Cockatiels
Housing
Birds should be kept in the largest cage you are able to afford. Cages should be
long rather than high so your bird fly and stretch its wings. Ensure the height
of the cage can also comfortably accommodate a long tail. The cage should be
made from safe, non-toxic wire which is strong enough to avoid being chewed
through. Avoid galvanized wire and chicken wire. Perches should be clean, easily
replaceable, variable thickness natural wood braches. Ensure that they are
pesticide free and non-toxic and do not overhang food and water dishes. A box
should be provided in the cage for your bird to escape into. Clean the cage
thoroughly at least once a week – avoid toxic cleaners for this.
The cage needs to be placed in an area away from strong wind and sudden changes
in temperature. Fresh air and sunshine are important and where possible place
your bird outside for a couple of hours each day ensuring that shelter and shade
are available, especially with extremes of temperature.
Feeding
In the wild, cockatiels eat a wide variety of grasses, seeds, fruit and berries.
Most commercial diets are not balanced and simply feeding seed alone can lead to
problems. Many birds can become addicted to one or two seed types (especially
sunflower seeds) which are high in fat and can result in obesity. Limit the
amount of seed fed and offer a variety of fruit and vegetables. Wash these well
to remove chemical residue and cut into pieces. Spinach and dark-leaved
vegetables are better than light-leaved ones (such as lettuce). Do not give
avocado. Pellets, crumbles or mashes are a balanced alternative to seed only
diets as well. Offer grit in a separate dish and ensure fresh clean water is
available at all times.
Wide, shallow dishes are best to offer food in as they allow better access to
all food items in the container. Stainless steel, plastic, glass and glazed
ceramics are all suitable. Avoid terracotta and galvanized materials.
Husbandry
Pet bird’s wings may be trimmed to help reduce the risk of escape out of windows
or damage by flying into fans or lights. Ask your veterinarian to show you how
to do this safely. Birds are still able to flutter after trimming and the wings
will need to be re-trimmed 6-10 weeks after a new moult.
Nails may be kept short by providing a range of perches and sticks in the cage.
If the nails still become over-long they may be trimmed – ask your veterinarian
to show you how to do this. The beak is usually kept short by chewing. If the
beak does appear over-long then consult your veterinarian.
Signs of illness in your bird may include breathing problems, conjunctavitis,
diarrhoea, weight loss, feather plucking and a fluffed up appearance. If you are
concerned about any signs of illness in your cockatiel you should contact your
veterinarian as soon as possible as birds are very clever at concealing illness
until they are very unwell.
Training and Taming
When selecting a pet bird, try to choose a young bird as it will be easier to
tame and train as they are more adaptable to new situations. After obtaining an
untamed bird, allow it to settle into its new environment for the first 1-2
weeks and get to know you before starting full-on handling. Once the bird has
settled, then training can begin. Birds can bite and even break the skin in some
cases, but try to avoid wearing gloves as this can make the bird fearful. Avoid
stressing the bird and keep to a few 15-20 minute sessions a day initially.
Start by getting the bird to become comfortable with your hand by getting it to
take food out of your hand. Next step is to get it to step onto a stick. Moving
slowly and talking softly, introduce the stick into the cage and move it towards
the bird between its chest and legs, most birds will step-up onto the stick as
it moves towards them. Once it is used to this, then replace the stick with your
hand. Keep your fingers together and curled inwards to reduce the risk of
biting. If it does bite then remain calm and gently pry the beak open. A stern
“NO” may be used, but never hit the bird – it will quickly lose confidence in
you if this occurs.
Cockatiels have the capability of talking or mimicking. Males generally are the
better talkers, but females may also develop a wide vocabulary. Birds mimic
sounds they hear frequently so repetition, patience and time is needed.
Cockatiels are friendly and inquisitive birds which generally love social
interaction and being handled. Cockatiels can live for up to 30 years if they
are cared for properly.