Cockatiels are social pets that live in large flocks, but most owners choose to care for only one cockatiel. This can leave you concerned and make you wonder if your cockatiel will become lonely due to the lack of a companion. So, I did more research on this topic, and here is what I found.
Do Cockatiels Like Being Alone?
Do Cockatiels Like Being Alone? No, cockatiels don’t like being alone because they live in flocks with many birds. When lonely, cockatiels are more prone to stress and resort to destructive behaviors such as biting, screaming, and self-mutilation. It would help if you were a friend to your cockatiel, but it requires many hours of attention every day. Unfortunately, this is why so many cockatiels return home.
It is recommended that to keep a pair of cockatiels. If you cannot get a second bird to keep accompanying your existing cockatiel, you will need to spend 2-3 hours a day socializing with your cockatiel. You can bond with your cockatiel through fun games, exercise, spending time out of the cage, talking, and teaching tricks.
Do Cockatiels Get Lonely?
Cockatiels need а company because of their intelligence. According to the World Academy of Sciences, cockatiels have similar neurons in their forebrain as primates. The more complex the brain, the more it needs stimulation. This is why prisons use isolation as а punishment for inmates who misbehave. Social isolation has adverse emotional, mental, and physical effects on people. Not surprisingly, it has the same effect on intelligent birds, like cockatiels.
New owners should get a companion bird for their cockatiels. These beautiful creatures are very social and require a lot of attention. Even an affectionate owner may be unable to give the cockatiels the constant entertainment, time, and enrichment they need. Another cockatiel will have unlimited time to give and will benefit in similar ways.
Why Do Cockatiels Get Lonely?
Cockatiels are a food source for many predators. To combat this, cockatiels evolved to live in flocks instead of being left alone. There are several benefits to living in large groups such as:
- While in a flock, cockatiels can benefit from the early warning system of other birds.
- There is safety in numbers, as predators will find it more difficult to single out one cockatiel.
- Flocks can let others know where to find food and shelter.
- Cockatiels can solve puzzles or overcome obstacles together.
- Breeding and protecting eggs is less complicated in numbers.
Cockatiels have been around for a long time, so this way of thinking is ingrained. However, this is not something you can practice out with them. Instead, the need for a flock translates when it is domesticated.
Solitude May Represents Danger
When cockatiels are alone, they can not be so quickly warned or defend themselves against predators. Because of this, when a pet cockatiel finds itself all alone, it raises red flags in the brain. For cockatiels, solitude equates to risk. Solitude makes cockatiels feel on edge. Ultimately it may indicate that all the other birds have fled from a dangerous area, yet it’s still there. This causes the stress that is so problematic in lonely cockatiels.
Cockatiels Crave for Interaction
Other flock animals get lonely. However, the outcome is usually not very dramatic like in cockatiels. This is because cockatiels are intelligent pets. With intelligence comes self-awareness, and with self-awareness comes care. Cockatiels will be very aware of that when they are alone. Other animals may focus on the fact that there is no immediate danger. However, cockatiels are complex enough birds to worry about what might happen next.
Can Cockatiels Die of Loneliness?
Loneliness in cockatiels, unfortunately, may result in a shortened lifespan. However, loneliness will not immediately kill your cockatiel. Instead, you may notice the following adverse effects on your pet:
- Self-plucking of feathers.
- Destructive behavior.
- Less talking.
- Hiding from humans.
- Less eating.
- Screaming.
- Repetitive actions.
- Self-mutilation.
How Much Attention Do Cockatiels Need?
In the wild, cockatiels live in flocks of up to 10,000 birds and gather food in groups of 30. They form in pairs and are rarely ever alone. Because of this, cockatiels turn out to be more than what people can handle. They need constant attention and throw tantrums when they do not get it.
We recommend that you give a minimum of 2-3 hours of attention a day to the cockatiels. However, those numbers may indeed be too low. Cockatiels are like toddlers that never grow up.
How Long Can You Leave a Cockatiel Alone?
Cockatiels can not be left alone for more than 6 to 8 hours. Once you bond with your cockatiel, it considers you a family. In the wild, cockatiels are accustomed to being with their flock. They will naturally want to be around humans they consider family at all times. Your cockatiel will feel in danger if he doesn’t have his family with it.
Can You Leave A Cockatiel Alone While You Are On Vacation?
If you are going on an extended vacation, find a pet sitter to keep the cockatiel company. However, this only works if the cockatiel is bonded with the sitter and considers them part of its family. Cockatiels mal- imprint poorly on those who feed them. This will form a parent-child bond with a surrogate human parent.
Even if the sitter is someone from the same household, the cockatiel may not have a strong bond with them. The cockatiels are still felt lonely if their owners are far away. Hand-grown cockatiels, which are cared for by the owners, have tended to be more aggressive than wild cockatiels.
Can Cockatiels Befriend Other Pets?
Some owners believe that dogs and cats are good companions for cockatiels. However, this is untrue. It may only take a second for a misunderstanding between the two species to have dire consequences. Cockatiels are prey to animals. In their nature, they become alert when they perceive any danger. Animals of other species can trigger those instincts in cockatiels. So they shouldn’t be left next to dogs and cats while you are away.
Is It Better to Have One Cockatiel or Two?
Because they need constant social interaction, it is better to keep cockatiels in pairs. Of course, there are a few rules that you need to know. The main concern is the individual species. Cockatiels can become grumpy with age, so get a pair while they are still young.
Aggressive Behavior
There is a possibility that both cockatiels do not like each other. If this happens, they can attack each other. Because of this, it is recommended that you introduce them slowly. Cockatiels are stubborn birds. If two cockatiels do not love each other, little can be done to bring them to grow closer. Newer cockatiel usually needs to be returned to the home and replaced with cockatiel that the existing one might like better.
Growing To Dislike You
In contrast, cockatiels can love each other too much. When cockatiels share a deep bond, there is always the possibility that their bond will replace the one that exists with you. This is another reason to introduce cockatiels to each other slowly. It gives them time to bond with you before bonding with each other. Bonded cockatiels can:
- Bite you when they get jealous.
- Go from being affectionate to indifferent.
- Scream if you separate them, even just a few feet apart.
A cockatiel’s personality can change significantly once bonded to another parrot.
Additional Mess
The more birds, the bigger the mess. Of course, this will result in more cleaning. This can reduce the time you have to bond and play with your cockatiel. However, if you do not maintain the cockatiel cage properly, they may misbehave. This can mean that you resolve one problem (loneliness) and create another (bad behavior).
Compatible Species
When deciding on a bird companion, you may be wondering if two different species can coexist. Cockatiels may not tolerate other species well. However, cockatiels will be happy to socialize with other species of birds. Cockatiels usually share a cage with birds of similar size. It is not recommended to pair large parrots with cockatiels.
Can Two Cockatiels Live in the Same Cage?
Two cockatiels can occupy the same cage. However, keep in mind that conflicts with this setup are more likely to occur. This is true even for cockatiels who are bonded and friendly towards each other. Therefore, there is always a chance of a disagreement breaking out, and a disaster could strike.
Cockatiels, for example, are destructive and can be territorial with their possessions. One cockatiel can destroy its toy and steal its cage-mates intact toy. This can lead to fights if you do not provide them with things to play with.
Cockatiels can also get tired of their roommate and want some time alone. If the cage is not big enough, the cockatiel will not get the space it needs. Instead, it will feel trapped and stressed. While two cockatiels may share a cage, it is best to observe their personalities. It would help if you accommodated accordingly by changing the cage’s type, size, location, and environment.
