Cockatiels - Basic Information for the New Pet O (Text prepared by Debbie Ryan)
- Medium-sized Australian parrot,
- Smallest member of the cockatoo family,
- Cockatiels can live for 18-20 years,
- Approximately 12 inches in length from beak to tail tip,
- Even tempered & cheerful, some can be taught to mimic whistles,
- They love time out with their owners.
When the Cockatiel youngster gets home:
- Be patient and provide the bird time to explore the new home and cage.
- If the bird had to travel to get to you, allow him/her to stay in their cage, since they could be stressed.
- Provide spray millet at the bottom of the cage to ensure that the bird has something familiar to eat while transitioning to other seed and food.
- Be attentive to ensure that the bird is drinking and eating.
- After the first day or two, slowly work on taking the bird out of the cage
Take it slow and allow the baby to gain your trust.
Cage set-up:
- Bar spacing should not be more than approx. 5/8 inches,
- Wider cages are better than taller ones, since cockatiels tend to spend a lot of time on the floor - as "bottom feeders".
- Ideally, the cage should be wide enough for the bird to spread both wings freely and and move around easily (minimum 18" width).
- Include a variety of toys. Avoid flimsy toys due to their beak strength and possible chocking.
- Provide open seed and water dishes on the bottom of the cage front, along with a dish for pellets and another for soft food.
- Recommended accessories: swing, a cozy hut for sleeping. Love rope and bead toys and sturdy acrylic toys.
- Supply a cuttlebone and mineral block – very important
- Place cage away from drafts
Rest
- Many owners consider it important that their Cockatiel gets 10-12 hours sleep time.
- Provide a cover over the cage at night to provide security so the bird is not startled.
Feeding
- Easy to feed…not picky,
- Include fruit pellets in the diet,
- Try eggs and birdie bread,
- Fruits (apple wedges) and veggies (peas & corn, carrot tops),
- Most cockatiels enjoy millet spray.
Potential Poor Health Concerns
- Feathers fluffed all the time,
- Eyes closed all the time,
- Discharge from ceres,
- Tail bobbing as the bird breathes,
- Soiled vent,
- Droopy wings,
- Stops eating & slow digestion,
- Remaining at bottom of cage.
(If these signs continue for a few hours, it is certainly wise to seek the attention of your Avian Veterinarian.)
Further Information Sources
Some sites to consider are:
www.cockatiels.org (The National Cockatiel Society),
www.petco.com (animal care sheets),
http://animal-world.com,
www.forestparkaviaries.com
Recommended reading:
"The Cockatiel Handbook", by Matthew M. Vriends, Ph.D.
