BellaOnline Forums Home and Garden Birds Compatible birds?

Hi,
I'm a newbie, so please be patient! I currently have a white faced male cockatiel, Jasper, that I have had for 8 years. He is very loving and affectionate. I am seriously considering adding a Timneh African Grey to my family and all of the books and articles I've read, on Greys and Cockatiels, don't answer my question. Will they get along? I know I will have to devote more time to the Grey at first until he/she adapts to our home, so I guess I'm a little worried of the jealousy factor.
Does anyone have a Grey and a Cockatiel together?
How would I go about introducing the new family member? Any suggestions and advice would be greatly appreciated!
Thanks!

After your TAG has been quarantined (and during the quarantine time they may be able to hear each other), you can put them in the same room. Never allow either one out without being right there in case one goes over to the other's cage. Every bird is defensive about their cage, so the only place they should possibly get a chance to get close should be a large playstand away from the cages. Due to the size difference, it is possible that Jasper will not be safe around your TAG and you should be prepared for this. They can be good company for each other though, even if they can not play together.

Since every bird is different, yours could end up being the ones who become great buddies though. Just introduce them slowly (first by sound & then by sight before they ever get close enough to actually touch). Never leave them unattended - even for a moment when they are out.

Thank you Mavis! I must admit, I'm now nervous about the whole thing, but I will take your advice and slowly introduce them. I don't think I'll take the chance though, and let them play together. At least not for a long time! I would love for Jasper to have some during the day and I think they can enjoy each other from across the room!

Thanks again!

Ooops....I would love to have Jasper have some "company" during the day!

Yes, they will certainly interact & get to know each other without actually coming into contact. When will you be getting your TAG?

I'm late coming in to the discussion but wanted to say that I agree with Mavis on this. Any birds with a big size difference this would apply to. But the one thing I wanted to add is, it is really easy to spoil greys, and their jealousy is legendary. They don't share their person well. Mine will readily leave his cagetop or perch if I dare to give attention to any of the other birds while he's out.

One other thought I had is that the OP mentioned spending a lot of time with the grey "at first", and I wanted to warn NOT to spend more time with him at the beginning than you plan to spend in the future. Don't set a pattern that you're not going to follow forever and ever amen, because that grey will come to expect it, and give you (and quite possibly himself) grief if he doesn't get it.

You'll really love having a grey, they're high maintenance and require a lot of time and energy and input but they're well worth all of the effort. <img src="/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

Chiaowl - thanks so much for catching that comment about spending more time with the Grey "at first". You're absolutely right!