friend for a cockatiel

Owlet

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Oct 27, 2016
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Colorado
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Lincoln (Eclectus), Apollo (Cockatiel), Aster (GCC)
so this wont be for a long time and not until I specifically want a 3rd bird but I'm curious what species might be a good match to be a potential friend to Apollo (i know its not guaranteed theyll be friends but i can hope)

Ideally I would like a conure but would they be too aggressive for a 'tiel? Im not super picky on species in the end
 

SilverSage

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Sep 14, 2013
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Columbus, GA
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Eclectus, CAG, BH Pionus, MaximilianĆ¢ā‚¬ā„¢s Pionus, Quakers, Indian Ringnecks, Green Cheeked Conures, Black Capped Conures, Cockatiels, Lovebirds, Budgies, Canaries, Diamond Doves, Zebra Finches, Society F
Get the one you canā€™t live without, and go with a breeder who socializes their babies with other birds, or a regimes/rescued bird who already has a reputation for getting along with other birds. Since you are planning to socialize the new bird with a cockatiel I would go for similar or smaller beak size to a cockatiel, and NOT a species known for being aggressive.

So NOT a lovebird or parrotlet (can be very aggressive, to the point of actual murder)

If you go the Conure route I would go with pyrruhra Conures like gccs, maroon bellies, crimson bellies, etc because of their temperament and beak size.

Have you considered English budgies? Linnies? Other grass meets like rosellas? What sort of temperament/personality are you hoping for?


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clark_conure

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Jul 14, 2017
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Minnesota
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A crossover Quaker Scuti (F), A Sun conure named AC, A Cinnamon Green Cheek conure Kent, and 6 budgies, Scuti Jr. (f), yellow (m), clark Jr. (m), Dot (f), Zebra(f), Machine (m).
A GCC, let me stop there, "MY" GCC is a very single person bird and doesn't like competition. A baby GCC, might be ok as it grew up in the environment and it's normal.

A GCC is smaller than a cockatiel but once matured I think they out match them in just pre "I will F you up mentality". I watched as my GCC was sitting on my am and my bigger quaker came it to kind of attack....I never would have believed it but I saw my conure grab my quaker by the scruff of her neck feathers and put her in a suplex...I swear to god, they both flew back off my forearm onto the desk.,, the quaker and her both landing on their back.

A GCC is a great parrot, but they don't always get along with other birds. The tend to be human centric unless around other birds of same species.
 
OP
Owlet

Owlet

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Oct 27, 2016
2,750
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Colorado
Parrots
Lincoln (Eclectus), Apollo (Cockatiel), Aster (GCC)
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Get the one you canā€™t live without, and go with a breeder who socializes their babies with other birds, or a regimes/rescued bird who already has a reputation for getting along with other birds. Since you are planning to socialize the new bird with a cockatiel I would go for similar or smaller beak size to a cockatiel, and NOT a species known for being aggressive.

So NOT a lovebird or parrotlet (can be very aggressive, to the point of actual murder)

If you go the Conure route I would go with pyrruhra Conures like gccs, maroon bellies, crimson bellies, etc because of their temperament and beak size.

Have you considered English budgies? Linnies? Other grass meets like rosellas? What sort of temperament/personality are you hoping for?


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ive considered the parakeets especially linnies (love their sweet look) and i dont love budgies. Other grass parakeets im a little iffy on since ive heard theyre more on the skittish side.
What sort of temperament/personality are you hoping for?
I'm just looking for something that would work well with a cockatiel. I myself am flexible and would be able to work with whatever.
 

SilverSage

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Sep 14, 2013
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Columbus, GA
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Eclectus, CAG, BH Pionus, MaximilianĆ¢ā‚¬ā„¢s Pionus, Quakers, Indian Ringnecks, Green Cheeked Conures, Black Capped Conures, Cockatiels, Lovebirds, Budgies, Canaries, Diamond Doves, Zebra Finches, Society F
A GCC, let me stop there, "MY" GCC is a very single person bird and doesn't like competition. A baby GCC, might be ok as it grew up in the environment and it's normal.

A GCC is smaller than a cockatiel but once matured I think they out match them in just pre "I will F you up mentality". I watched as my GCC was sitting on my am and my bigger quaker came it to kind of attack....I never would have believed it but I saw my conure grab my quaker by the scruff of her neck feathers and put her in a suplex...I swear to god, they both flew back off my forearm onto the desk.,, the quaker and her both landing on their back.

A GCC is a great parrot, but they don't always get along with other birds. The tend to be human centric unless around other birds of same species.


I like the qualifier at the beginning; YOUR GCC. Any parrot can become a one person bird especially any of the pair bond species but itā€™s really a socialization and training issue at heart. That doesnā€™t always mean it can be undone once the behavior has been solidified, but itā€™s not terribly difficult to prevent; abundance wean, fully fledge, heavily socialize, enforce boundaries, build communication. These are the foundations fit a mentally, emotionally, and socially healthy parrot.


Owlet, have you thought about a second cockatiel?


