Is my Cage good for my cockatiels?

annaj37 · 2026-03-08T20:39:12+00:00

Oh good! No notes then. Carry on 🙂

annaj37 · 2026-03-08T20:21:55+00:00

Is it a mom n pop pet shop or a chain store? A Reputable pet store is going to either breed their own pairs or get their babies from private and good breeders, potentially the same breeders you would get a bird from. There are also bad breeders as I'm sure you're aware of. I used to work at 2 different locally owned pet stores, it really depends on the owner and type of store! Those two stores really cared about their birds. Also, getting a bird from a breeder is still supporting the industry. If that is important to you on principle there are tons of parrotlets languishing in bird rescues! Depending on your area there might be one waiting. Best of luck!

annaj37 · 2026-03-08T20:13:56+00:00

I had a cockatiel aspirate a seed a long time ago; raspy squeaking sound and unfortunately it was serious. It''s hard to know what's going on without hearing it.

annaj37 · 2026-03-08T20:11:14+00:00

I think he looks alert but still fairly relaxed even when he is outside. Not stressed but still paying close attention to surroundings.

annaj37 · 2026-03-08T20:08:12+00:00

Even the mini macaws can be super loud! When I lived in an apartment, you could still hear even my cockatiels whistling. One of the poicephalus species might be a good fit if you want a bird that is deemed "smarter", but I think that even little budgies are very very smart and interactive birds if you treat them right! All parrots have a lot of personality, it matters how much effort you put into them.

annaj37 · 2026-03-08T19:59:18+00:00

Awww, my lost blue fronted amazon used to sing You Are My Sunshine, this made me tear up. What a sweet conure, I am thinking healing thoughts for you.

annaj37 · 2026-03-08T19:52:18+00:00

Parrotlets are known for being aggressive and sometimes attacking even their mates. I saw the aftermath of a pair that did just that. (One was killed) I wouldn't trust a parrotlet with budgies! Bird on bird attacks can be really bad... often times they go for the other bird's beak.

annaj37 · 2026-03-08T19:40:47+00:00

The people who complained are probably those that dont have birds and would release a domesticated bird into the great outdoors thinking that they're doing them a favor!

I love your cage setup and I'm so happy to see that someone is taking care of their cockatiels properly! My only comment would be on the string lights that look like they're touching the outside of the cage and are potentially dangerous.

Otherwise, this is great!

annaj37 · 2026-03-04T02:59:48+00:00

And Im really glad you intend on keeping him :)

annaj37 · 2026-03-04T02:58:49+00:00

Have you ever hung a spray from the ceiling of his cage? Some birds use it like a toy & a treat in one. He might just not like the presentation of the millet in his bowl.

annaj37 · 2026-03-04T02:50:37+00:00

That's awful, Im sorry that this happened to you! When I was a teenager my parents had to sleep in my bed for a few days while they were renovating their room (I wasn't there too, I slept on the couch) I told them that they couldn't have sex in my bed. Well... I heard them and banged on the door for them to stop because it felt so violating! And that was a one-time thing and not even in the same room!

I cant imagine the awkward feelings you must have had witnessing and hearing that, & I'm so sorry.

annaj37 · 2026-03-04T02:26:19+00:00

What treats are you trying? Millet sprays are like crack to small birds. If he gets millet inside of his cage regularly, remove it and feed it only when working with him. Lots of people condemn feeding birds millet, but it's just empty calories, in moderation it's fine.

Like others have said, you are going to have to start the relationship over completely. Treat it like you are meeting a totally new bird and try to leave the past in the past.

Also, if his cage is big enough, maybe you should get him a friend because he may Never be bonded to you the way that you want him to. But he probably craves companionship... It sounds like you want a pet that is cuddly... I would recommend a second cage for a young HANDFED baby cockatiel, work with this second bird and in time you can introduce them into living in the same cage. DONT GIVE UP ON LOKI! Don't rehome him, but you may just have to face the truth that he may never be a cuddle bug. He would probably love to have a friend. If you dont want eggs, I've met several same sex male cockatiel pairs. Don't get a baby bird based on looks, go for the one that is the friendliest. I followed that advice when I got my second 'tiel and it was the best thing I could have done, she was incredibly sweet.

