Cockatiel
Cockatiels are intelligent, social, and affectionate birds, making them excellent pets for most households. When properly socialized, cockatiels bond easily with humans and enjoy daily handling.
Adult Size
12-13 in.
Weight
2-4 ounces
Life Expectancy
Up to 20 yrs
History of the Cockatiel
Discovered in 1770, they are the smallest members of the cockatoo family. They exhibit many of the same features and habits as the larger bird. In the wild, they live in large flocks. Cockatiels became popular as pets during the 1900s.
Read More: Cockatiel wiki
Characteristics of the Cockatiel
Cockatiels have two unmistakable characteristics: the feather crest and the orange spots on their cheeks. These are on the cheeks, below the eyes.
Talking Bird
Hand-tam Bird
Bird Noise
Cockatiel Care
A pair of birds will make good company for each other. But, they may not bond as well with you or mimic speech and sounds. Keeping a single bird is fine, but you need to spend a significant amount of time interacting with the cockatiel daily. If your lifestyle makes this impossible, get a pair of birds to prevent loneliness and self-harming behavior.
These birds are naturally messy and they produce powdery dust on their feathers. It is used in grooming and may leave a powdery coating on cages and accessories. Bathe or spray your bird with water once a week. Regular cleaning of the cage is necessary. Many cockatiel cages come with a removable bottom tray to make the task easier.
Cockatiels are active and playful and should have a large cage. Provide a cage that is at least 20 inches square and 26 inches tall. The spacing on the cage bars should be no more than 3/4-inches wide. You do not want the bird to get its head caught in the cage. Horizontal cage bars offer the best opportunity for the bird to climb and get much-needed exercise. The cage should have enough space to place a couple of perches at different levels. The bird should be able to easily move between the perches.
Nutrition
To make sure that your bird gets all the nutrients it needs, offer a variety of fresh vegetables and fruit. In general, a cockatiel eats about 1 tablespoon of food per day. This is why what goes into that tablespoon matters.
Problems
The most common health issue affecting cockatiels is nutritional deficiency. Too often, they only eat seeds. The vitamins and minerals found in fruits, vegetables, and a pellet-based diet are essential for preventing malnutrition.
Cockatiels are prone to getting fatty liver disease, which results from a high-energy diet rich in carbohydrates and fat, as well as limited or no exercise.
To reduce the risk of your cockatiel getting this disease, make sure your bird gets a varied diet and keep it away from insecticides, pesticide residue on fruits and vegetables, and fumes from cleaning supplies.
Most birds are susceptible to respiratory diseases and psittacosis, a harmful bacterial infection that can cause respiratory symptoms like wheezing, sneezing, coughing, and nasal discharge. At the first sign of illness, take your bird to an avian veterinarian. Acting fast can save your bird's life.
Pros
- Smaller-sized parrot
- Quieter bird that can learn to talk
- Does not require a lot of outside-cage time
Cons
- Can nip if not hand-raised or well trained
- May not be affectionate or talk if housed with another cockatiel
Did You Know?
Cockatiels are highly social and love spending time with their people.
Cockatiel enclosures need to include a variety of perches and swings, a food and water dish, a bird bath, and a variety of toys, especially foraging toys.
Improper care or diet can lead to health issues more rapidly than in other non-avian species, and they will be less tolerant of lulls in care.
