My two cockatiels turned mean... what can I do?

Question

My two cockatiels (bonded brother and sister) started to get really nippy. They have never actually mated but the female has laid eggs and she is very protective of them. They are kept in seperate cages, but the cages have to be right next to each other because they are bonded and they scream when they can't see eachother. When they were young they were very sweet but now that they have matured (they are 9 years old) and since the female has started to lay eggs (all the time!) they got mean.

What can I do to make them nice again? Should I just invest some time and money into breeding them, or possibly breed my female with a different male? I have heard that inbreeding can cause problems with the chicks, but their parents weren't siblings so it would only be first generation.

Does anyone have some advice for me?

Answer 1

Do not breed brother and sister!!!!!

Get her a different mate and separate brother and sister.

Answer 2

First all, separate the cages so the female will stop laying eggs. You might consider getting another male and female and putting 2 birds together in the same cage - same s*x or couples.

Secondly, you must have time and patience. Walk up to the cage and talk soothingly to them. Do not force your on them - they will hiss and act mean - just keep talking for a few minutes every day.

When they get to a point that they are comfortable with that - put hand hand in the cage but away from them. Again, they will hiss and act mean but talk soothingly while your hand is in the cage. They will get to the point where they don't mind the intrusion but it takes time.

Now, put a piece of safe food on your hard and put your hand on the cage. Do not move your hand toward them - be patient and talk soothingly. Eventually they will come on your hand - do not take them out.

When you get to this point open the cage and let them come out - when they are out on their own talk to them soothingly but make no sudden moves toward them. Start as I said above..