What Are the Advantages of Two Cockatiels?

Wild cockatiels live in colonies of up to 25 birds.
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Cockatiels are natives of Australia and closely related to the cockatoo. They are 12 inches long and are the smallest parrot with a crest. Cockatiels are colonists in the wild, enjoying the company of other cockatiels. Your lovable cockatiel mutated from entirely gray wild cockatiels. Mutations have resulted in nine colors of cockatiels.

Social Needs of a Cockatiel

Cockatiels are affectionate birds that seek companionship and attention from others. Two cockatiels will keep each other company. They will establish a pecking order, so be sure their cage is large enough, has extra perches and twice as many food and water bowls. Cockatiels are often seen preening each other and kissing. Cockatiels do not like being separated from their companions so if you are away all day a second cockatiel will provide that companionship.

Cockatiels are Entertaining

Two cockatiels are twice as entertaining. They are playful and energetic and love doing tricks. Give your cockatiels lots of toys designed for hook-bill birds. They enjoy climbing toys, ropes and things that make noise. Keep your cockatiels safe while they are out of their cage. Turn off ceiling fans and remove toxic plants from the room. Your cockatiels will entertain you with their antics and love the attention they get while you are teaching them.

Music in the Air

Cockatiels are great whistlers. They whistle to call each other when they are separated. The males whistle the most and are the easiest to teach to talk. Cockatiels can be taught to whistle tunes. Pick a favorite song and teach it to your cockatiels. They also love to dance. You can teach them to bob their heads, flap their wings and sway from side to side in time to music.

Having Two Cockatiels Prevents Bordom

Cockatiels quickly become bored when they are left alone. Two cockatiels are never lonely. The stress of being alone causes some cockatiels to begin plucking their own feathers. Other cockatiels become noisy, whistling loudly and screaming when left alone. A bored cockatiel may become destructive or depressed. Cockatiels are always happier when they are with a companion, whether that be a human member of their family or another cockatiel.

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