How To Own A Cockatiel If You Have Other Pets

Cockatiels are one of the smallest types of pet to own, so you will need to keep an eye on your existing pets to make sure that they do not harm your new cockatiel.

In most cases dogs will not be a problem for your cockatiel, as dogs will generally ignore the bird. If you have a dog that likes to chase birds, it might be a good idea to keep them separated.

Cats on the other hand are natural preditors, and are more likely to look at your cockatiel as their next meal. They will usually wait for the bird to be removed from the cage before trying to catch it. Some will even be so bold as to climb onto the cage and attempt to reach it through the mesh. Although this may not cause direct harm, it will upset your cockatiel, which may injure itself by flapping around its cage.

A tame bird is especially vulnerable to a cat, as its natural fear is lessened. Try to keep your cockatiel in a room that your cats aren't allowed into, and if letting your cockatiel out of his cage, first check that the cats aren't around. Never be tempted to leave the bird unsupervised in the room, even for a short time, especially if you have children. They could open a door and let the cat in by accident, which could well spell the end of your bird.

Open fish tanks can present another hazard for your cockatiel. If the bird falls into the tank, its plumage will become saturated, which will cause it to sink and drown. To avoid an accident, make sure the fish tank has a cover over it at all times.

If you own a parrot or bird of another species, you will need to introduce them very slowly. Jealousy could make your established pet parrot attack the new cockatiel. Your established bird may object loudly when you are working with your new cockatiel, and also attempt to bite his feet through the meshing if the cockatiel lands on his cage. If the cages are placed close together, the established bird may also try to bite the cockatiel through the cage bars.

Try to spend a bit more time than usual with your established bird to avoid conflict and jealousy. Try letting both birds out together, and this may reduce aggressiveness, and in time they may form a close bond, perhaps even roosting side by side in the same cage.

There is no chance of your birds cross breeding. They have never in history been successfully cross bred with any other species, as they are so different to the other bird species.