Hello fellow cockatiel lovers

[bjsparks1]

I have two male cockatiels (Phebes and Pooh) that have lived in harmony for 5 years. Suddenly Phebes began nesting and fought Pooh until his feet were bleeding. I have separated them with a divider in a larger cage. They are constantly aggressive toward each other and they cannot be out of the cage at the same time. I have tried bringing them together, away from the cage (Phebe's nest) but they continue to fight. Their flight wings are clipped and their environment has not changed, except for the cage. Sometimes they even try to fight through the screen divider in the cage. If I separate them (different rooms) they scream for each other...can't tolerate being apart yet they would fight to the death if left to their own devices....help??

[cherylrowland]

Are you positive that you have two males? What you are describing sounds like nesting behavior. If you are definitely sure they are males, you will need to move the cage into a different room or area, also move everything in the cage (i.e., perches, toys, and if possible food dishes), this force Phebes out of nesting mode. Try this and see if they will tolerate being in the same cage with the screen. Give it a couple of days to see if this works.

[bjsparks12]

Yep, I'm sure they are both males. Phebes is acting just like a territorial, nesting daddy bird. I will try what you suggest. I'll keep you posted. Thank you..Barbara

[cherylrowland]

Barbara,

I look forward to hearing if changing up the cage, etc helps.

[White Wolf]

Sorry for not getting back to you sooner, I have been without my own comp for a few weeks and my daughter is recovering from a stroke. The seperating of the cages woul have been my suggestion as well. I hope it works. you might also try shortening their "daylight" time to less than 8 hours and see if that helps. I wish you the best of luck, Ruth

[cherylrowland]

Barbara,

How are Phebes and Pooh?