Bonding 2 Tiels question

**2Birds2Many** · 01-23-2012, 02:47 PM

I have 2 male cockatiels who im trying to put in one cage.
First off my eldest, Birdman, hes 25yrs old and his mate (a female) passed away a few months ago and since then hes been trying to bond with my other younger bird, Petra whose about 8yrs old.
Petra was always an only bird (ive had him his whole life) untill about 7months ago. They both are free ranging birds with there cages side by side, but im getting a cat soon so theyll have to be locked back up.

How can i get them to share a cage??
they do great hangin out together but i wanna be sure theyll be ok in the cage together.

Ive had Tiels for over 10yrs but ive never had to bond a pair.. any info is helpfull.

**2Birds2Many** · 01-29-2012, 09:27 AM

Seriously no one can help me??.... im on a parrot forum... wow.

**Marrie** · 01-29-2012, 10:22 AM

I didn't see your post when it first came up, which is kind of odd since I check "new posts". Hrm. :s

Since they are fine out together, have already a working friendship, you don't need the introduction phase of bonding. Do they groom each other etc while out together? Or just kind of do their own thing and tolerate each other? You can do supervised cage time together, to see how they do - you want to make sure it is a large enough cage so that they can have the normal birdy arguments (which means getting away from each other and ignoring each other for a bit when they happen) without it turning more serious. Also, two food bowls/water bowls. If they do fine supervised, after a bit (whenever you feel comfortable they will not fight) you can try an overnight visit together in one cage. If that goes well, just keep an eye out for any bullying or food domination (a common problem with pairs is that one will not let the other eat, it is hard to tell but can lead to weight loss).

**2Birds2Many** · 01-29-2012, 09:37 PM

They dont do anything together outside the cage. Just hang out. ill try putting them together one night and se what happens.

**Marrie** · 01-30-2012, 10:23 AM

I would do it during the day when you can watch for their first visit, which is why I suggested supervised, so you can watch for territorial behavior/fighting before you try overnight.