Can I leave my cockatiel alone?

[Mr_Peppers]

I recently got into birds. I am going to get my first bird soon! I want a cockatiel but after the current pandemic is over I will not be at home from 8am-5pm is it ok if I leave my cockatiel alone during this time? or should I get a different Species?

 

[Gokha]

I leave mine until 5 pm as well, he/she should be fine as long as there’s enrichments inside the cage, food and fresh water just depends on how much quality time can you give the bird when you’re home.

 

[Mr_Peppers]

I Plan to spend most of the evening with the birds like when im studying, eating etc

 

[tka]

That's longer than I'd be comfortable leaving one bird on a regular basis. Can you consider getting two?

If you're a student, please bear in mind that your life will change - often dramatically - once you have completed your studies. Cockatiels can live for many years - there are a couple on this forum who are in their 30s. Please make sure that you've thought about how you can care for them as you navigate the changes and challenges of work, relationships, family life and so on.

Please also ensure that you have a vet fund. Avian vet care is specialist and can be expensive. There's nothing more heartbreaking than watching a pet suffer because you don't have access to an avian vet, or don't have the money to take them. If you are still living with your parents, this must be something that they're aware of and happy to pay for.

 

[Sparkles99]

Maybe budgies would be a better choice, given that tka said.

Welcome to AA!

 

[sunnysmom]

I had a cockatiel that I left alone for that period of time. He was fine but he was also used to that. It may be stressful for a bird to go from having you there all the time to being gone for that long. You would I think need to gradually get him used to it. You could also think about getting two tiels.

 

[jh81]

Like @tka i too would suggest getting two.
you already have everything you need anyway, its still possible to tame them, but at least they wont be lonely so long. Plus side.. if you need to pull an allnighter for exams, you wont have to feel bad for not playing with your bird ;-)