The Cockatiel is the second most popular pet bird in the
world, and rightfully so!
Cockatiels are sweet, personable, easy to care for,
intelligent, fun, and all around great family pets. They are great whistlers
and the males can actually learn how to talk. They are easy to train and are
quiet enough for apartment living. They can be very cuddly and are also
independent and undemanding.
These birds come in a variety of colors and mutations, so
there are a lot to choose from. Many become well bonded with their owners–I’ve
known some that would follow you around like a puppy. What a loyal companion!
You really can’t go wrong with a wonderful bird like this.
They are great for first-time bird owners and even families with small
children. They can be a little nippy, but with some good training and a little
TLC, you can have yourself a wonderful little feathery friend.
Common Name Cockatiel, Tiel, Quarrion, Weiro
Scientific Name Nymphicus hollandicus
Appearance
The wild cockatiel is very similar in appearance to
cockatoos; their colors, however, are different. The wild cockatiel is mostly
gray, with a patch of white on the wings. Males have a yellow head and crest,
with red cheek coverts. Females have only some spots of yellow on their faces,
with orange ear coverts. Hens are normally duller in color. The tame cockatiel
on the other hand, can be many different colors due to breeding. These colors
and patterns are wide in variety, with cinnamon, emerald-green, lutino,
white-faced, pearly, pied, and many more combinations.
Cockatiels are typically 12 to 13 inches, including the long
tail. Their crest feathers, similar to the cockatoo's, can be moved up and down
to express moods. For instance, a slicked-down crest typically indicates
anger,and sadness or surprise.
Feeding
Cockatiels feed on a variety of grass seeds, nuts, berries
and grain. They may feed either on the ground or in trees, and always in small
to large numbers. Cockatiels roost in trees near water and travel from these
areas in large flocks to feeding grounds.
Diet
Cockatiel diet is extremely important and is the key to
having a healthy cockatiel - along with exercise.
Give your bird a
good-quality cockatiel seed mix (not parrot mix). These are readily available
at pet suppliers and supermarkets. Be aware though that most ready-mixed
cockatiel seed contains far too many sunflower seeds and these are extremely
fattening. For this reason I tend to make up my own mix for my cockatiels. I
buy a 50/50 mix of budgie seed and plain canary seed and then add a few
sunflower seeds. Do not buy the seed in bulk - you are best to purchase small
fresh amounts.
Alternatively, you can offer your cockatiel a pellet diet.
Small amounts of 'people' food are fine for cockatiels
occasionally. They can have a nibble on crackers, cereal such as cornflakes,
hard-boiled egg and whole meal bread. Also try rice, pasta, potato, pumpkin,
sweet potato - these must be offered cooked, not raw.
Cockatiels enjoy spray millet and seed treats such as honey
bells or sticks. Fresh drinking water is required daily. Also make available
cuttlebone, and calcium, iodine and mineral blocks. Vitamin supplements in the
drinking water once a week or fortnight are a good idea, although do not leave
these in the water for long as bugs can grow very quickly. Some people prefer
to sprinkle powdered vitamins onto the seed or moist food, eg apple pieces or
spinach. Either way, be sure to follow the product's directions with regard to
dosage amount and frequency.
A cockatiel diet must be supplemented with fresh fruit and
vegetables on a daily basis. An all seed diet often results in an unhealthy or
overweight cockatiel.
Temperament
These little birds have a reputation as a gentle and docile
bird. They are very affectionate and often like to be petted and held, though
they're not necessarily fond of cuddling. Instead, they simply want to be near
their owner and will be very happy to see you.
You will also find cockatiels to be playful and active.
While they vocalize and whistle they are not as loud as some
other parrots. The males are thought to be better at mimicking speech and
whistles. Female cockatiels are quite good at mimicry, though. Either sex may
pick up and repeat sounds from your house, including alarm clocks, phones, and
even wild birds outside.
Though they're generally friendly, an untamed cockatiel can
nip. This behavior can be prevented at an early age by ignoring the bad
behavior. Never scold the bird because this can cause him to become too timid
around people. They aim to please, so reward good behavior and disregard the
bad.
Breeding
Cockatiels may breed at any time, in response to suitable
periods of rain, especially in the more arid regions. Both sexes share the
incubation of the eggs, which are laid in a hollow, high up in trees. Suitable
trees are either in or close to water. Cockatiels enter the nest hollow tail
first.
Toys
Cockatiels have extremely strong beaks and they love to use
them! Chewing is their favourite hobby and having plenty of toys they can shred
to pieces will please them. Toys made from palm or raffia strips, twig balls,
and vegetable tanned leather strips are all great options. Just like bigger
bird breeds, cockatiels love toys made of wood and ice lolly sticks and balsa
wood toys are a favourite.
Whether your cockatiel is inside or outside the cage, they
will need opportunities to forage. Wild cockatiels are expert foragers and
domestic birds have not lost this natural instinct. This will be a great source
of exercise for your cockatiel, whilst keeping them mentally stimulated too.
Cockatiels will be pleased with anything they can swing on,
climb on, or gnaw to smithereens. It is important to rotate toys to keep your
cockatiel’s mind active.
Similar Birds
- Galah cockatoo
- Moluccan cockatoo
- Palm cockatoo
- Sulphur-crested cockatoo
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