https://www.chewy.com/education/bird/cockatiel/keeping-multiple-cockatiels
*Cockatiels are charming and affectionate pets with unique care needs. In the Cockatiel Education Hub, you’ll find information on vocalization, social bonding, nutrition, and creating a safe and engaging environment tailored to your cockatiel’s personality.
Cockatiels are beloved pet birds known for their affectionate and social nature, often forming deep bonds with their human caregivers - especially if they are hand raised.
A single cockatiel can be perfectly content without avian companions, bonding so strongly with people that it may seem to forget it’s a bird.
However, if you are considering expanding your flock, it is very important to know that adding another cockatiel may shift that dynamic. Once paired with another bird, even previously people focused cockatiels can redirect their attention to their new feathered friend, leaving their human feeling a bit like the odd one out.
If you are ready for the added responsibility and noise of a second cockatiel, thoughtful introductions are key.
It is recommended to start with separate cages placed side by side, allowing the birds to become familiar from a safe distance. Look for early signs of aggression or curiosity before progressing.
Providing enrichment, like shared play areas and tasty treats, can encourage positive associations.
If the birds get along, allow supervised interactions outside the cage and eventually offer a shared space with enough room, toys, and feeding stations to minimize competition.
Chewy editorial team points out that although cockatiels are typically friendly and adaptable, but introducing a new bird still requires thoughtful planning and plenty of patience.
Keep in mind that adding to your flock also means increased responsibilities, more noise, and the potential for higher veterinary expenses.