Q & A: Lonely cockatiel

Q: How do I know if my cockatiel is lonely during the day while I’m at work? Should I get him a ‘feathered friend’?

A: Cockatiels are social birds and do best with a companion. If you are afraid that he is lonely during the day, look for signs of loneliness, which include loudly vocalising, depression and feather-damaging behaviour. Should he show these signs, rather get him a friend that he can interact with.

Dr Dorianne Elliott, veterinarian