hello, all

[mima]

We took in our first cockatiel, a boy who needed rescued. This is our first bird, so we are learning together.

I think he might be a happier bird if we adopted a companion. But I am not interested in becoming a breeder. Do males get along? Can they live in the same cage? Is having more than one species of bird an answer?

Looking forward to absorbing some loving wisdom!

[cherylrowland]

Hi Mima

Welcome to Talk About Tiels. What is the name of your bird and approximately how old do you think he is? I have found that if you gone for any length of the day and the bird is by himself that they do better with a companion. I can't guarantee you that two males will get along, I have three is one cage who do, but I have another who is in a cage with a female that he tolerates, but he can't stand any of the other birds (even the other females). If you decide that you want to get a companion, I have heard that parakeets do well with cockatiels. But until you know that they want to be with each other, I would place them in cages that are side by side or if your cage will allow you to divide it in the middle where they can see each other and communicate until such time as you know that they can be cage buddies.

We look forward to hearing more about your precious baby and thank you for rescuing him.

[mima]

When we got him, they simply referred to him as the brat. We call him Fred, Honey. They guessed he is between 5 and 10 years old. I guess they were not his first family.

I work at home and his cage is in my office. The whole downstairs is mostly open, so he sees us most of the time. We have dogs who live in the house, and most afternoons the dogs go out to play, and we let Fred fly free in the house.

He loves my daughter, and loves blond women in general. He barely tolerates me, although I am his caregiver. He has landed on my shoulder a few times, so maybe he is forgiving me for having dark hair!

I do have another cage, and kind of like the idea of having a different species bird as a companion. I would also like to rescue a bird, if possible. I will keep my eyes open.

[cherylrowland]

Mima,

I'm glad to hear that you are considering getting Fred or Honey a companion. If you have any further questions, please feel free to ask.

[White Wolf]

Hello and welcome. By the sounds of things you are moving in the right direction, however I would never suggest getting you "Bird" a companion. You can get yourself another bird, if you want one, but never assume they want a friend. Not all birds get along, and then you will have two to take care of instead of one, and they still only have you [or your family] as their companion. If you are working from home that should be more than enough. Also rest assured it is not uncommon for the caregiver to be the least respected member of the flock it happens. My hubby barely tolerates the birds and yet they all love him, LOL. They just like who they like and what you do or dont do for them has little to do with it. If you want another bird then by all means look into rescues in your area, research the kinds of birds you are potentially interested in and go from there. Good luck, and please keep us posted, Ruth

[Shirl]

I have 2 maie and a female (I think ) in one cage and 2 mail in another cage next to them . All birds are out all day when we are home . All stay on top of one cage most the time and all get along fine . On the other side of room is my CAG and she talks to them all day and she out also all day . No trouble with any of them .
I brought in a recuse tiel male and fits right in with the ones here . As been said that is some thing you never can tell till you try it .