behavior

Question
I have a 2yr old male cockateil, I purchased him when he was 8 months old.When we bought him he was a very sweet bird he never like hands or fingers. But loved to give kissed and to cuddle.He has always favored my husband over me.We always give him a couple times a day to get out and play.We have noticed that he has become very aggressive within the past few months hissing and trying to bight and when you get close to his cage he attacks his toys or try to attack me.We thought maybe that he needed a girlfriend because he seems a little sexually frustrated.We just bought a female for him and when he seen her he was swaying side to side and saying "pretty bird" over and over again.I have been keeping a close eye on them together,they have had some squabbling but nothing for me to really worry about. I know it will take time for him to get used to her.Do you think purchesing him a friend was the right thing to do? He is still acting nasty, when I get close to him.What do you think about his behavior? And what do you think I should do? Thank you

Answer
Courtney,

I think you should have written to me before you bought the female for him.  

Cockatiels tend to go through a period of time when they become territorial, and it is like an adolescent human...you cannot let them give you disrespect...you must show them they cannot get away with that behavior or they will continue it.  At that point you should have worked on getting him out of his cage without biting.

Does he have a mirror or any shiny surfaces in the cage?  If so, remove them.  

The attitude he is showing toward the female is actually aggression.  Keep the two in separate cages for as long as possible.

Good luck,

Cindy