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OP
Owlet

Owlet

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Oct 27, 2016
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Lincoln (Eclectus), Apollo (Cockatiel), Aster (GCC)
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A second cockatiel is a viable option but I wanted to see what other options I may have as I do like variety
 

SilverSage

New member
Sep 14, 2013
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Columbus, GA
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Eclectus, CAG, BH Pionus, MaximilianĆ¢ā‚¬ā„¢s Pionus, Quakers, Indian Ringnecks, Green Cheeked Conures, Black Capped Conures, Cockatiels, Lovebirds, Budgies, Canaries, Diamond Doves, Zebra Finches, Society F
I hear you! Have you decided if you want an older rescue or a baby? If you just want your tiel to have a talking buddy, an older rescue might be ideal! Or if you can find a rehoming situation that will let you foster, but that can be emotionally stressful for you and the flock.


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OP
Owlet

Owlet

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Oct 27, 2016
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Colorado
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Lincoln (Eclectus), Apollo (Cockatiel), Aster (GCC)
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I hear you! Have you decided if you want an older rescue or a baby? If you just want your tiel to have a talking buddy, an older rescue might be ideal! Or if you can find a rehoming situation that will let you foster, but that can be emotionally stressful for you and the flock.


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I'm leaning towards a baby because with my experience with Lincoln and other older birds I've worked with it's difficult to sway them in the way of enjoying other bird's company. Lincoln tolerates Apollo at a distance but wants nothing to do with her up close. Lincoln is very difficult to work with when it comes to things he's set in his way with. Which is okay I can respect his boundaries and I got lucky he's rather polite and very clear when he is displeased before biting. Obviously the main thing is to want the bird myself (which I do) and not for partnership to your already owned birds but I would love if Apollo could have a friend too.

I've decided to look more into a conure breeder I am aware of in my state and I am reading through their site and the seem like a really good breeder however they mention mixing things into formula and giving the bird that. Is that.. okay? This is what they say:
After I weigh them and give them a good look over, I make the hand feeding formula. This is a mixture of exact hand feeding formula, cayenne pepper, ground cinnamon (for circulation and kills parasites) and wheat germ oil, flax seed oil and or hemp oils. I also add bee pollen for maximum vitamins, a little more protein and immune support.

I also add puree peas and broccoli to the hand feeding formula. I prefer to use all organic ingredients from our health food store to supplement with. We also add Bena-bac for digestive enzymes. This mixture is made the perfect temperature just like it came from mom. Which is 105F. Some feedings I put pure scrambled eggs in the syringe and hand feed that to them as well. I use both syringes and pipettes.
 

SilverSage

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Sep 14, 2013
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Columbus, GA
Parrots
Eclectus, CAG, BH Pionus, MaximilianĆ¢ā‚¬ā„¢s Pionus, Quakers, Indian Ringnecks, Green Cheeked Conures, Black Capped Conures, Cockatiels, Lovebirds, Budgies, Canaries, Diamond Doves, Zebra Finches, Society F
I hear you! Have you decided if you want an older rescue or a baby? If you just want your tiel to have a talking buddy, an older rescue might be ideal! Or if you can find a rehoming situation that will let you foster, but that can be emotionally stressful for you and the flock.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

I'm leaning towards a baby because with my experience with Lincoln and other older birds I've worked with it's difficult to sway them in the way of enjoying other bird's company. Lincoln tolerates Apollo at a distance but wants nothing to do with her up close. Lincoln is very difficult to work with when it comes to things he's set in his way with. Which is okay I can respect his boundaries and I got lucky he's rather polite and very clear when he is displeased before biting. Obviously the main thing is to want the bird myself (which I do) and not for partnership to your already owned birds but I would love if Apollo could have a friend too.

I've decided to look more into a conure breeder I am aware of in my state and I am reading through their site and the seem like a really good breeder however they mention mixing things into formula and giving the bird that. Is that.. okay? This is what they say:
After I weigh them and give them a good look over, I make the hand feeding formula. This is a mixture of exact hand feeding formula, cayenne pepper, ground cinnamon (for circulation and kills parasites) and wheat germ oil, flax seed oil and or hemp oils. I also add bee pollen for maximum vitamins, a little more protein and immune support.

I also add puree peas and broccoli to the hand feeding formula. I prefer to use all organic ingredients from our health food store to supplement with. We also add Bena-bac for digestive enzymes. This mixture is made the perfect temperature just like it came from mom. Which is 105F. Some feedings I put pure scrambled eggs in the syringe and hand feed that to them as well. I use both syringes and pipettes.


I personally wouldnā€™t mix those things into the formula of a healthy baby, but a lot of breeders do and none of those ingredients are red flags :)

I would be more concerned with how early they get their wings clipped and how much time they get to spend socializing with other birds, as well as what the weaning practices are.


