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Adding a second cockatiel to the household can be a rewarding experience when it includes careful planning and
preparation. Although both you and your companion cockatiel may be most anxious to obtain another cockatiel, it
can be risky to introduce a new bird without a period of quarantine. Because birds are experts at masking
symptoms of illness, which would make them easy prey to predators in the wild, new birds should be quarantined
separately to watch for signs of poor health.

Many avian veterinarians recommend a 90-day quarantine period, or a minimum period of 30 days. Because some
illnesses may not reveal their symptoms within 30 days, a longer 90-day quarantine period is recommended,
especially where there is risk of exposure to larger collections.

Ideally, a bird kept in quarantine should be maintained on a separate air system apart from other birds. Homes
lacking basements and separate air ducts may not be ideal for a vigilant quarantine. If a separate air system is not
accessible, a nearby neighbor, relative, or friend’s home – where no other birds are present – may be used so long
as the quarantined bird(s) progress can be checked every day.

Because this is an ideal opportunity to begin training, if necessary, do not rely upon others to provide daily feed and
care. Use discretion about removing a new bird from its cage for training if you do not have control over the bird’s
environment. Unexpected opened doors or windows can prove disastrous. However, if a separate air system just
cannot be found, isolate the new bird in a separate bedroom with the door kept closed.

Never allow birds access to one another during quarantine by alighting on each others’ cage, or touching another
bird’s toys, equipment, feed, water vessels, or food items.

Because cockatiels frequently hear each other’s calls, they often begin to frantically call back and forth, which may
prove to be a distressing time for owners to endure. However, for the health, safety and welfare of your existing bird
(s), do not cave in by allowing birds to visit one another before the quarantine period is over.

Follow strict protocols; always wash your hands between attending to your existing bird(s) and your new bird. No
exceptions! And, always wash up thoroughly after caring for, touching, or playing with a new bird. Taking stringent
measures greatly reduces the likelihood of passing along any hidden illness from the newly acquired bird. If
children are involved, carefully explain to them the importance of washing up between visiting cages.

Once quarantine is over, bring the new bird to an avian veterinarian who specializes in birds for a health check,
before introducing the new bird to other birds. If the flight feathers have not yet been clipped to help facilitate
training, a painless wing-clip can be performed during this appointment. The cost of a veterinary appointment and
any testing or treatments should be considered as part of the actual cost of the bird itself. This expense may
prevent further expenditures and/or heartache if a potential disease process infects a new bird or other precious
pets at home.

Once a clean bill of health is obtained from a veterinarian, the cages may be kept side-by-side, keeping the birds
housed separately in their own cages to remain comfortable in their respective, established territories.

Provide separate playtime with each cockatiel, taking each bird outside the cage for separate sessions. If the new
cockatiel is not yet completely tame, continue its lessons, which you have begun during its quarantine period. Once
your new bird observes your loving interactions with your first cockatiel, it will help to gain its confidence and
facilitate hand training and the emotional bonding that will occur.

Eventually, allow the birds their daily exercise outside the cage during the same time. Once the cage doors are
open, the birds may climb out and eventually visit each other’s cages. One excellent method of socialization is to
place both birds on a cockatiel play stand, which will act as neutral territory, to familiarize and play with one another.

A cockatiel should never be forced to share a cage with another cockatiel, who may perceive the intrusion as a
“threat.” We certainly wouldn’t be happy about a stranger suddenly sharing our bedroom and neither would our
birds. If a cockatiel should eventually choose to share a cage together with another cockatiel, and harmony
abounds, then it is possible to house the birds together.

Signs of incompatibility include hissing, screaming, lunging, biting, tail bending, feather pulling, and other
aggressive behaviors. Cockatiels that continuously demonstrate these behaviors should be given separate cages
and leave socializing to time spent outside the cage. Usually, males and females socialize well, or two males may
“buddy up” and become close pals.

Introducing your cockatiel to a new companion should be an exciting event for both of you when common sense
rules are followed.

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Cockatiel Foundation, Inc.

Linda S. Rubin is an aviculturist, lecturer and avian educator of 30 years, with an international byline in avicultural magazines around
the world and author of several books at www.CockatielsPlusParrot s.com. She is the cockatiel expert columnist for Bird Talk’s
website, BirdChannel.com, writes as an overseas columnist for Cage & Aviary Birds (United kingdom), and she serves on the board of
directors as National Specialty Vice President for the American Federation of Aviculture, Inc. She is the founding president and
genetics consultant of the Cockatiel Foundation, Inc. Linda is a certified panel judge for the Cockatiel Foundation, and the Society of
Parrot Breeders & Exhibitors, judging shows throughout the US, Puerto Rico, and Canada since 1984.

c. 2008 Sandra Trottier