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As promised, I’m reviving the Pets Blog’s series on Bird Basics. Previous bloggers have already covered lovebirds, African Gray parrots, sun conures, and parakeets, so today I’m going to look at one of the other most popular bird breeds: cockatiels.
Originally from the Australian Outback, the cockatiel is a smaller bird reaching about 12 to 14 inches in length. It’s actually in the parrot family, though it’s obviously a tiny variety. Cockatiels live on average for 15 to 20 years, though there have been reports of some members of the breed living for up to 30 years.
As with most pet birds, cockatiels need a regular diet of a bird seed mix, which can be found at most pet or grocery stores. Their diet must also be supplemented daily with fruits or vegetables like apple, broccoli, carrot, peas, corn, or more. Cockatiels can eat most produce, however, you should never give them alcohol, avocado, or chocolate, as these foods are poisonous to them. You should also avoid giving them asparagus, rhubarb, raw potatoes, eggplant, and cabbage, as these foods are also unhealthy for them.
Remember to always watch your cockatiel’s weight. An average healthy adult cockatiel should weigh between 2.5 and 4.5 ounces. A change in weight is a big indication that a cockatiel is unhealthy, so keep an eye on your bird’s weight and contact your vet if you notice any changes.
In addition to eating healthy, just like people, cockatiels also require exercise to stay in shape. You should buy a cage for your cockatiel that is at least 20×20 inches long and 26 inches high, with horizontal bars that are ideal for climbing exercise. But cockatiels also need a period of free flying every day, so make sure you take the time to daily let them out into a secured room for flying exercise.
Cockatiels are an intelligent and curious bird that bonds quickly with its flock, which does extend to any of its human owners. They are also talkative and while they can be trained to imitate speech and sounds like parrots, they prefer to whistle. However, male cockatiels are much more vocal than female cockatiels.
You won’t be easily able to determine the gender of your bird until its first molting. An adult male, like most birds, will have much brighter colors than an adult female. Male cockatiels have yellow faces with gray bodies, whereas female cockatiels have gray faces with only traces of yellow and browner bodies. There are many other color varieties of cockatiels such as albinos, cinnamons, and pearls, and thus in those types it is more difficult to ascertain the gender. Your vet should be able to determine that for you.
Male cockatiels are also more attention-seeking. Male and female cockatiels even have different calls. Females tend to screech, whereas males whistle a lot. Male cockatiels, like many male birds, also like to strut around preening and whistling.
Because of the easy camaraderie it feels with its human owners and its sweet disposition, the cockatiel is an ideal choice for a first-time bird owner.
Related Articles:
What to Consider When Getting a Bird
Bird Basics: Lifespans and Lifelong Care
*(This image by Shiny Things is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution 2.5 License.)
