Cockatiel

A cockatiel is a good companion for:

Children under 5

Seniors

Apartments/Condos

Children ages 5–11

Busy People

Rural Homes

Life Span

The average life span for a cockatiel is 12 to 15 years.

Typical Behavior

Cockatiels make a wonderful companion for people who want to interact with their bird. Very social, the cockatiel can become depressed if it spends too much time alone. Therefore, having a pair of cockatiels is better for the birds. They can be easily trained and they love to perform. Cockatiels make a grinding sound with their beak to indicate contentment. When they are frightened or feel threatened, they make a hissing sound. Cockatiels can be found stretching their wings one at a time as a form of exercise. Cockatiels will sometimes bang their toys against the side of their cage if they are upset or want attention.

Care Requirements

Cockatiels require daily care and attention, and on average, require 12 good hours of sleep a night to stay healthy. If allowed outside its cage, a cockatiel whose wings are not clipped may encounter danger from common household items, including a rotating ceiling fan, certain houseplants, insect pest strips, a sink or tub of hot water, open windows, other pets, spoiled food, string and thread. Cockatiels, like many other birds, are sensitive to the fumes created by many common household products. Fumes that can cause harm or kill them include second hand smoke, Febreze products, insecticides, and fumes from oven-cleaning products or a self-cleaning oven. Using Teflon pans also can release toxins that are harmful to birds.

Proper Habitat and Habitat Maintenance Requirements

The larger the cage you can provide a cockatiel, the happier it will be. When buying the cage, keep in mind the size of your bird. The bars of the cage need to be spaced such that the cockatiel cannot stick its head between the bars and become stuck.

Cockatiels need perches inside the cage and there are a variety to choose from including soft wood, bamboo or rope. Some perches are designed to help keep your cockatiel’s nails trimmed and can be found at a pet supply store. A cuttlebone placed inside the cage will help a cockatiel keep its beak conditioned. Cockatiels enjoy a variety of toys designed specifically for them.

A birdcage should be kept away from drafts, including those from air conditioning vents. In order to keep a cockatiel healthy, a full spectrum of sunlight is required. Keeping their cage near a window that can be opened or taking them outside when the weather permits will provide the needed light. When outside, the cage should be kept out of direct sunlight, especially on hot days. A birdcage light can be purchased from a pet supply store if natural sunlight is not available or sufficient.

Cages should be cleaned at least twice a week. To make it easier to clean a cage, the bottom can be lined with papertowels, butcher paper or newsprint paper. However, do not use your local newspaper to line the cage because printed ink can be harmful to a bird. Perches should be cleaned once a week.

Dietary Requirements

Cockatiels require specific kinds of seeds to remain healthy, but you should have no problem finding commercial birdseed products and a variety of treats for cockatiels at your local pet supply store. You can offer your cockatiel fresh greens, vegetables and fruit in moderation. Some favorites include corn, green beans, peas, sweet potatoes and spinach. Berries are also special treat for cockatiels. If vegetables and fruits are not eaten within a couple hours, remove them from the cage. Never offer an avocado to your cockatiel, as it can be deadly to birds. Fresh drinking water should be in the cage at all times and vitamins designed for cockatiels can be added. Regularly clean the water bottle to keep bacteria from forming.

Financial Considerations for a Cockatiel:

Veterinary

Birds do not normally require annual veterinary visits; however, it is important to keep a close eye on your cockatiel because signs of sickness can be very subtle. Many human illnesses can be transmitted to cockatiels, so when someone in the household is not feeling well, keep them away from the bird. Be sure to choose a veterinarian that specializes in birds. Specialized veterinarians sometimes charge higher rates.

Grooming

Most cockatiels love to take a bath but do not require professional grooming services. There are special bathtubs that can be purchased for your cockatiel. Once your bird has had its bath, do not leave the bathtub in the cage for more than half an hour. Cockatiels also will preen themselves to keep their feathers clean. Cockatiels lose and regrow their feathers two to three times a year. This process is called molting and can last up to 10 weeks.

Animal Sitter

A professional pet sitter, a friend or neighbor can be used to care for your cockatiel in your absence.

Food

The cost to feed your cockatiel will vary; however, it is recommended that you purchase a high quality seed specific for cockatiels that can cost $7 to $15 per bag.

Other Supplies:

Generally, a cockatiel will require a cage and cage stand, a cage cover, a variety of perches, a water bottle, a food dish and cuttlebone, treats, a bathtub and toys.

Interesting Facts about Cockatiels:

• Cockatiels come from Australia and prefer to live in brush lands or wetlands.
• Cockatiels are the smallest member of the Cockatoo family of birds.
• A Cockatiel will fluff up its feathers and shake its body as a way of relaxing.
• Cockatiels enter their nest backwards. This is probably due to their long tail feathers.
• Cockatiels are not territorial birds; therefore, two males can live in the same cage together.