Cockatiels have adjusted amazingly well to indoor life. Given good nutrition, adequate light, space and perches, cockatiels typically find innovative ways to entertain themselves. Naturally, well-accommodated ’tiels are busier and appear happier. In a flock situation, presuming the birds are fed in the early morning, observing a healthy non-breeding flock of 30 or 40 cockatiels midday, we would see birds engaged in numerous diverse activities, including napping. The flock is sheltered from life-threatening challenges encountered by wild flocks food is provided in a bowl, so there’s no need to forage. There will be much singing, swinging, bopping, preening and romancing. These play behaviors develop naturally when accommodated.
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| Cockatiels |
Cockatiels Diet
Specialized pelleted diets are highly recommended and should consist of 60–70% of the diet; use fortified seeds in moderation as they are higher in fat and less nutritious than pellets Fresh fruit and vegetables such as strawberries, apricots (no pits), bananas, dark green leafy vegetables (like spinach or kale), peas, carrot tops, celery, and corn Clean, fresh, filtered and chlorine-free water changed daily Do not feed birds fruit seeds, avocados, chocolate, alcohol, or caffeine; these can cause serious medical problems. If your bird is used to a seed diet, convert to pellets gradually; fresh pellets or seeds and fresh, clean, chlorine-free water should always be available Fresh fruits and vegetables should be given daily and discarded when not eaten within 24
hours; cockatiels appreciate quality and variety in their food.
Cockatiels Housing
Cockatiels Birds acclimate well to average household temperatures; be cautious of extreme temperature change; cage should be placed off the floor in an area that is well-lit and away from drafts. A cage approximately 24" W x 14" D x 24" H, with metal bars spaced no greater than ½" apart, makes a good home for your cockatiel; as with all animals, it is best to provide the largest habitat possible; a flight cage is strongly recommended. Perches should be at least 5" long and ½" in diameter; a variety of perch sizes to exercise feet and help prevent arthritis is recommended. A metal grate over the droppings tray will keep the bird away from droppings; line the droppings tray with cage paper or appropriate substrate for easier cleaning; to avoid contamination, do not place food or water containers under perches.Cockatiels are known for mimicking repetitive sounds and noises. Bond easily with their human companions and will follow them everywhere. Clean and disinfect the cage and perches regularly; replace substrate or cage liner weekly or more often if needed; replace food and water daily Replace perches, dishes, and toys when worn or damaged; rotate new toys into the habitat regularly. Ensure that there are no cage parts or toys with lead, zinc or lead and lead-based paints or galvanized parts as these can cause serious medical issues if ingested by your bird.
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| Cockatiels |
Cockatiels Grooming
Grooming is an important area of health care for your pet cockatiel. It can be as simple as occasionally bathing your bird, or it can include routine nail and wing feather trims. In this article, grooming implies nail trimming and trimming the wing feathers. Both are important not only for a nice appearance but also for your bird’s safety. Nails that are too long can get caught in fabric or toys and tear. Torn nails bleed, or worse bones can fracture if the bird struggles to free itself from being tangled. Wing feathers that aren’t trimmed can allow your bird to fly into trouble, literally. Both procedures can be safely done by you at home after a qualified veterinarian or bird groomer has shown you how to properly do these procedures.
Provide filtered, chlorine-free, lukewarm water regularly for bathing, and remove the water when done; as an alternative, mist the bird with water or a grooming spray. Clipping flight feathers is not necessary, but when done correctly it can help prevent injury or escape; consult an avian veterinarian on what is best for your bird
Nails should be trimmed by a qualified person to prevent injury to the bird.
Cockatiels are common throughout much of the interior of mainland Australia, where they frequent most types of open, lightly-timbered country, including farmlands and parks or gardens in outback towns. They are attracted especially to river red gums Eucalyptus camaldulensis bordering permanent or seasonal watercourses, for suitable nesting hollows occur in these trees. In some districts, they have benefited from widespread cultivation of cereal crops, and flocks can be seen foraging in stubble paddocks or picking up spilled grain along roadsides and at railroad sidings.
The average American family isn’t so “average” anymore today’s family consists of a lot more than Mom, Dad and 2.5 kids. Today’s household bustles with various creatures on two and four feet and, in many cases, two-footed family members also boast a body full of feathers. Cockatiels Birds today are very much an important part of the family they eat dinner at the table with the rest of the gang, are taken outside on family outings and receive presents at holiday time. The cockatiel has enjoyed many years at the top of the popularity charts, and now it’s reaping the rewards of family life as one of the more popular family pets. But how did the ’tiel become so admired?
