Cockatiel Birds

Although cockatiels are members of the cockatoo family I've listed them separately due to the fact that they are the only member of the genus Nymphicus and also due to their wide spread popularity.

Cockatiels are the smallest member of the cockatoo family are are generally considered to be good pets, however as with all cockatoo birds how they are handled and kept has a great deal to do with their temperament.

If you have limited space, small children and are away for a good portion of the day these small birds will be a better choice than their larger cousins like the Moluccan or Umbrella cockatoo species as they aren't as demanding of your attention.

That is not to say that they don't need any attention. They are very sociable birds and need your companionship, or at least that of another bird.

A bird that is ignored an left alone will become bored and depressed. They may stop eating and drinking. They may start plucking their feathers to the point that they are bald.

Cockatiel food

An all seed diet is not the best thing for your cockatiel. Seeds contain a high level of fat and will make your bird obese.

Sunflower seeds are especially fatty and if they are available your cockatiel will eat them exclusively.

Consider feeding your bird pellets, with a small amount of seeds.

In addition to the pellets and seeds they should be fed fresh vegetables and fruits.

You should always have a cuttlebone in the cage to provide the calcium your cockatiel needs.

Cockatiel bird exercise and entertainment

In addition to companionship they find toys that they can chew on, shred, or toss around interesting.

Put a few toys in the cage, and rotate them once a week or so to keep them interesting.

Cockatiel birds love to explore and should be taken out of the cage a few times of the day to let them wander around.

Don't leave them unattended when they are out of the cage. They will chew on anything that they find interesting and could easily get themselves in trouble.

Just some of the hazards are electric cords, poisonous plants, blind cords and metals coated with zinc or lead.

In addition to the danger to themselves they can destroy your favorite plant or even couch.

Cockatiel training

Cockatiels are intelligent, playful and inquisitive birds and respond well to being handled. They will form a strong bond with you especially in the absence of another bird to bond with.

The females tend to be more friendly and cuddly than the males, but they are less likely to learn to talk.

Yes they can be taught to talk and whistle, but they aren't near as good at it as some of the more vocal birds like the African Grey.

With their low price tag, smaller size, high level of intelligence and their social nature cockatiel birds make excellent pet parrots.

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