My new cockatiels are fighting. How long until they bond or mate?

If your are unsure of your bird's genders you can have them tested at your local vet (blood test) to determine if you have a male and female or two males/females. Same-sex birds can attempt to mate with each other, especially if it is mating season for them. If one of the birds seems stressed out by this, then separating the two for a period of time is best to avoid increasing stress or causing injury to one of the birds. If you are interested in breeding your birds and have a male and female, adding in more protein and calcium to their diet, as well as increasing the amount of daylight they get may help encourage egg laying and raising a clutch.

A pair does not always result in a mating unfortunately. It may take more time for them to bond and court. If it isn't mating season, nothing will get them together. Be patient, continue to care for them and in the future they may mate. It is always recommended to have any new pet examined by a veterinarian to confirm good health or to diagnose and treat any pre-existing conditions.

Since the birds are new to you (and I am assuming new to each other) they are probably a little stressed and taking time to adjust to their new surroundings. Also, since they are new to you, this may be completely normal behavior for them. You may want to try separating them and see if that helps. If they are eating and drinking well, do not appear to be injured and are having normal excrement then I would not be too concerned. They most likely are stressed and just need time to adjust to their new normal. I hope this helps. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. Bestnof luck.

It is normal for birds to have small quabbles. It could also be they are both female and both want a nest box, so adding in a second may prevent the fighting. Making sure both birds can access food, water, perches, etc without one bird guarding the resource can also help reduce fights.

Without knowing how long ago you introduced the birds, it could be hard to say. It may be that the two need more time to bond and get to know each other, before they accept each other. Offering toys that both can interact with together may help them bond. Making sure everyone has access to food, water, and perching space without competition can also help reduce stress and fighting over resources, which can help your birds get along better.

I think if the new bird would feel comfortable with a companion in his cage then it would be beneficial in helping to tame him. However, if the new bird acts stressed with a cage mate it would be better to leave them separated. Be patient and go slow with the new bird, using lots of treats to help coax him into feeding comfortable with you. It will also help if the new bird watches you interact with your other bird. Best of luck! Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

Losing a mate or part of the flock can be traumatic. Try to gradually reacclimate him to you. Begin by simply sitting by his cage for ever increasing periods of time. Speak softly and move slowly around him. End each visit with a small treat. Once he is fine with that, place your hand in the cage for ever increasing periods of time. He may squawk and flap and move away at first. That's fine. Do not attempt to touch or pet him. Once he settles down, you can coax him closer to you using treats. It will take time and patience, but eventually you should be able to win him over and get him to per h on your finger.