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Vexilen
Bappie
Joined: 11 Aug 2006
Posts: 61
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| Big Dilemna |
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I need help deciding on whether or not I should get another bird.
Right now the arrangement is that my brother stays home all day and periodically checks in on my cockatiel, Berto. This has been working great except my brother just passed the BAR and is going to move out in a few months. This means Berto will be alone from around 7:30-4:30 weekdays since I go to school and both my parents work.
I know cockatiels need lots of stimulation throughout the day, and I don't want Berto to get depressed. Do I need to get a companion for him?
My only worry is that a) I don't know if I have the space (though I could probably arrange it if I needed to) and b) at the store I got Berto from, he was the "bully." I took out two to see which one I liked, and one had all the feathers plucked out of the back of its head and the lady said that it was probably from Berto since he was the biggest of their cockatiel flock. Berto's very protective and bonded to me and I don't know what he would do if another bird invaded his "space."
For those of you who are thinking of Berto's disease, I would definetly make sure that was all gone and quarantine the new bird, etc. before bringing it in.
Thanks for your input!
Sara |
Monday November 20, 2006 11:25 pm |
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Fluffy Sue
Joined: 13 Jan 2005
Posts: 10070
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| Re: Big Dilemna |
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Hmmm I don't know about this.. It's a long time, from 7,30 till 4.30 but, can you leave the tv on, or the radio? Change his toys three times a week? Make him work for his food? (Foraging toys eg wrap his food in paper) |
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Tuesday November 21, 2006 12:15 am |
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Vexilen
Bappie
Joined: 11 Aug 2006
Posts: 61
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I could definitely leave either on for him, and for Hannukah Berto is getting two new perches. I'm still building up a toy stock for him since I just got him in August, but I could convince my mom to help me buy him a few new ones. Would moving them around in his cage work? He only seems to play with the ones in the middle.
Thanks!
Sara |
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Tuesday November 21, 2006 12:42 am |
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Julie White
Flier
Joined: 17 Nov 2005
Posts: 421
Location: Staines, England |
If Berto was the bully you wouldn't be able to put him in with another bird. Would you be thinking of getting another Cockatiel or a different variety? You would be able to keep another bird in a different cage so that they could see each other but you would need to quarantine them at first to ensure there would be no health risks and because of Bertos history you would need to supervise them carefully when they were out of their cages. The previous advice you got about leaving the radio or TV on was a good idea. Good luck with whatever you decide. |
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Wednesday November 22, 2006 1:43 pm |
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Vexilen
Bappie
Joined: 11 Aug 2006
Posts: 61
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I was thinking maybe a budgie. (Do I need to get two budgies or will one budgie be fine by itself?) I already have a big enough cage for one and Berto eats parakeet-sized food. They also make lots of noise and are playful enough that the budgie and Berto would mutually entertain each other.
If I got a budgie I would definitely keep Berto in a different cage, but having another bird in the same room would keep him from being depressed right?
If I didn't get a budgie I would get another cockatiel most likely. I just really don't know what to do...
Sara |
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Wednesday November 22, 2006 5:51 pm |
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Yupra
Flying tumbler
Joined: 05 Feb 2006
Posts: 2206
Location: CA |
You don't need to get budgies in pairs. But if you do get a single one it will need attention from you  If you get a pair they may just pay attention to each other and ignore you, unless you spend a lot of time with both birds. Its a matter of personal preference, there are some members who don't mind at all that their little budgies have fun with each other, and don't pay them much attention, the joy comes just from watching their little antics |
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Wednesday November 22, 2006 5:58 pm |
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luke1
Fledgeling
Joined: 06 Nov 2006
Posts: 313
Location: UK |
Hi, I'd get another tiel, Personally i think that is too long to be alone for , my cockatiel absolutely hates the aviary budgies when one hurt his wing and came indoors he would hiss at him!
So it is a bit of a chance if they will get on or not.
Luke. |
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Wednesday November 22, 2006 6:00 pm |
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Bandit
Flutterer
Joined: 29 Jul 2006
Posts: 130
Location: In a Dance Studio |
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I would suggest experimenting a little first. Does one of your friends own a tiel also? If so, see if you can arrange for Berto and the other tiel to spend a little time together. In the beginning, just try placing their cages or perches in the same room and observe how he acts. Is he tense or does he relax around the tiel? You can slowly move them closer and if they seem to like each other (ONLY if they like each other!!!) you can try putting them closer together, maybe even within 2-3 inches of each other while you are holding them. If they try to attack, IMMEDIATELY move them away!!! They must be supervised at all times. DO NOT LEAVE THEM IN ONE ROOM ALONE IF YOU VALUE YOUR PET!!! You can also try this with a budgie.