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OP
Owlet

Owlet

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Oct 27, 2016
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Colorado
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Lincoln (Eclectus), Apollo (Cockatiel), Aster (GCC)
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I hear you! Have you decided if you want an older rescue or a baby? If you just want your tiel to have a talking buddy, an older rescue might be ideal! Or if you can find a rehoming situation that will let you foster, but that can be emotionally stressful for you and the flock.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

I'm leaning towards a baby because with my experience with Lincoln and other older birds I've worked with it's difficult to sway them in the way of enjoying other bird's company. Lincoln tolerates Apollo at a distance but wants nothing to do with her up close. Lincoln is very difficult to work with when it comes to things he's set in his way with. Which is okay I can respect his boundaries and I got lucky he's rather polite and very clear when he is displeased before biting. Obviously the main thing is to want the bird myself (which I do) and not for partnership to your already owned birds but I would love if Apollo could have a friend too.

I've decided to look more into a conure breeder I am aware of in my state and I am reading through their site and the seem like a really good breeder however they mention mixing things into formula and giving the bird that. Is that.. okay? This is what they say:
After I weigh them and give them a good look over, I make the hand feeding formula. This is a mixture of exact hand feeding formula, cayenne pepper, ground cinnamon (for circulation and kills parasites) and wheat germ oil, flax seed oil and or hemp oils. I also add bee pollen for maximum vitamins, a little more protein and immune support.

I also add puree peas and broccoli to the hand feeding formula. I prefer to use all organic ingredients from our health food store to supplement with. We also add Bena-bac for digestive enzymes. This mixture is made the perfect temperature just like it came from mom. Which is 105F. Some feedings I put pure scrambled eggs in the syringe and hand feed that to them as well. I use both syringes and pipettes.


I personally wouldnā€™t mix those things into the formula of a healthy baby, but a lot of breeders do and none of those ingredients are red flags :)

I would be more concerned with how early they get their wings clipped and how much time they get to spend socializing with other birds, as well as what the weaning practices are.


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From what I'm reading on their site they don't clip the wings
we keep them until they can be taught to step up and work on talking, flight train and come when called. At that point they are are independent and ready for a life with you at home!
It also mentions handling the babies from day one (but they dont pull the babies from parents until 2-3 weeks)

They don't however mention how they go about weaning the baby though they do mention that their go home date is at "9 weeks old IF they wean on time" so it doesn't sound like forced ween. They also mention this:
As the babies mature and begin to want to eat on their own, we put veggie chop in with them. Once they show interest in that we start offering moist bird pellets, cooked brown rice & eggs. This gives them a great start and teaches healthy eating habits. Which is important throughout their life.
 

SilverSage

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Eclectus, CAG, BH Pionus, MaximilianĆ¢ā‚¬ā„¢s Pionus, Quakers, Indian Ringnecks, Green Cheeked Conures, Black Capped Conures, Cockatiels, Lovebirds, Budgies, Canaries, Diamond Doves, Zebra Finches, Society F
I see zero warning signs in any of this :) this seems like someone who both knows and cares about meeting the needs of growing babies :) obviously people can surprise us so itā€™s still best to handle the bird before buying if possible, but I say that as someone who takes deposits on babies before their new families meet them lol. I always recommend people ask around the Facebook groups before placing money, just in case. Of course, never send funds ā€œfriends and familyā€ through PayPal, and never Western Union or other wire transfer or other unprotected means, but all I see from what youā€™ve shared looks GREAT to me!


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chris-md

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Feb 6, 2010
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2,119
Maryland - USA
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Parker - male Eclectus

Aphrodite - red throated conure (RIP)
Owlet, I confess myself shocked. Youā€™ve been here for years, you know better than to ask about a companion for a bird of yours - you get a bird because YOU want it, not becuase you think your bird wants it. Iā€™ll cop to a few glasses of wine tonight but I feel like Iā€™m missing something in your question.
 
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Cardinal

Member
Jul 1, 2014
506
12
India
Parrots
Currently I have none, but I have the capacity to adopt a minimum and maximum of two budgies - preferably a bonded pair or two males.
nd i dont love budgies.
I'm just looking for something that would work well with a cockatiel. I myself am flexible and would be able to work with whatever.

Just curious! Why do you not love budgies?

Avin
 
OP
Owlet

Owlet

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Oct 27, 2016
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Colorado
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Lincoln (Eclectus), Apollo (Cockatiel), Aster (GCC)
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Owlet, I confess myself shocked. Youā€™ve been here for years, you know better than to ask about a companion for a bird of yours - you get a bird because YOU want it, not becuase you think your bird wants it. Iā€™ll cop to a few glasses of wine tonight but I feel like Iā€™m missing something in your question.
yes I know, i mentioned just that on the thread and I know if I get a 3rd bird theres no guarantee theyll be friends and while I do want a third bird for myself it would be great if they could also be friends with Apollo
 
OP
Owlet

Owlet

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Oct 27, 2016
2,750
1,886
Colorado
Parrots
Lincoln (Eclectus), Apollo (Cockatiel), Aster (GCC)
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nd i dont love budgies.
I'm just looking for something that would work well with a cockatiel. I myself am flexible and would be able to work with whatever.

Just curious! Why do you not love budgies?

Avin

I honestly dont know. They're great birds and I've loved the individuals I've worked with they just dont feel like a bird i would keep myself
 

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