If One Cockatiel Dies, Will the Other Be Lonely?

If you recently lost one of your cockatiels, you are not the only one grieving the loss of a pal. Cockatiels are social creatures who need constant companionship. In the wild, they live in colonies of 12 to 100 birds. There, they have community, companionship and security. Being alone is not normal for a cockatiel, and it makes him feel vulnerable and unsafe. If your cockatiel loses his beloved companion, he will require extra care and attention to cope.

  1. Keeping a Pair

    • Avian veterinarian Thomas Haupt notes that cockatiels ̶0;have a strong need for social interaction and for the physical proximity of a mate.̶1; If you're going to keep a cockatiel, to meet his needs fully you should always keep a pair. This can be two birds of the same sex or opposite sex. The National Cockatiel Society says "a bonded pair can be and very often is two birds of the same sex." If you purchase a single bird, your cockatiel will depend entirely on you for companionship and entertainment. In his book ̶0;The Cockatiel Handbook,̶1; author Matthew Vriends emphasizes that a cockatiel without a companion will look to you to ̶0;be the surrogate partner.̶1; This means your lonely cockatiel will need you to spend several hours a day playing and spending time with him.

    Losing a Mate

    • If one of your cockatiels dies, the other will mourn his passing and begin to feel lonely. Your cockatiel may stop eating, or constantly call for his mate. Some cockatiels may stop chattering and whistling, or refuse to come out of the cage. A lonely cockatiel may develop self-destructive or annoying behaviors. He may pluck his feathers until he is bald, or scream for hours on end.

    Preventing Loneliness

    • Spending extra time with your cockatiel is essential to preventing loneliness and depression. It may take your cockatiel two to three weeks to get over the loss of a mate or buddy. During this time, set aside at least two hours a day to spend with him. Provide a variety of colorful toys for him to explore. Purchase a new bird stand or a parrot play gym for extra entertainment. Teach him a new trick, or a tune to whistle. Place a mirror in your cockatiel's cage to make him feel less alone. Leave the radio or television on to keep him company.

    A New Companion

    • Your grieving cockatiel may lash out if a new bird is introduced too quickly. Proceed slowly and cautiously when you introduce a new companion. Start by placing the new cockatiel in a separate cage close by. Allow the birds to get accustomed to seeing one another. Then place them together in a large cage. Watch carefully to see if they get along. If your cockatiels start fighting or viciously pecking one another, separate them for a short time. Try re-introducing the cockatiels in a cage that is unfamiliar to both of them. This will prevent them from feeling territorial. Cockatiels often make a clicking sound with their tongues as a sign of friendliness. This is a good indication that they are beginning to accept one another. As your cockatiels begin to bond, they may preen each other̵7;s feathers or feed one another.