Ask Lafeber

Question:

May 6, 2025

ALOT of questions


Hi, i just got 2 new birds yesterday (27th April 2025) One cockatiel and one green cheek conure. I originally had one cockatiel before these two, hand raised etc. I did an introduction in my bedroom between the two cockatiels, straight away started preening each other. The new cockatiels seems like it has been handled as it loves affection. The first one i had (“Beau”) was very nice and didnt really act aggressive. Until this morning. i took their cage outside (both cockatiels in the cage together). Beau bit my finger and drew blood; he was acting very aggressive. He was born October 2024 So, he is roughly 7 months. I just want to know if i did the wrong thing by putting them in the cage together straight away. With my conure she is in a separate cage, a much smaller one just so its easier to bond with her as she is untamed. how do i make the first step into bonding with her as she is very very scared of hands. Thank you. The cockatiels are in a VERY large cage for their type of bird, so more than enough room to escape each other. They are getting an even bigger cage (aviary). So, I just want some tips on bonding, and behaviour.


Answer:

Hi,

You should never just place two birds together. New birds need to be quarantined for 30-45 days in case they have any diseases. Also, if you keep these birds together, they are going to bond with each other and you won’t be able to handle them anymore. A large aviary will only make them get more wild. Each bird should be in a cage, and if you want to let them interact outside of the cage, under supervision, you can try that. But I can’t stress enough that if you continue with your plan you are going to have two wild birds in a cage that can’t be handled and will have no interest in human interaction.

As for the conure, please visit our pages on behavior and taming so that you can learn how to work with him and gain his trust.

Pet Bird and Parrot Behavior

Teaching Your Bird

Thank you for asking Lafeber,

Brenda

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