Need some support and advice

Hello,

At the moment I have two budgies who have been together for a long time and are very much bonded with each other. I only got them a couple weeks ago, and I know the taming process isn't always fast, especially with birds with a partner. I decided to get a cockatiel because I want a companion, and found the sweetest hand tame tiel that I will be adopting shortly.

However I'm starting to wonder if I made the wrong decision; here are my concerns and questions:

- I work full time, will the budgies be enough to keep the cockatiel from getting lonely during the day, and will it still be able to bond with me?
- With three birds, what will the annual expenses look like? Getting quality seed, new toys every now and then, vet visits, etc.
- Is there anything else I need to know that I'm not aware of? I know of the quarantine process, but I'm an in-experienced bird owner.

Regardless, I'm dedicated to make sure all these birds are healthy and happy, and have done a ridiculous amount of research to make sure they are. But there's a first time for everyone, and a cockatiel/three total birds is a first for me.

Any opinions and answers would be much appreciated.

Thanks.

Before I got Yoda, I was planning to get a Cockatiel also. I read (and was told) that it's best to not keep the two species in the same cage. They do flock together in the wild, but in a cage situation the budgies have been known to pick on or even attack the Cockatiel.

Aside from that, I can say that many people who work full time are still able to give their Fids plenty of love and attention during the hours that they are home. Cockatiels aren't as demanding of constant attention and snuggles as a Conure (from what I have read/heard) so I expect yours can tolerate the work-day apart from you better than my Yoda would for example. When you are home, make up for the quantity with plenty of quality and all will be well, in my opinion.

Remember, even if you're just watching TV or doing stuff around the house, your Fid will still appreciate being out of their cage and with YOU while you do other stuff. Yoda loves just hanging off of my husband's shirt while he is playing video games or tinkering in his workshop.

Cockatiels are pretty hardy and independent birds.

I was told by a wise bird person that it is the quality of time that counts. When you are with her/him, make every moment count.

Thanks for the info! What about my budgies? My tiel and budgies will be in separate cages in the same room. Will the tiel bond with the budgies rather than me?

It sounds like you’re committed to giving them a good life, and that is half the battle right there .

I agree with the previous comments - many of us have full time jobs, and make sure that we spend our off-hours giving our fids quality time. It’s definitely workable, and many birds appreciate having a routine that you stick to! My 3 get come out and eat breakfast with me, then go in their cages while I am at work. They do keep each other company while I’m gone during the day. They get their evening chop when I get home and are out with us until birdie bedtime. They have lots of toys to chew and shred while I’m out, and I rotate the toys in and out frequently to give them new stuff to play with every few days (I keep a bin of toys to choose from). Mine were all adults when they came to me and I have been able to build a bond with them, despite being gone during the day for work. You’ll be able to do it with patience and time.

I’d say that annual expenses are really variable depending on the individual birds, their health and their needs. I didn’t notice a big difference when I added my third flock member in January. A little more food, a few more toys and being prepared for 3 birds veterinary needs. My 3 are similar in size and like similar toys, so I just expanded my collection. My three eat a lot of fresh foods, so I just make more. Mine don’t all get along, so I did need to purchase another carrier (in case of emergency or just going to the vet).

I’m glad that you are planning to quarantine your new addition. The other recommendation that I would make is to closely supervise interactions once you do start introducing them (if you plan to introduce them). Mine don’t all get along, but can be out together. As long as Baby and Tango don’t get into Bindi’s personal space (she has about a 6” perimeter before she gets offended), everyone is fine. I always supervise, because I don’t want any injuries from bites. I don’t try to force any interactions between my birds, it they decide to be friends eventually it will be because they want to. I have perches and playstands in the house, and everyone can have their own space if that’s what they prefer. In your case, there will be a bit of a size difference between your budgies and your tiel - so I definitely recommend going slow with introductions and keeping a close eye on everyone.

You’ll do great - just move at the birds’ pace, keep everyone safe and enjoy them

SoarAzure said:

Thanks for the info! What about my budgies? My tiel and budgies will be in separate cages in the same room. Will the tiel bond with the budgies rather than me?

Click to expand...

I work full time and I can manage it, aswell as having plenty of time to handling and training my birdies!
It all depends on the budgies, especially with them being a pair. they might just get a bit territorial.
I have a budgie and a cockatiel, both female and in the same cage.
They are perfectly fine with each other.
But, I did get them when Kiwi was 9 weeks old and Snow was 12 weeks old.

The only time there is a problem, is when Kiwi will be eating and Snow (budgie) will fly down just to join her, but ends up annoying Kiwi.
The only other issue I had was Snow was wanting to constantly snuggle up to Kiwi, but after Kiwi allowed her to be there, Snow ruined it by pulling on her feathers... But she has now learnt that Kiwi does like to be left alone. (This was the first week I had them)

You will just have to watch them, sometimes they get along and sometimes they just don't... its like us, we don't always get along with other people, personalities just clash sometimes. This is the same with Cockatiels and Budgies

I had no problems what so ever taming my 'Tiel, just everyday make sure your constantly handling yours, each day you'll see progress. It took me an hour to tame my Kiwi onto my hand and she was Avery bred and brought up with her parents
I hope all goes well and they do get along!

SoarAzure said:

Thanks for the info! What about my budgies? My tiel and budgies will be in separate cages in the same room. Will the tiel bond with the budgies rather than me?

Click to expand...

I doubt it. Your budgies have each other.

SoarAzure said:

- I work full time, will the budgies be enough to keep the cockatiel from getting lonely during the day, and will it still be able to bond with me?
- With three birds, what will the annual expenses look like? Getting quality seed, new toys every now and then, vet visits, etc.
- Is there anything else I need to know that I'm not aware of? I know of the quarantine process, but I'm an in-experienced bird owner.

Thanks.

Click to expand...

I also work full time. As long as your tiel can hear your budgies and maybe have a cage near them it will not be as lonely. Many of us work full time!

You mention feeding seed...please consider expanding their diet to include chopped up fruits and veggies (called CHOP in the parrot world), sprouts (allowing seeds to germinate, super nutritious for both the budgies and cockatiels! my tiel loves ti!) and a good quality pellet.

Expect to spend around $50 a month for good quality care, including food and toys. That's around $600 a year.

Cage size is very important! Get the biggest cage you can afford for your birds.

I also have two budgies (in same cage) -- and I work. I got an IRN last year (separate large cage), and found the budgies were not a hindrance to the bond Rain and I developed. We recently added a GCC to the flock, and still find quality time with both Rain and Aspen. They have dinner with us (on their own feeding stands -- and well supervised). While Aspen cuddles with my husband, Rain lives on my shoulder while I'm doing dishes, laundry, vacuuming, etc. Between the two of us, the birds get lots of out of cage interaction with us. You will love adding a companion bird to the flock!

This is a great reference on budgies, by our very own Budgie-Whisperer, reeb!

http://www.parrotforums.com/budgies-parakeets/72068-taming-bonding-budgerigars-tips-beginners.html