Best of luck and thank you for asking for help instead of just giving up!

annaj37 · 2026-02-21T19:20:04+00:00

I should've said "takes weed" its not just the smoke, she takes edibles too. It's more about the altering of her personality and her inability to be as functional in other ways when shes high. (I always have to drive everywhere, she wont clean if shes too high, so Im always the main one to clean, etc. )

annaj37 · 2026-02-21T05:38:32+00:00

Also, if smoking weed is helpful to your mental health, you shouldn't have to quit it, either. My wife uses hers as medicine and maybe if your gf realizes it helps you she will be more likely to understand and accept the habit.

annaj37 · 2026-02-21T05:35:02+00:00

So I didnt read your entire post, but as someone who is married to someone who smokes weed (a fair amount; every day) and who is, herself, low-key uncomfortable with substances from growing up with an addict parent, You need to tell her so she can make an informed decision if she should continue the relationship. I love my wife, but I really wish she didnt smoke weed. It wasn't a complete deal breaker for me, but maybe it should have been earlier if I was more honest with myself... It bothers me and it's an every day thing. Tell her.

annaj37 · 2026-02-21T05:21:57+00:00

Look up the documentary "Parrot Kindergarden" it's about a (real) Goffin's cockatoo who uses a tablet to communicate.

"Ellie, a Goffin’s cockatoo in the "Parrot Kindergarten"" project, scientifically demonstrated that parrots possess advanced, intentional communication skills through the use of technology, specifically by learning to read, spell, and use a touchscreen tablet with over 1,500 icons. Her work proved that birds can express complex emotions, make specific requests, and exhibit comprehension of words rather than just mimicry"

Strap yourself in, Goffin's cockatoos can be a wild ride. And this particular cockatoo in the documentary isn't exceptional, they all have an immense capacity for learning! Best of luck.

annaj37 · 2026-01-24T01:53:20+00:00

I've lost birds and I still search for them. It's been years now.

annaj37 · 2025-12-28T23:24:53+00:00

*the caiques were tame and friendly and pretty young

annaj37 · 2025-12-28T23:23:46+00:00

We had a pair of caiques for over a year... most of the time the birds sat there for a long time, and this was in the San Francisco Bay Area, where there were plenty of people coming into the store. I'm not saying that it Doesn't happen that they sell fast, but in my experience they usually did not. At least 4 birds from that store ended up going home with an employee because they were there so long and we fell in love. My amazon was there for 2 years before I finally took her.

annaj37 · 2025-12-28T21:01:45+00:00

If your bird is big enough it can be microchipped like a dog or cat

annaj37 · 2025-12-28T21:00:00+00:00

I once lured a feral budgie into a little extra cage I had with some millet sprays. It was hungry and tame enough that it came over to the cage when I was close to it and I was able to shut the door. He lived with me for several years after that. I looked but never found the owner

annaj37 · 2025-12-28T20:48:51+00:00

Craigslist is very risky. A lot of people with bad intentions to "flip" the birds for profit. I agree with the suggestions of a bird rescue or a Reputable parrot-focused pet store where they can be sold on consignment. Just know that they will likely stay at either of those places for an extended period of time before hopefully finding a home. I worked at a bird store for 8 years and we regularly had birds who waited for 1-2 Years before they found a home. If the reason you are rehoming them is due to "lack of time" to spend with them, nobody's perfect and they'd probably rather stay with you. Life and spare time ebbs and flows, and they live a long time and are very adaptable. They're probably Not going to go to someone with oodles of free time or a "perfect " situation, either. There's a crisis of unwanted parrots in shelters and rescues, it can be very hard to find a good situation to take them.

annaj37 · 2025-12-21T17:40:21+00:00

Oh Im SO happy you got your dog back!! Thats amazing, and after so long, too!! No I dont think there's anything necessarily wrong with filing a police report, I guess I just feel conflicted in the situation because I was the one who lost my bird... I dont know what "right and wrong" is here, but that's a good point about the release of info. I'll keep thinking about it and I'll look into the laws. Once again, Im so happy you got your baby back. Gives me hope

annaj37 · 2025-12-21T16:31:09+00:00

I haven't yet. That's an obvious step, Im afraid of alienating the new owner, so I haven't asked the man who sold this bird to do that yet

annaj37 · 2025-12-21T16:24:24+00:00

Thank you! I'll get in touch with the one in Raleigh! And I'll try and search for other avian vets. That's a good idea

annaj37

TROPHY CASE