One of my sons is visiting us this summer and wishes to bring his cockatiel along. I have some reservations about having the bird in my home, as I do not wish for it to have access to all parts of the house. I also have very young children and am concerned about cleanliness problems both with respect to them and in general. Additionally, we have indoor cats. I have heard that these birds can develop emotional problems (???), and wonder about the potential effects of changes in environment. At the same time, my son claims that the bird is strongly attached to him and may become depressed. Would this be _likely_? My son will be with us for about 2 months. His mother and stepfather are available to care for the bird during that period (according to my son, the entire issue apparently arose from their desire to not bear the responsibility of caring for the bird).

What information can you provide me, please, about the merits and pitfalls of choosing to leave the bird there, and allowing it to be brought here? If here, it will almost certainly be confined to one room.

I thank you for any possible help you can give to me.

Kenward V.

Kenward,

This appears to be a lose/lose situation for the cockatiel. If the bird remains at home, it would certainly miss the companionship that your son provides. On the other hand, if the bird comes along, it will be placed in an unfamiliar environment. Based on the info you have provided, it is our opinion that the bird remain where its home is at present, if that bird's needs can be attended to by others.