Homing cockatiels together

[lisascannell]

Hello! So, currently I have Rocky in his own cage and my two grey females in their own cage. I'm thinking of housing them all together in one very large cage. Firstly to minimise the number of cages and also it will give them a lot more room to fly and hang toys. Rocky is strongly bonded to me as I hand raised him. I'm just wondering if I am putting my bond with Rocky at risk by housing him with other birds? Thanks

 

[strudel]

I really don't know, but I put my budgies into an aviary with some new budgies. I had heard and thought that they'd just go "feral" but Dorothy will still go on my finger. She was never super tame, I just let them do their own thing, but she's maintained the tameness she had.

Obviously, different bird, and not the strong bond you have, but for what it's worth......

 

[GaryBV]

Hi Lisa - I think it is very possible, even likely, that Rocky's bond with you will lessen if he is caged with other birds, and that is just very natural. It certainly did happen with my lovebirds and my parrotlets but I"m happy about it because I'd rather they had the company 24/7 - which is something I can't provide. Your birds look so happy and healthy - good for you

 

[SpotsandSally]

You're risking a lot.... Either it can all go well - everyone gets along, rockys bond is lessened but still strong, and everyone's happy.
Or, rocky could get picked on.
Or, rocky could strongly bond to a female and try to breed, and the pair picks on the other female.

 

[cassiepengo]

oh, it might kinda weaken your bond. he'll find other playmates.... then again, it depends on every indivual. what do YOU think?? momma knows best!!

 

[lisascannell]

Just an update on Rocky in his new cage. It's been 2 weeks and he's stil as clingy as ever! I guess he loves his mummy a lot A bit worried how he will handle it if I ever have to go away for a few days, but will cross that bridge when we come to it I guess.

 

[MikeyTN]

If you have Rocky out on a daily basis, that bond isn't going to change! Especially females, males tend to go a bit aggressive during mating. But if you were consistent, that bond won't change. I have a female that I handfed and she's housed with other tiels. She's two years old now, she still flys out to me and just as loving.

 

[GaryBV]

Well Lisa I'm so glad that is working out for you and for the 'tiels 'birds of a feather...' lol

 

[lisascannell]

Oh thanks Mikey! yeah a lot of ppl said that his bond would weaken...but it hasn't! It's stronger! I don't know if it's male yet though! He's nearly 4 months old now and still not talking...he eperiments with noises though when he's in the bathroom with me...what do you think Mikey? And also he just had a whole heap of new pin feathers come through and they are pearl coloured.

 

[lisascannell]

Thanks Gary!

 

[lisascannell]

It kind of sounds like he's rambling...but he only does it in the bathroom when I'm in the shower...otherwise it's just "wee weep!"

 

[lisascannell]

My two grey girls have a deep, whistling sounds wheras Rocky is high pitched

 

[TessieB]

He's only four months old? If so, he will remain clingy but once he hits puberty he will develop an interest in the other cockatiels. Work with him on a daily basis and you may continue a relationship with him.