Is it normal for cockatiels to fight in the nest box before eggs?

As long as the birds are not fighting to the point of drawing blood it should be OK. Distracting them with toys can also help redirect the behavior. It would be hard to say if they are going to lay eggs, but making sure both birds have a balanced diet and the female has some extra calcium can help ensure any laid eggs are healthy. If they are fighting to the point of drawing blood or not getting along at all, separating them temporarily may help.

Thanks for reaching out about Charlie and including photos. The female could be becoming territorial due to hormones, trying to protect her prospective nest. Agreed that cage in picture is too small for long term habitation. Can you place a divider in the cage, acquire another larger cage? You can even try re-introduction but with more perches, food/water bowls. Sometimes these are temporary squabbles until hierarchy re-established. Good luck.

Thanks for your question about your budgies. It isn’t typical for the pair to start fighting, but it wouldn’t be unheard of either. I didn’t see if this was their first clutch together, but sometimes that can make a difference. I would recommend ensuring that there is a great deal of space for them to get away from each other, and lots of resources available. Multiple food dishes, numerous hiding spaces, etc. Also, keeping any additional stress to a minimum would be important - things like new people coming over, loud sounds, etc. I hope this gives you a place to start, and thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

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.

Unfortunately this can not be answered as the behavior of individuals are different. Sometimes they pair quickly and occasionally not at all. In the wild, they pick their own mates, they are not picked for them. Squabbling is normal, as they establish hierarchy and territory. Breeding season is usually in the spring, so be patient.

It is normal for captive birds to keep breeding even if they'd already laid a clutch, however if the male is harassing the female to the point where she's unable to lay on the eggs properly, or she seems stressed out, then separating them may be a good idea. If they seem OK, are eating and drinking normally, active, and able to sit on the eggs properly, then I would just keep an eye on them. it is a good idea to have some baby bird food and a syringe on hand in case the parents are unable to care for the babies. Young parents especially may have a harder time caring for their young, so stepping in with help may be needed.

It would be best to separate each pair into their own cage as the birds may begin to fight over territory, food and water, perches, and shared nesting areas, which could lead to injury. If you don't wish to have babies, removing the nesting material and any eggs should resolve the issue. If you do wish to breed them, making sure the birds have a calcium supplement such as a cuttle bone can help prevent egg binding and produce healthier eggs in addition to a regular balanced diet.