I'm looking at getting a much larger cage a second tiel, give my little guy some company. Any tips for introducing a new bird? Never had more than one but I think I have an addiction.
Ideally giving the new bird a week in a separate room quarantined from your bird is advisable. This is to prevent any contagious disease from spreading until you get the all clear by an avian vet. It may seem a little excess but being extra cautious with new birds is wise.
Wait to get the larger cage, keep them in two separate cages, in the same room, but placed far apart for an introductory period - generally 1 week.
To prevent any jealousy or aggression greet your first bird like normal - before you greet your new bird.
Then move along to the new bird and say hi.
While you’re over with the new bird, go back and reward your first tiel with treats or praise when you can see his body language shows he’s comfortable when you give attention to your new one.This can be signals - such as: - not looking at you constantly when with new bird- not making noises to get your attention- eating- resting- playing These are all signs that he’s not bothered by the presence of your new bird and what you should be rewarding and bringing attention to.I suggest not taking either bird out of the cage in the same room until you know they are comfortable with each other when inside the cages.Once you know they are both comfortable with each other inside seperate cages, take your first bird out of the cage and see his reaction toward new bird when he’s out.If he’s simply not bothered by this then it is a good sign but make sure to also provide activity to ensure he’s not focused on the new bird like different toys, food, play gyms etc.Repeat what i explained above, just with the new bird by itself out and exploring.Then introduce them both out at once; again still providing enrichment items etcALWAYS supervise them when out together. - Must reward POSITIVE interactions together- Don’t let them too close without opportunity to fly away if they have a disagreement- Give them PLENTY of fun things to do so they’re not bored when together and basically can’t have any excuse to disagree- If they don’t end up getting along with you introducing them properly then perhaps separate out of cage time will be the best option for them.Not all birds will get along. And generally that can be dependent on how bonded one bird is to you. However, if they do get along and you want to cage them together in a larger cage, do so gradually.Let them play together in their larger cage and get used to close proximity of one another, eating together, sleeping, interacting etc.Sorry this is such a long post.Generally tiels get along with each other just fine. But do take precautionary measure with behavioural cues and reward good behaviour to make the new guys home pleasant and your original guy not too jealous a new bird is getting his attention from you.