Not another cockatiel!

[user87382294757]

So we have a cockatiel. We are fond of him; he is quite cheeky and has a range of calls. He is lutino, so yellow with orange cheeks like this

Now, DH and the DC are talking about getting another one. I am not keen as worry they might fight (if another male) or breed (if female) as often have egg binding problems and don't really want to deal with babies!

Also, he is already quite noisy, especially when he hears other birds outside.

AIBU and mean?

No. You get a say, too. And you don't want one.

I have a male and female but had to rehome the female after six years when she decided she wanted the male dead. (Whoops!). Now he has a little budgie running him ragged 24/7 for company instead.

Cockatiels need company though, especially if you and your husband are out at work? How long has he been an only bird?

Are they happier in pairs/groups? Or are they solitary?

I can't take my eyes off the fucking curtains in that video...were you saying something about a bird?

I didn’t even notice curtains. Too busy admiring the birdie’s lovely colours and how tame he/she is. 😍. **

You need special advice. I don't think he's lonely if that's your worry, assuming you pay lots of attn to you.

I'm well jell!! Even though I have cats so pet birds are totally out for us.

How much time does he spend without company? You might find with a flock mate he'll quieten down. I've got two and they make far less noise than people expect. Not very noisy at all. And one of them is still very friendly, it doesn't mean they won't want human interaction.

I think mine are both male, have the odd little squabble but nothing serious. And there are ways of discouraging breeding if you end up with a female.

If you do go ahead you should quarantine the new bird so you don't pass on anything the new bird might be hiding. I can't remember the recommended minimum, 30 days? If you don't want to get another that can be an excuse - to do it properly you're not meant to allow anything the new bird had been in contact with to come into contact with the first bird - change clothes, wash hands, need 2 cages etc

I had 2 males. They didn't fight but used to try to outdo each other on the decibel scale!

I also had one who cried like a baby and who had me running up the stairs to check the kids many many times. He also had fairly bad language can't imagine where he learned that

I am home during the day so he sings to me quite a lot, also enjoys the radio, and seems happy enough. then the DCs after school. I worry about another as he can be a bit pecky, especially when tired.