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Conference 7.286::pet_birds

Title:Captive Breeding for Conservation--and FUN!
Notice:INTROS 6.X / FOR SALE 13.X / Buying a Bird 900.*
Moderator:VIDEO::PULSIFER
Created:Mon Oct 10 1988
Last Modified:Tue Jun 03 1997
Last Successful Update:Fri Jun 06 1997
Number of topics:942
Total number of notes:6016

857.0. "Widower Cockatiel" by NOTAPC::LEVY () Thu Apr 21 1994 17:46

    I've had a pair of grey cockatiels for ~10 years. Sadly, the female
    recently passed away.
    
    The male, now alone, is singing more often, and using a much wider
    variety of sounds.
    
    My questions:
    
    Is it a good idea to get him a new mate, or a male buddy? 
    
    Will the 10-year age difference be a potential problem?
    
    Will the lack of a mate/companion shorten his potential lifespan?
    
    Thanks for any advice....
T.RTitleUserPersonal
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857.1Find him a new loveMRKTNG::COMPTONSat Apr 23 1994 22:459
    Hi,
    
    I have an eleven year old male cockatield who lost his mate some months
    ago (she was at least ten).  I introduced him to a year-and-a-half year
    old hen of the same color (lutino) as the former mate.  They bonded
    right away and have had beautiful chicks.  They both seem very content.
    I think it is a good idea to get him a friend.  
    
    Linda
857.2LOVE IN THE GOLDEN YEARSABACUS::BOURGAULTTue May 03 1994 16:569
    I agree with Linda.  I had a pair of cockatiels for 7 years and lost
    the female.  The male was mourning her terribly, so a week or so later
    I picked up a young hen for him (he was over 7 and she was about 1 1/2
    yrs old).  I put the cages side by side and opened the doors. He came
    out and "courted her" .  It was so cute to watch.  They are still
    together and that was over 3 years - and 4 clutches ago!
    
    Good Luck,
    Denise