Ask Lafeber

Move cocktails back with other cocktails

Hi, so my cocktails just had 2 babies two weeks ago. I have grown cocktails I had them all in one very big cage my husband built outside for them, but as soon as we saw the 2 couple were mating we brought them inside the house in a separate cage so they can have their babies. My question is we are planning to take them back outside once they are 4 weeks old, will parents still take care of their young or will they lose interest of them to be with the other birds? Should I keep them inside the house until babies get older?

Hi Liz,

Do not move the parents until the chicks are full weaned and independent. Four weeks is definitely too early – the parents would likely let them starve or the other adults might hurt or kill the chicks. Once they are weaned, you can move the parents back out with the others, but not the chicks. Generally chicks should not be left with the parents once they are weaned. The parents will either instinctively keep trying to drive the chicks away, or when they get older they will try to mate with them. Also, cockatiels should not be caged with the opposite sex until they are 2 years old, or they will try to breed too soon. It is risky for the females, especially, because they should not be laying eggs when they are younger than 2, even though they can. It would be best to find separate homes for the chicks, since related birds should not be allowed to breed. It’s really not good to let related birds live together unless you keep them from breeding, or discard any eggs that are laid.

Thank you for asking Lafeber,

Brenda