Cockatiels are sweet, well mannered birds. They are friendly and interesting, and every single one has a different personality. They are the most popular pet bird kept in America, and I can see why. They are quiet, low-maintainence and funny.
A Cockatiel can have seeds or pellets. Mine has seeds, but I can’t say i’m with it 100%. I’ve heard they can be seed addicts, and so I’m thinking about switching to pellets and stopping the vitamin supplement I have been giving. Pellets are healthier and more enriched, so although it takes work to convert them, it is good for your bird. My Cockatiel doesn’t like fruits and vegetables, but these are a must for a healthy bird. Clip some fresh produce to the side of the cage above or beside their food dish until they catch on. Another good treat is spray millet. I’ve never had a bird that could resist it!
1) Screaming. If you had/have a child at home who is doing this, you know that they want something. Well, its the same with birds. Check their water. Is it fresh? Are the hulls blown off their seeds? Did their toy fall down, did something scare them? These are just a few of the things you should consider. However, if nothing is wrong and you know it, leave the room and close the door, or quickly cover the cage without speaking. I’m notorious for approaching the cage and sympathizing, going “whats the matter?” over and over. But resist the temptation and leave, because this will eliminate the “screaming for attention” behaviour problem.
2) Wing flapping/flying from the cage. If the bird is gripping the perch tightly with its feet but flapping its wings continuously, it is exercising its wings. Its a good idea to wait it out or let them out for some exercise. When out of their cage, some cockatiels start doing this and then actually fly from their cage. Go retrieve them, and set them down. This shouldn’t be something to punish them for, since birds have wings so that they can fly. This is just another reason they should be clipped.
3)Biting. There are two kinds of bites. The first happens when you are doing something that frightens and/or hurts the bird. This is usually holding them in your hand, and they don’t like it. Say no, but never pull away, since babies do this to test dominence, and they’ll soon realize it doesn’t hurt you. The second kind of biting is one that can, at first, be annoying. It occurs when the cockatiel is on your hand and it bows its head and starts gently biting your hand. This never hurts, but I don’t know what it is; possibly courtship? I say, ignore it. -Tara
For housing one cockatiel, a cage 18 inches square is the minimum measurement. They appreciate more, and will be unhappy with less. My cockatiel cage is 24 x 16 x 16, and he gets a lot of time out of it. A playgym on top is convenient and enjoyed by the bird, as is a toybox filled with little “goodies” like popsicle sticks and ringing bells. Just make sure it is safe! This means no plastic that he can chew off and ingest, nothing sharp, no frayed strings, no strings that can get caught around his neck, and nothing toxic. It’s easier than you think to choose the wrong toy. I’ve had a thread almost kill my budgie, and my cockatiel almost ingested a house plant before I bird-proofed my room.
Some common behaviour problems or confusions that people encounter will be explained in my next paragraph.
Cockatiels have a lifespan of about 25 years, considering that they get adequate care. They are a big commitment, however I would recommend them to kids about ten or older, since they are a bit complicated sometimes. They can talk, although males are more likely to talk than females who rarely, if ever, speak. It just takes time and practise to teach a bird. The trick is to repeat, repeat, repeat! Make a tape if you have to, and play it twice a day. But remember, these birds have to be loved for their beautiful personalities instead, and a bird should never be bought for its talking ability alone.
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