Cockatiels and a Sun Conjure?

Question
Hi,

I have two questions:

First, I have two wonderful female cockatiels (about 6 months old).  I was wondering whether they can be housed with any other bird species?  They are out most of the day when I am home and in their cage to eat/sleep.  I found a very friendly Sun Conjure that I have been thinking about adopting, but only if he/she would be able to co-habitat with my 'tiels.

Secondly, regarding my two cockatiels, when I got them (a few months ago), as usual, their wings had been clipped.  I have had many birds in the past and know that it usually only takes a few weeks tops for their wings to grow back in, enabling them to fly.  However, it has been months and they still are unable to fly (I have actually never seen them fly)  They flutter occasionally but mostly run around like chickens following me everywhere.  I make sure that they get proper nutrition, etc., like cuttle bones, vitamins in their water, greens, millet, etc.  Is it possible that something health-related is causing their wings to grow back either slowly or poorly?  Oh, and the tail feathers of one of my girls has never grown out or if they do, they always seem to bend/break off.  She looks like a manx (I named her Manxie for that reason).

Any advice would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks,
Emilie


Answer
Emilie,

Cockatiels are generally docile creatures and should not be housed with any bigger birds.  They can be housed with budgies and Java finches.  I would definitely get a separate cage for the Sun Conure you are considering.

Cockatiels molt about once every 9 months.  If they were clipped right after their blood feathers grew in, you have to wait about 6-7 months for the feathers to grow back.

Is it possible for you to allow them to travel via Emilie rather than having them walk on the ground?  There is much less chance of injury this way.

Good luck,

Cindy