older cockatiel

Question
Hi,

I have a male cockatiel that is atleast 20 years old.  I was wondering if he is too old to have a friend or if this would cause him too much stress.  He does not like to come out of his cage, if I take him out he flys back and goes back in.  He does like to be talked to but does not like to be handled.  He does not talk but likes to sing and whistle.  I was told at one time he did talk but was left in his cage with no attention for a long while and then was given to me and my family.  So I was thinking that maybe if he had a friend he may be a happier bird.  Just wondering what your thoughts may be.

Thank you,

Beth

Answer
It sounds like you're a very caring, loving home and I certainly appreciate that you want to do the very best for this lucky bird.

Rather than bringing in a new bird, it will only take a few steps for YOU to become his good friend and hopefully revitalize him.  Keep in mind that he's truly old and already beyond the average age a 'tiel generally lives to be (about 18 years).

 Because of space constraints, go here and look at the different things you can do to help get him out of his cage and happy to be handled again.

 www.4AnimalCare.org (click on the bird tab)

Let me know how this goes ok?