How to Feed Cockatiels

Cockatiels are small, parrot-like birds native to the Australian Outback. In the wild, they eat green seeds, grass, leaves and bark, along with insects during breeding season. Although seeds do make up a portion of the wild cockatiel's diet, these are immature, green seeds very unlike the dry seed mixtures sometimes sold as inexpensive cockatiel food. Diets consisting of mostly seeds are deficient in several important vitamins and minerals, including beta-carotene and calcium. Pet cockatiels thrive on a varied diet that includes pellets, sprouted seeds, vegetables and healthy treats.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• High quality pelleted diet
• Sprout mix for birds
• Green, leafy vegetables
• Clean drinking water
• Cuttlebone or mineral block
• Healthy treats

1. Choose a high quality pelleted diet as your cockatiel's primary food source. Cockatiels do best on a pellet that is relatively low in fat (4 to 6 percent) and relatively high in protein (14 to 16 percent). Most cockatiels prefer small pellets, since they do not use their feet to hold food. Most cockatiels will eat approximately 1/4 cup of pellets each day.

2. Feed a selection of sprouted seeds each morning and evening. Sprout mixes for birds are available from specialty bird stores and online retailers, or you can make your own sprout mix using whole grains from a health food store. Seeds for sprouting should be soaked overnight, then rinsed and allowed to grow for two to three days. During the sprouting process, they should be rinsed very thoroughly three times a day. Most cockatiels will eat approximately 1/4 cup of sprouted seeds each day.

3. Offer your cockatiel a variety of fresh vegetables. Most cockatiels will not eat fruit, but they usually enjoy green leafy vegetables. Healthy choices include kale, parsley, carrot tops, and turnip greens. Attach a single large leaf to the side of the cage each morning, using a cable tie or plastic clothespin. To prevent spoilage, replace the leaf at mid-day and remove it at night.

4. Provide your cockatiel with a source of fresh, clean water. This should be available at all times, although you will rarely see your cockatiel drink. Water bowls should be thoroughly washed with hot soapy water every day, and more often if the water becomes contaminated. A glass water bottle designed for birds can be used to prevent the water from becoming fouled by droppings and food.

5. Attach a cuttlebone or mineral block to your cockatiel's cage. This will help to ensure that your cockatiel receives enough calcium in his diet. Female pet cockatiels, in particular, are prone to chronic egg-laying and require large amounts of calcium to prevent health problems.

6. Limit your cockatiel's consumption of fatty and unhealthy foods. Although it is acceptable for birds to eat small amounts of "people food", cockatiels are prone to obesity. Feel free to offer your cockatiel healthy treats, such as popped unsalted popcorn or pasta with low-fat sauce, but avoid high fat foods such as potato chips, french fries, pizza and ice cream.

Tips & Warnings

• Cockatiels are notorious for becoming "seed addicts". If your cockatiel is accustomed to eating a dry seed mix, be persistent when converting to pellets. It may take several months to make the switch, but most cockatiels eventually relent.
• Many cockatiels enjoy bathing by brushing against wet leaves. You can mist your cockatiel's leafy vegetables with clean water to encourage bathing.
• Never make significant changes to your cockatiel's diet suddenly. Make sure that your cockatiel is eating the new food before eliminating the old.
• Chocolate, raw onions and garlic, uncooked amaranth seeds, rhubarb, and avocado are toxic to pet birds. Never share these foods with your cockatiel.
• If you decide to use a water bottle, be sure that your cockatiel is drinking from it before removing the water bowl.

Resources

• Adding Fruits and Vegetables to Your Cockatiel's Diet
• Cockatiel Diet Information From the North American Cockatiel Society