Conference 7.286::pet_birds

600.0. "Marriage Counseling for Tiels?" by POCUS::MURPHYM () Fri Sep 06 1991 16:25

    I've looked through the recent notes to see if this problem has already
    been addressed, but I didn't see anything quite like it.
     
    First, a little background.  We have two Lutino cockatiels, an eight
    month old male, Dagwood, and a four month old female (Blondie). 
    Dagwood was our first bird, and eventually became very tame and
    affeectionate.  That is, of course, until we got Blondie.  After that,
    he became indiferent, even vicious towards us.  If you tried to put a
    hand near either of them, he'd bite.  And of course, Blondie always
    runs behind him for protection!
    
    Nothing unusual so far.  But now things get a little strange (!) 
    Being a male and female, they had begun to do what came naturally about
    a month ago, too young I think.  Blondie did allow it, though, so we
    didn't think anything of it.  Then, about a week ago, Dagwood started
    pulling the feathers out of the back of Blondie's head!  I mean, he was
    really yanking them out and she would screach each time he did it, but
    them kept going back to him.  It was breaking my heart to hear her
    scream, and she was nearly bald in the back (we both work during the
    day, so couldn't keep an eye on them) so we decided to get another cage
    and separate them. We have them next to each other and only let them out 
    at separate times.
    
    I think maybe (?) this happened because they were (at least she was)
    too young to be mating.  Am I right?  Did we do the right thing?
    
    HELP!!
    
    Mary (mother-in-law in distress)

    From my experiences, I believe this to me quite normal........
    Lutino is Latin for 'big brute!' ;^)
    
    	They are a little young to actually produce but not too young to
    be 'going through the motions'.  Separation would be preferrable to
    save the feathering of the female for now.  But understand it may cause
    the make to become loud/abnoxious and you may find yourself between two
    birds constantly calling to themselves.
    
    chet

    .1
    
    Thanks for the insight.  As for the male, he became obnoxious as soon
    as we got the female, and it looks as if he is going to stay that way. 
    It's a shame, really, 'cause he was such a sweet, friendly bird.  Now,
    you can't approach him without getting bit!  Unless, of cours, he's
    tried to fly and landed on the floor.  Then he'll readily get on your
    finger to get where he wants to go!  Selfish little thing.
    
    Anyway, Blondie (F) seems to have adjusted rather well to her new
    surroundings.  Dagwood (M), on the other hand, was inconsolable for the
    first few days.  We have them next to each other so they can visit, but
    no conjugal visits for quite a while.
    
    Again, thanks for the reply.
    
    Regards,
    
    Mary