Hi! I am about to purchase my first cockatiel. I am extremely
concerned about the other pets that my family owns (consisting of a cat and a dog)
Other than keeping the bird in a separate room, are there any tried and
true techniques to keep our other animals from getting too nosy? Also,
what do you recommend using as bedding in the cage. I have a book that
specifically says to use corn cob, however I have read on this web site
that that is bad. What do you suggest I use?
Sincerely,
Bryan K.
Bryan,
Introducing a cockatiel into a home where there are other pets doesn't
necessarily mean the bird has to be kept in another room. In order for the
dog, cat and cockatiel to have the opportunity to become friends they must
become acquainted, obviously, and the best way to begin is or the bird to be
in it's cage which is placed in a room where the dog and cat roam. They
will each be curious about the other until one day they have become so used
to the other it doesn't appear to be a big deal anymore.
At that time, you could let the bird out of it's cage but someone must closely supervise them at all times even after you think they wouldn't harm each other.
Newspapers work the best for us in ages and we only use pine shavings in nest boxes. We don't recommend corn cob to be used with birds.