Cockatiel
Cockatiel are native to Australia but have spread far and wide. They are very common pet birds and the second most kept bird pet in the world. They belong to the cockatoo family and have their own genus, Nymphicus hollandicus. Cockatoo family has around twenty-one (21) species of parrots but cockatiels are one of the smallest members of the cockatoo family.
They are also the number one most kept bird in America and are easy to keep and take care. They also are good whistlers, great family pet too!
Caring and Grooming a Cockatiel
Caring and grooming a cockatiel is as necessary as it is for any other pets. They should have a good cage with lots of space and perches. You should add a water bowl and a food bowl, with a few toys to play with. Give them a Cage big enough so it can flap its wing and fly around a bit. Since they mostly walk on ground. Therefore, you can cover it with dirt, sand, newspaper and other safe materials. So, as it can walk on ground since they do it a lot. You should give them millets or treats everyday (that are safe for them). So, they can stay healthy and live longer and happily.
Cockatiels are very social birds as they need someone with them. If your pet bird is lonely, you should go and interact with it. If they are tamed, you could also bring them out of your cage sometimes. But be sure to close the windows and doors so it couldn’t escape. And if you do bring your cockatiel outside of the cage, please do give the cage a big door. So, while it flies in and out of the cage it won’t hit the cage during entering or going out.
Foods that your Cockatiel should eat
- Fruits and vegetables
- Seeds
- Pallets
- Millets
- Make sure it has clean freshwater to drink
- Honey stick as treats
Food that your Cockatiel should not eat.
- Salt
- Chocolate
- Avocado
- Apple seeds
- Fats
- Onion and Garlic
- Caffeine
- Xylitol
- Alcohol
Sounds
Cockatiel make a whistle sound, the males do it a lot while the females don’t really do it. They can learn to speak languages too. And it’s easy to teach them to do tricks. They are also less noisy that makes them good pets for apartments and hotels.
Playing and Grooming a Cockatiel
Cockatiels love to play with their owners a lot. So be sure to interact with them! Please do spend an hour interacting and holding your bird pet. Make sure to let them out of the cage since they get bored inside. If going somewhere make sure to put some toys and puzzles for your lovely pet. Make sure it does not get bored while you’re gone or busy. Bath your Cockatiel 2 or 3 times a week in shallow water of warm water, or gently spray your pet with warm and clean water. You should keep your pet clean and happy.
Where to get one
You can get them in pet shops. But go the ones that sell bird species as will have most of the cockatoos. Whereas you can also get them from a bird breeder and a bird rescuer.
