What is appropriate behavior when introducing two cockatiels?

[kristina]

I'm following up on my previous question about introducing cockatiels. I have an 8 month old male cockatiel named Zazu, who is very hand tame. We got a new cockatiel who we named Woody (told it was a male but not sure since it's a pied, it's young, and it's not vocalizing at all) who was also hand fed, took a little time to tame him though, but he is now also getting much more friendly with me, coming out of the cage easily and grooming me from time to time.

We had Woody in a 30 day quarantine and last week got the go ahead from the vet to move them into the same room. We had their cages next to each other for a week, and yesterday I finally took them out at the same time to have some supervised out of the cage time together.

I just want some feedback or reassurance about what I should be looking for during their interactions together. Zazu seems very interested in Woody, when they're in separate cages, Zazu is always nearest to the side of the cage where Woody is located. Woody on the other hand doesn't seem all that interested, doesn't seem to particularly care about Zazu.

Out of the cage, they appear to cohabitate pretty well, both of them eating millet and playing with toys. Again, Zazu seeming more interested in Woody. Woody not really all that interested in Zazu. They had a couple minor squabbles, where one would kind of lunge at the other open beaked when they got too close, but no biting. They've both groomed themselves near each other out of the cage, and at one point it was really cute they were both sitting on me, closing their eyes and alternating grinding their beaks.

So overall does this sound like a good start or should I be concerned that Woody doesn't seem interested and that they've had a few squabbles? What is normal and what is not when introducing cockatiels? I'm happy to be patient, but I really do want them to eventually live in the same cage so I'm not sure what I should look for to let me know they're ready to cohabitate.

thank you so much for any insight!!

 

[Saint Louis]

Sounds like yu have done everything 'by the book'. It usually just takes a bit of time for them to get adjusted. Especially if one is more bonded to you. Continue to take them out together as to not have an jealous issues and within a month or two, you should see improvement. In the event you see them squabbling, just say "No" in a firm dominate voice that lets them know you aren't pleased with the behavior. ALso sign-up at www.birdchannel.com for great advice and info for your birds. Good Luck.