upatsix.com - Your Source For Pet Bird Information

Hey

Could you keep cockatiels and parakeets in the same cage after the have bonded. I plan on getting a cokcatiel soon. Any tips for me?

Thanks

you can but you have to be careful. Buggies can be aggresive to other birds although they get on great with each other. Just like all birds in the parrot family they bond well with humans but can get very jealous

ok

Shoudl i get a hand raised cockatiel from a bird show, or one from a pet store?

A breeder is the best place to get one, second choice is pet store, last is show. Wherever you get one, quarantine for 30-45 days. Make sure you take to vet right away for well bird check up.

Why is a bird show last?

At a bird show the babies(birds) can get exposed to many unknown diseases. If every breeder brings birds, people who have birds at home come in, who can tell how many illnesses the birds there may have been exposed to. If this is your first bird, maybe not quite as bad. You wouldn't be bringing anything home to your established flock.
No matter where you buy get vet check as soon as you can. And quarentine if you have other birds at home.
Even when just going to bird show, you should take clothes off and shower before going near your birds. Dip soles of shoes in clorox/water bath to kill creepys. Also clean/disinfect toys you buy. Its easier and cheaper to prevent illness than to try and cure it.

ok

How do I find a local breeder?

Where are you located? Check the up at six classifieds. Do an internet search. Call your local vet to see if they know of breeders close by. Local bird club might know some. Any friends with birds? Watch your local newspaper for ads.

ok Thanks

Could i fite a parakeet and a cockatiel in a 22.5, 20, 30 cage?

Also what is the size fore the best cage for when i first get a cokcatiel, the quaritne cage?

If that's inches its probably ok. The bigger the better. Wider is better than taller. After you get perches, toys and food dishes, you still need to have room for the birds. They should be able to open their wings and flap them without hitting anything. You'll need extra food dishes since they will be eating different size foods.
You wouldn't need too big of quarentine cage as its only for 30-45 days.

ok

Thanks

How old should I get my cockatiel?
And what kind should i be looking for?

Or should I just let it pick me?

If you have the opportunity to get with a breeder, let the bird pick you, and you want one as close to just weaned as possible, but make sure it IS fully weaned, and even better, would to find one who has lots of "hand" time.

What does weaned mean?

Weaned is the term used to describe when an animal quits relying on either mothers milk, regurgitated food, or other means of food support for that youngster. In cockatiels, weaning normally occurs around 7-8 weeks old, but can be later, and it also depends on whether the chick is pulled at an early age and hand fed, or if it is allowed to be weaned by its parents as in wild nature.

OK

Well i cant find any bird breeder. But there is a Bird show is town May 12.

Which one should i do, show breeder.

Also should i get on that is like one month old or older?
So i should get one that has been weaned?