Why does my cockatiel act this way?

[Robsshock]

I have a 7 year old male cockatiel and I’m the original owner as I had him since he was a few weeks old. He’s never liked to be petted on the head or anything, it took me almost 3 months in the beginning to have him perch on my finger. I bought a pair so he came with a brother. His brother was clingy and would always want to hang out with me. Unfortunately, he got sick and died suddenly about a year ago, leaving me with the anti-social tiel. I was worried he would get depressed losing his cage-mate/brother of 6 years. But His behavior didn’t change, he kept eating and drinking and going about his day.

When my anti-social tiel’s brother was alive, I would always make an effort to spend time with both. But the one who passed away was the only one who was loving and clingy. The other would prefer to stay in the cage and preen himself, play with the cage toys, etc. He’s been that way since I first had him and always tried to socialize with him. But he would always fly back to the cage and go inside it to play with whatever was inside his cage. But the strange thing is every time I leave my room, he would cry out until I came back.

is my cockatiel on the spectrum somehow? I thought about getting him another friend but at this point, it seems like he likes to be left alone. He only wants me to be in the room but not come out to socialize with me.

 

[Aestatis]

It sounds like he has an independent personality. There's nothing wrong with enjoying a cuddly bird, but there are benefits to having a bird that can entertain itself. A mix of both is ideal.

At the end of the day, cockatiels are flock birds and there is safety in numbers. So, the fact he is calling after you tells you that you are part of his flock. He wants to make sure he isn't left behind or that you got lost.

I'm only a year into having multiple tiels, so take my opinion with a grain of salt. I'm not sure he will become best friends with a new bird you bring in. However, he may appreciate the security of always having another flock mate around to watch his back while he sleeps, preens, and eats.

If you get another bird, try to consider how it might get along with your current bird, but also make sure to get a bird that you connect with. That way you don't feel too much pressure for the two to become best friends right away.