I also have a few questions for you. Do you spend time with your bird after school. I also go to school, but I still find time for Bandit after school is over. You can do your hw with Berto just sitting on your knee or shoulder (whichever one he prefers). You can also watch tv and go on the computer this way. Just a few tips.
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Thursday November 23, 2006 1:28 am |
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Vexilen
Bappie
Joined: 11 Aug 2006
Posts: 61
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I have one friend who owns a tiel, but it's not well socialized at all so I don't know if it would be the best test bird for Berto.
I spend TONS of time with Berto after school. As soon as I get home I change his papers and then take him out and let him sit on my shoulder while I do my homework, then I put him away while I eat and then he's back out again after dinner for a bit before bedtime. Would that be enough for him though, being alone ALL day seems like a lot.
I think I might try him for a few days with just the radio after my brother is gone. |
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Thursday November 23, 2006 2:12 am |
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flycatcher
Bappie
Joined: 14 Aug 2006
Posts: 62
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I think that budgies and tiels can get along fine. Although one time, I was watching a budgie preen the feathers or a 'tiel in the petstore, and they were getting along fine. Then, the 'tiel snapped at the budgie, I guess he'd preened the wrong feather. The budgie resumed preening, until the 'tiel snapped/hissed at him a second time. Annoyed, for obvious reason, the budgie proceeded to give the 'tiel some of her own medicine, striking out at the tiels shoulder. The tiel squaked, and became even MORE upset, and had the gall to snap back, even though the budgie had been preening her. Enraged, the little green budgie clambered onto the tiel's back, clawing, and snapping, but was unseated when the 'tiel flew to the floor of the cage.
It was actually sorta funny, since none of the birds were hurt. They had a little tiff.
so I guess interspecies relationships such as that do exist, though I gather that they aren't completely without occasional fights either |
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Thursday November 23, 2006 3:33 am |
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Julie White
Flier
Joined: 17 Nov 2005
Posts: 421
Location: Staines, England |
Maybe you could try seeing how Berto gets along with the radio for a day or two before your brother goes away, maybe you could pick some days when he goes to visit friends, then you would have an indication of how Berto would adapt, also before your brother goes perhaps you could see how Berto would get along with another bird. I just wonder if it would be leaving it a little late to find these things out after your brother has gone, although I do appreciate that you are giving this a lot of thought. |
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Thursday November 23, 2006 3:07 pm |
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Bandit
Flutterer
Joined: 29 Jul 2006
Posts: 130
Location: In a Dance Studio |
I also agree that there is no time to be lost. I understand your uneasiness with testing Berto with an unsocialized bird. The radio idea sounds good. Or you can try turning some calm music on for him. I have also heard of bird owners who have taped their voices and played the conversation over and over again. It really helped the bird to not feel lonesome!
He he. Yeah, the relationship really depends on the bird. If your tiel is the friendly type, he just might get along fine with another small bird. Bandit, on the other hand, would definitely be better off alone! |
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Sunday November 26, 2006 12:00 am |
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jletaz
Experienced flier
Joined: 28 Feb 2007
Posts: 1285
Location: CA, USA |
| Re: Big Dilemna |
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quote:
Originally posted by Fluffy Sue
Hmmm I don't know about this.. It's a long time, from 7,30 till 4.30 but, can you leave the tv on, or the radio? Change his toys three times a week? Make him work for his food? (Foraging toys eg wrap his food in paper)
That is not that long... trust me. Your birds get used to what schedule you give them. Unless that is your cockatiel has already learned to be VERY spoiled and clingy! My parrots would be home alone (with plenty of toys) when I had a job working 10 hour shifts which would take me out of the hours almost 12 hours a day. They still saw me every night for several hours, and plenty on days off. They are well adjusted and fine. If parrots can do that, then a cockatiel can to  I wouldn't worry.
by the way.. the foraging idea that Sue mentioned is great for all birds whether you're home or not
Julie |
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Saturday March 17, 2007 7:09 am |
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jletaz
Experienced flier
Joined: 28 Feb 2007
Posts: 1285
Location: CA, USA |
I also wanted to say that I know and chat with many people who work full time, and everyone in these households are out of the house all day, and their parrots are fine with the schedule as long as they know that is the way it is. If you have birds who are 'trained' to be dependent and always have you near, only THEN should it be a problem.
Julie |
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Saturday March 17, 2007 7:14 am |
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cheekie_birdy
Experienced flier
Joined: 08 Jul 2006
Posts: 1719
Location: Canada |
You don't have to have the budgie in the same cage as Berto. You could also (like suggested) leave on the radio or TV and give him lots of toys.
Haley |
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Saturday March 17, 2007 2:47 pm |
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