Cockatiel Care Guide

Couple their friendly, lively natures with their affordability and it's not surprising that Cockatiels are amongst the most popular of all caged birds.

Measuring just 12 1/2 inches, these small birds with their cockatoo like appearance come in various shades of browns and greys through to pure white, each with bright orange cheek spots. Their long, elegant tails and perky crests add to their attraction.

Whilst capable of mimicking speech, cockatiels aren't widely known as 'talking birds' and can often be difficult to understand. Learning to whistle tunes, however, is their forte.
Choosing a Cockatiel

A hand-reared bird is always preferable for ease of bonding, although young birds that have been regularly handled also make good pets. The best source for purchasing cockatiels is a knowledgeable and caring breeder as shop sold birds may not have been handled regularly and could be too old to be properly tamed.

Always look for bright, active birds. Feathers should lay flat against the body and have a smooth sheen. No faecal matter should be visible around the vent and the scales on the bird's feet should be smooth. His eyes should be clear and he should have clean nostrils above a strong, smooth, evenly shaped beak.
The Cage

Rectangular cages are preferable and should be large enough for your bird to stretch his wings without touching the sides.

Sadly, birds have been known to strangle themselves in panic after being trapped between the cage bars; it's therefore important the bars are close enough together to prevent him pushing his head through. Opt for horizontal bars if available as these offer the opportunity to climb.

Because birds can easily overheat it's important that the cage is kept out of direct sunlight and away from heating appliances. Cold draughts can also kill.

Perches should be made of wood rather than plastic and of varying widths so as to avoid foot cramps. Perches should be placed away from food bowls to avoid contamination, should be washed regularly and properly dried before being returned to the cage. Damp perches can cause illness.

Cockatiel

Always provide enough toys to keep your pet occupied as cockatiels require both mental and physical stimulation. Because they tend to bite and chew their toys, it's not advisable to spend too much money on commercially produced items - wooden strips and small cardboard tubes are favourites although a swing offers hours of pleasure.
Feeding Your Cockatiel

Commercial cockatiel seed mix is adequate although some fresh fruit and vegetable should also be offered. Apple, broccoli, fresh beans and kale are all favourites and a spray of millet hung from the cage will be happily received.

In order to keep your cockatiel's water free from both food and droppings, a bottle style dispenser is preferable and the water supply must be changed every day.
Additional Information

Although not as long lived as larger parrots, they need commitment throughout their 15-20 year life span and should never be bought in haste.

Although cockatiels are easily tamed, those that are allowed the freedom to fly in the house are often less tame and some professionals recommend wing clipping as a solution to this problem. As with any bird, the key to taming cockatiels is repetition but remember that while two birds are company for each other, they will rarely be as tame as a solitary bird.

An insufficient or poorly balanced diet is one of the most common causes of illness. Unfortunately there are few outward signs of malnutrition but regular health checks with a specialist avian veterinarian will help expose any potential problems.

Should your bird appear depressed (sitting on his perch for long periods with his feather fluffed), has discharge around his nostrils, or shows any other signs of illness, it's important you seek the guidance of a professional as soon as possible.

With proper care your cockatiel will quickly become a much loved pet providing you with many years of pleasurable friendship.

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