Friend for my cockatiel?

Question
Hello, I've had my cockatiel since last summer, I got her from petsmart at the age of six months, she tamed down really nicely, but I don't have much time to spend with her anymore and was wondering if she'd be happied with a cockatiel friend? male or female?

Answer
Hello,

If you feel that you won't be able to spend ANY time with her and that she really would be lonely, then she might be content with a new cockatiel friend. If I were you, I would try to get one of the same sex so they don't end up mating on you. Don't think you want to be raising little ones do you? So in this case, I would suggest you get a female.

Now, since she isn't used to being with another cockatiel, then you'll have to introduce them very slowly. Best way is to put them in seperate cages side-by-side at first, and then introduce them in a neutral cage, meaning a cage that neither of them has been in before, so that territorial aggression will be ruled out. You'll have to keep a close eye on them to make sure they don't start fighting, if they do, you'll have to seperate them. But, in most cases, they adjust very well to a new friend, especially after they've had no human interaction, they really appreciate having a friend to preen them!

Good luck! If you have further questions, I would be glad to answer.

Sarah