Ask Lafeber

Older cockatiel

Hi, can I get my old cockatiel a partner? ,she was given it to me long ago, and idk how old she was back then, but she’s been with me for over 8/9 years, the other day I gave some spinach to play and she started to open up her wings and putting the leaves like in a form of a nest, idk that much about cockatiels and their behavior, my husband thinks she needs a partner, but since and I’m just guessing here, she’s old, idk if it’s a good idea to do that. Can you please help, thank you.

Hi,

If the bird is tame, I would not get it a “friend”. Birds do not have other birds as friends. They eventually form a bond and lose interest in people. Even if you got the same sex bird, they will bond if kept in the same cage and you will lose your bird as a pet. If the bird is not tame, then getting another mate is usually a good idea, but since you don’t know how old your bird is, it’s probably not a good idea to add another bird. It could trigger your bird to lay eggs, and if she is too old, this could cause complications or even death. Just make sure she has toys to play with and give her attention even if it’s just to talk to her.

Thank you for asking Lafeber,

Brenda