Hi Cathy. Yes, it's totally normal, especially from pet birds. They build very strong bonds and gender is not an issue. This is most likely a situation where not only do you not want any reproducing to take place, you should do everything possible to discourage it. I'm guessing these are more than likely pet store birds and they should never be allowed to reproduce. They are not genetically suited for it and the risks are too great. Birds are pets or they are breeders and not both. The only birds, of any species, that should ever reproduce are birds from a very reputable breeder, who has a proven, genetically sound line of breeder birds and that you can know beyond any doubt, are not related. You can never be sure of that with pet store birds. Even birds bought at different times could be related. Chain stores like PetSmart, PetCo, PetLand, etc. have their own "bird mills" where they mass produce birds for their stores with little regard to anything beyond the bottom line. In your situation, I'd urge you to let them all stay together and let them enjoy being pets and nothing more. Of course that doesn't mean that some mating and possibly even some eggs, might not happen. You cannot do anything about that. But if it should ever happen, there are steps you can take to make sure the eggs never hatch but you will not be able to take the eggs away from them. Cockatiels are known as opportunistic layers. That's a fancy way of saying, they think their job is to lay as many eggs as possible, even to the point of risking their health. You must make sure they are on a varied diet that includes plenty of veggies and other items. With females present, it's even more important to be sure they have plenty of calcium rich foods including a never ending supply of cuttle bone. Egg laying is very stressful on their health, under the best of circumstances. Without plenty of calcium reserves in their body, they cannot form solid shells for their eggs and will become egg bound. That is a life threatening emergency and without immediate intervention from a well qualified Avian Vet, they will die. Don't ever give them any kind of nest box as that can be a red flag to them to start laying. I'm going to give you some links to information about basic Tiel care that will include diet information as well as some other safety issues. I'm also going to give you links to help locate your nearest proper vet, in case you don't already have one. I'd urge you to get him/her located and put that information with your other emergency numbers. With birds, the odds are it will be an emergency when you need one and you will not have the time, at that point, to be fumbling around trying to locate one. I hope this is helpful for you but if you have any more questions at all, just let me know. Patricia
Life After Weaning - Your Companion Bird and You
Caring For Your Pet Cockatiel
Fatty Liver Disease in Cockatiels
Click here: Cockatiels as Pets - Choosing a Cockatiel, Cages and Feeding
Click here: Alerts Dangers and Toxins for Pet Birds Parrots
Click here: Bird; Birds: Safe, Toxic Trees, Woods. Safe Tree Wood. Poisonous. Parrots.
Click here: Toxic and Safe Plants/Trees for Birds - Household Poisons
Click here: Birdsnways - Safe Plants & Trees for pet birds, pet parrots &exotic birds
Toronto Humane Society :: Common Poisonous Plants
Click here: Find your local Avian Veterinarian
Click here: Avian Veterinarians Recommended by Bird Breeders and Owners http://www.birdsnways.com/articles/abvpvets.htm
Click here: Avian Vet List
Click here: BirdsnWays - Avian Veterinarians - Vets - Vet Services for Pet Parrots & Exotic Birds
This one looks like an advertisement for Harrison pellets but they are only sold by vets so it's another good list to check. Click here: Harrison's Bird Foods is a family of certified organic pet bird diets that were formulated to make your bird as he
Parrot C&onsultant
Published author, free lance bird behaviorist, adviser to the parrots at Sarasota Jungle Gardens.