love to "play house".
sometimes they take turns in the box and sometimes they spend hours in there together.
Could be they are a special case. they get along so well they cant stand to be out of sight of each other.
I use to take Baby in the shower with me and I did Lucky would scream and contact call the whole time.
I can't take Baby for showers anymore(Lucky does not like going into the bathroom/shower).
It is a good first try to remove a nest box if you have 2 Tiels fighting.

 

[Tropical]

Remove the nest box at once. Likely what you have done is introduced a source of sexual frustration and given them something to fight over. If the fights continue, you will need to separate the birds.


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I agree 100% about removing the nesting box asap! It's just promoting hormonal behavior and aggressiveness.

 

[SilverSage]

Since the fighting didn't start until the nest box was added, I say that's a pretty good indication that it is likely at least part of the problem. In addition, I always discourage ANYTHING that promotes hormonal behavior as it can only frustrate and endanger your fid while having no benefit other than "cuteness." The risks to the health of the bird are lower for males than females, but it is still best to avoid it.

You mention the idea of getting females. You say you don't have room and that's fine, but I just want to add my two cents; please DO NOT get females, even if you get a larger cage. This will likely lead to perpetual breeding which is very dangerous, irresponsible, expensive, etc. the answer is to eliminate the stimulant, not add more.


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[plumsmum2005]

How about adding a few more activities/toys to the cage?

 

[Scott]

Removal of the nest box is excellent advice! Please try this and see if the behavior mellows. It may not; some birds simply despise each other. Trust me, I have that problem with a few of mine!!