How to Care for a Cockatiel

The cockatiel can make a great pet. They are great for people who want a large bird but have a little less time on their hands. The cockatiel can be left alone for longer periods of time and is less noisy than some of the other larger pet birds available. The cockatiel will grow about twelve inches tall and live for 20 to 25 years if cared for properly.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

• Cage
• Substrate
• Perches
• Toys
• Spray bottle
• Bird food
• Cuttlebone

1. Select the right cockatiel for you. It is good to pick a bird you find cute and attractive, but their personality is also very important. You should spend time with several different birds and be sure the one you choose responds to you and has a personality you enjoy.
2. Purchase an enclosure that fits your cockatiel. Your bird will require at least two and a half square feet of floor space in its cage and the cage should be at least two feet tall. The larger cage you can provide the better. The cage should have bar spacing of 3/4 of an inch or less.
3. Fill the cage with a number of perches, both cement and natural. Both are essential for the health of your pet's feet.
4. Cover the bottom of your bird's cage with a substrate like corn cob, recycled paper or crushed walnuts.
5. Feed your bird a mixture of commercial pellets, seed, fresh fruits and vegetables. Also provide your bird with a dish filled with non-chlorinated water at all times.
6. Clean the substrate, food and water on a daily basis. Once a month, clean and disinfect the entire cage.
7. Avoid sudden temperature changes in the area of your cockatiel's cage. Drafts and direct sunlight cause temperature fluctuations that can be harmful to your bird.
8. Provide your bird with a cuttlebone for keeping its beak in shape and for calcium.

Tips & Warnings

• Cockatiels love to stretch their wings and play. Keep the quantity of toys and perches light to avoid inhibiting their movement in the cage.
• If possible provide your bird with an outdoor aviary where they can spend time safely outside. This will give your bird plenty of exercise and enjoyment but can be very costly.
• Placing a larger dish in the bottom of the cage with water will allow your cockatiel to bathe itself as desired. If you have trouble getting the cockatiel to bathe you can mist it with room temperature water from a spray bottle.
• Keep the bird away from your kitchen. The fumes produced by cooking with Teflon pans can kill your bird.
• Avoid feeding your bird alcohol, caffeine, chocolate and avocado as these substances are toxic to birds.