What should I do about my cockatiel situation?

Question

Three days ago i adopted a female cockatiel from Petco. I actually went their to purchase another hamster but instead bought the cockatiel on a whim. I had no clue about birds personalities or anything so I finally just started doing my research! Since she is from Petco, I was told that it will take 6-8 months to tame (from small attention) her instead of 2 weeks for a hand-fed bird. Now I am considering going to a petstore where they hand-feed and take wonderful care of all of their birds to adopt either a male Lovebird, Budgie, or a Conure. This is such a hard decision! Thanks for your help =]

Answer 1

When you got this bird, you committed to her care for the next 20 or so years.  One thing that means is that even if it does take a while for her to trust you, you and her will still have a lot of friendship time once she does.  All birds take patience to build a bond with their people anyway, and there is no definite amount of time for any bird.  It depends on the individual bird's personality and your ability to show kindness, patience, and unconditional love.

Answer 2

Stick with the bird you have.

She's going to need all your care an attention to be the best possible pet.

If you want to "start from scratch" with a more friendly bird, re-home the one you have.  I guess you could make her a "look only" pet, but it's better for her and you for her to tame down and be friendly.

The new bird is gonna take work even if it was hand fed/tame.  Birds take a while to adjust to new things.  You'll have to do some work with him to get him to trust you.  I just don't want you to think that getting another bird means you'll magically have a wonderful pet right away.  It takes work no matter what you decide.  And since you've already taken responsibility for a bird, I think you should stick with it.

Cheers.

Answer 3

I do not advise getting another bird at this time.  Take your time with this bird and it can be tamed in a matter of a few weeks if you are patient and offer treats.

If you get another bird, are you aware that you need to quarantine it for 30-60 days away from your current bird?  This means another room.  Quarantine is a very lengthy and time consuming thing.  Are you aware that you need a good avian vet?  One bird visit will cost $100+ two birds do not get you a discount, and yes, when one is sick, usually the other is sick as well.

None of the birds you are talking about can be placed in the same cage as the cockatiel.  Cockatiels are very laid back birds, and the other birds listed will harass or kill one.  

Please, take your time with this bird and don't rush into having multiple birds until you are sure what you are doing.  Then, do plenty of research.

You can start with cockatiel research on the site listed in my profile.  I've had my oldest tiel for 20 years now, and I expect that he will live for at least 10 more.

Answer 4

I don't think there is a real time frame for taming a bird.  It's all up to the bird and how much time you put into it.  I've only had one of my tiels for maybe 4/5 months?  When I adopted him from the shelter, he was a bit nippy and hissy and didn't like people. Now he loves me, does tricks, and even gives kisses.

Really, you should hold of on another bird.  Birds take a lot of time and care, and buying from a pet store isn't a good idea.  If you can't find a reputable breeder, you should really be looking into rescue.  (or vice versa.)

Answer 5

i think you should keep it but if you really want to get rid of her i would love to have her. i had two cockatiels but yesterday one got out and my other cockatiel is so sad he wont stop chipping and keeps going back and forth in his cage. if my other bird comes back home i wont need her. if you do sell her you should get a sun conure. they are very pretty and can be very very sweet birds that live for a long time. please email me at [e-mail] i think i would like your bird. go to sunconure.com

Answer 6

I don't really understand your question, but if you adopt a male love bird, you must adopt a female, too. They need companionship of another of their species.  

Answer 7

Yes, don't give up your cockatiel. I bought my bird from Petco and it was not hand-fed. Just stick with it. Birds are generally social creatures, so its best to get in the habit of spending time with it now (=P). Plus, it's quite charming to see your bird slowly begin to trust you. Start out teaching it to step up, feed from your hand, and just bring it out a lot (make sure you are always in the room). Soon, once you get those basic commands down, everything else isn't that far behind.

Keep in mind that even if you get a hand-fed bird from somewhere else, you're not only going to have to figure out what to do with your cockatiel but also that no matter where the bird comes from, it will still take several weeks for your bird to get attached to you. It's not an automatic thing no matter what the situation or no matter what kind of bird it is.

Answer 8

What are you planning to do with the bird you already have?  I suggest you refrain from purchasing any other animals until you can manage to commit to your current pet.

Answer 9

Don't dump your new bid, it will learn to love you  if you take care of it. Those bids at the hand-feeding pet stores are-as you have said-being greatly taken care of yes, so you should help your new bird become part of the family because unlike the LoveBirds Budgies or Conures, this bird you now own has never known attention if what you say is true. But a word of advice to the next time you pick a pet is to not pick an animal out of pitty for it unless you're prepared and have done your research so that you don't end up in the same situation as you are in now. But don't worry, I know how you feel, I am a MAJOR animal lover and it's hard not to buy whatever I see in the stores.