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Many people have asked me to include some info pages on the different breeds of birds I have to help them decide on a pet, or for a reference page. So, here are some general guide lines on the care and personalities of one of americas favorite pet birds.
Cockatiels are sweet, easy going, and good natured little birds. They are a perfect pet, and second only to the budgie as the number one pet bird. I always recommend cockatiels for a first time bird owner, because of their socialness, and laid back nature.
Cockatiels are very social, and will normally get along with all other birds. However, due to their docile nature, care must be taken over what kind of birds they are housed with, since they become a target for bullying.
Cockatiels make a great family pet, or pet for a younger child, since they do not tend to become "one person" birds, like a lot of other parrots. Most cockatiels are also very tolerant and patient of small children, and rarely get cage dominant.
Cockatiel males can become a little crabby when being restricted as they get older. A lot of male cockatiels don't like being restricted or petted over the wings when they reach sexual maturity. No one is sure why. Female cockatiels tend to stay calmer and more docile than males do. However, people that are hoping to get their bird to talk, definately want a male, or lutino female. Cockatiels are not known for their great talking ability, but can be taught to mimic with a lot of time and patience. People that are looking for a very quiet bird, should get a female, with the exclusion of the lutino.
Cockatiels are best housed in a cage that is 2X2X2. Make sure you have plenty of perches of varying heights, and sizes, as well as at least one concrete or sandstone perch to help trim nails. Varying sizes in diameter help exercise feet and keep them from getting sore.
Cockatiels love toys, and should have 4-5 that you rotate weekly to keep them from getting bored. 2-3 in a cage is plenty, you don't want to have so many toys in the cage that they don't have room to exercise properly. I always suggest a swing for a cockatiel, as I haven't met one yet, that hasn't adored a swing. I would almost say this is a must have for a truly happy cockatiel. I always advise against mirrors. Many instances have happened, where the bird has bonded to it's "friend" in the mirror, almost like a mate, and can become protective over the mirror, or simply want to spend all it's time with it, and not with you. Beware toys with strings, and make sure you check them regularly for unraveling. Many a bird, has fallen to injury or even death by entangling themselves in an unraveled string.
I advise keeping a cockatiels cage covered at night. Cockatiels are more prone to what is called "night fright", (flailing about in the cage, usually causing injury) than just about any other species of bird. Night fright is normally caused by lights shining in the birds cage at night, or a someone or something walking past. This normally results in breaking of blood feathers, and while this is typically not life threatening, it can look pretty scary when you get up in the morning to find blood all over your birds cage!
I also recommend keeping your birds wings clipped. Many people find this cruel, arguing that it is natural for a bird to fly. However, most breeders clip their birds at a very young age, and most birds do not know any other way of life. I used to feel it was cruel myself. But, after finding that it is NOT safe for a domesticated bird to fly as they crash into walls, windows, and fly over pots of boiling water (not to mention how many people lose their beloved pets when they forget an open door or window), I find it is more cruel to leave them fully flighted. Also, a fully flighted bird, will become less handleable over time. As they fly away, and you have to chase them, it becomes a game, and soon you are spending more time chasing your bird, then spending quality time with it, and it becomes less fun, so you handle it less. So, for your birds sake and yours have your breeder keep your bird groomed regularly, or have them give you lessons on how to do it yourself. A birds wings normally have to be trimmed every 6-8 wks, when they molt.
It is always best to keep one pet bird in a cage for ultimate bonding between you and the bird. However, cockatiels tend to retain their tameness when keeping more than one bird, better than most other species.
I have found that a good quality seed mix, supplemented with veggies and pastas, is a very healthy diet for most cockatiels. I use L'Avian tropical for my cockatiels. Plus, they get frozen mixed veggies (thawed, not cooked), mixed with pasta (normally elbow macaroni) cooked just a little tougher, than you or I would like it. Sometimes, I substitute rice, or soup beans. Cockatiels also enjoy greens such as kale, collard, and turnip. Warm birdy bread is normally relished as well as some fresh fruits and veggies such as apple, broccoli, cauliflower, and strawberries.
Many people use water bottles instead of dishes for their bird, and that is fine. I choose to use dishes, so that they can bathe themselves. Cockatiels have a high level of dander, and this is kept down by bathing. Of course, the water needs to be changed more frequently, as they bathe, and drop things in it. If you chose to use a water bottle, you should mist your bird at least every 2-3 days, or provide them with a seperate bathing dish to aide them in grooming, and help keep their dander down. When, you mist your bird, it encourages them to preen, which is what keeps their feathers in top notch condition.
Finally, watch for signs of illness. A pet bird, should always have clear, shiny eyes. They should be bright and wide open when awake and playing. If your bird appears sleepy or has "dozy eyes" all the time, this could be an indication of a problem.
Their vent should be clean, and the feathers around it not stained. If they are, this could be a sign of diarrhea, watch their stools. A pet birds, droppings, should have equal parts of green (stool), and white or clear liquid (urine). A bird, that doesn't omit urine with their stool, could be dehydrated. A bird that has watery stool could have diarrhea. Diarrhea can be caused by poor quality food, too many fresh foods, or stress. Make sure you are feeding a good quality seed mix, and their fresh foods are not spoiled. Also, check to make sure nothing is stressing your bird. If all of this seems ok, then, monitor your bird closely, and if the diarrhea lasts for more than two days, consult a veterinarian.
Feathers should lay clean and smooth against the body. A bird that sits fluffed up all the time, is either cold or it is an indication of illness.
Nares (nostrils), cere (the fleshy part above the beak), and feet, should be smooth, and clean. If any of this is crusty or flaky this can indicate an old bird, or a parasite.
A healthy bird, will perch on one foot frequently, be active, eat frequently, and play interestedly with you and it's toys. So, keep that in mind, when watching and playing with your feathered friend.
This is a very SHORT overview of care and personality of the cute, and friendly cockatiel. If you have any questions regarding this great pet please contact me any time at : monica4@charter.net
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