Cockatiels

We have a 2 year old cockateil named Mo. I currently have him in my dining room which is nice and sunny. I am expecting twins in a few weeks and I will need the space to put a changing table and a pack and play, so I want to move him to another room. My DH wanted to move him to the basement, which is finished. No huge windows just the small basement ones and there is a large fish tank that gives off a lot of light. I told my DH I think he needs to be near natural sunlight. I feel bad to put him in the basement. Thoughts?

Re: Cockatiels

A few people have told us that it's not good for a dog to be in the basement - something about them feeling like they're not part of the entire home. We have his crate in the dining room which is right next to living room and kitchen and we're always in that area.

Re: Cockatiels

Cockateils are companion birds that need companionship and certainly will not be happy placed in a lonely dim basement. What's the point of having him if he is going to be stuck in a basement likely alone all day, with no sunlight or activity around him? I would also be concerned about moisture, temperature, etc, housing a bird in a basement. Birds airways are very sensitive to things, and most basements have mold or poor air circulation. I also imagine it might be scary for him to hear the stomping from up above, with such activity going on on the first floor, and him stuck in his cage to hear the commotion, alone. I would sooner rehome him than place him in a basement to be sad and unhappy alone, possibly for the rest of his days (which could be many many years).

http://www.cockatielcottage.net/newbirds.html

Message edited 3/20/2013 3:09:12 PM.

Re: Cockatiels

Re: Cockatiels

Thanks, I will probably move him to the living room instead. I don't think the basement is the right solution either.

Also, anyone know - do they do better or are happier with a companion?

Cockatiels

Cockatiels need socialization-I think the living room is a much better idea than the basement. They like light from outside but they also need UVA/UVB to be healthy and see in color. My avian vet recommends a UV light (avian sun by zoo med) for all companion birds. Is your bird bonded to a human(s)? My grey cockatiel lived for many years with a companion (another male) and was happy but he is bonded to me. The two birds lived in the same cage but did not groom each other or sleep close together. When my older bird died I wwas sfraid the yonger one would "miss" him. He called and looked for him for a couple of days but quickly moved on. Your bird may or may not like to have a bird companion. If you decide to get a second bird you will have to keep it in quarantine for 3 months to make sure it is healthy. Then introduce the two birds slowly. We found a parakeet last year and it turned out she needed medical attention although she seemed perfectly fine.

Cockatiels

I think companionship depends on the bird and if your cage is large enough to comfortably fit two birds.... that might be a fair trade off to whether you put the bird(s) in the finished basement. Do you use your basement everyday? Like PP said, you could add a sunlight bulb for her if she goes in the basement but if you can keep her in a more public place with natural light I think that is best.

I always kinda feel like animals should have same species company.

Message edited 3/23/2013 9:41:45 AM.

Re: Cockatiels

I moved him into the living room over the weekend and he is so much happier..he can see out of 2 windows and he also has a view of the fish tank LOL. Also my son watches TV in there and he goes nuts when there are songs on the TV..so I think I made the right decision. Only thing is, which I forgot, we put the AC in the window in there during the summer so I will probably have to move him again temporarily.