Im going to get 2 cockatiels so 1 wont get lonly Should i hand feed them?

Question

Im going to get 2 cockatiels so 1 wont get lonly Should i hand feed them?

Answer 1

Ideally, you would find just-weaned hand-fed cockatiels -- hand-feeding can sometimes mean you have to buy special equipment, and be ready to feed your babies every three to five hours.  Also, a baby cockatiel who still requires hand-feeding can often not yet perch, or will be very poor at it -- as well as climbing.

It is also complicated (the food must be a specific texture and temperature, the bird's crop must be so full and no fuller).  You can kill your new friend if you do not do things very particularly and delicately.

If you want a very tame and loving (to humans) cockatiel, you should adopt only one (and try to adopt -- they are overbred!), as two cockatiels will probably first bond to each other, and not accept humans as their "flock".

Females can be just as loving as males, but are much quieter about it.  If you hope for a big talker or singer, adopt a little boy.  :)

Good luck finding your new owner!  (They are that bright and emotional.)

Answer 2

There is nothing wrong with owning just one cockatiel, providing you pay attention to him or her everyday. They can be just as wonderful of a pet even if not handfed. Hand raised gives you the same effect. "Its the hand that tames the chick, not the food."  Its all very time consuming no matter which you choose to do. Do make sure though that you know how to handfeed. There is a lot involved including time, temperature of food, and are you available round the clock to feed. Read up a little more before you make a final decision.

Answer 3

Yes, definitely start them out by hand feeding if they are tame. If they are not tame, they won't eat from your hand. They have to be slowly tamed down. And if you don't want babies, make sure they are both the same s*x. They will still preen each other, and get along OK. Make sure you get a big enough cage and feed them plenty of fruit and veggies, so they stay healthy. They usually don't live as long, if you only feed them seeds. I have 25 years experience with Birds, so I can answer just about any question, but I usually recommend asking the person you buy them from all about them, if you can. Hope this helps! Pam