Ask Lafeber

Should I

I’m alittle stuck my cockatiel was hand raised by me and prefers me over anyone else, we’ve recently had a baby n I’m afraid with how the bird gets his been left in his cage more see he used to get most of the day out of his cage was really only ever in it at night or if we weren’t home, but now it’s hard coz he just wants me but I’m breastfeeding n there has been one to many close calls with him n bubs face so his been left in his cage, he scratches most of the day n it’s like a scream he’ll do if u walk past him and he also hisses, should I really consider getting him a friend?

Hi Bec,

If you get another bird to put in the same cage as him, then you are likely to lose him as a pet. Birds will tend to bond together, even if they are the same sex. And there is no guarantee he would get along with another bird, whether you get a male or female. If you get a female and they do get along, then you will have to deal with breeding behavior. It would be better to try to handle him when you can and give him time to adjust to the new routine. Make sure he has plenty of toys to keep him busy and see about giving him foraging foods, which will also keep him busy. It’s a good idea to keep his wings trimmed if you don’t already. This will reduce his aggression, and he won’t be able to fly and scare or hurt the baby. Birds live a very long time, and throughout their lives they have a lot of changes. Just take it one day at a time and handle him when you have time.

Thank you for asking Lafeber,

Brenda