Cockatiels can be very sweet, loving birds that make great pets for anyone. Many love to cuddle and have their head scratched.

 General Diet:

We recommend feeding your Cockatiel a good Pellet diet such as Zupreem. Cockatiels can also eat specialty seeds packaged for Cockatiels.

 Treats/Extra Foods:

Cockatiels should be fed vegetables, fruit and pasta along with their regular diet. These can include cooked or raw corn, peas, carrots, dark lettuces (no iceberg), beans, apples, raisins, and some cooked pasta. Basically anything good for you is good for them (just avoid avocado, asparagus, strawberries and anything sugary, salty, or greasy). Cockatiels will enjoy sharing your food with you so be careful to just share the items that are good for you. Seed treats such as millet and treat stix are great for Cockatiels. Not only do they give extra nutrition but can keep a bird busy for hours!

Housing:

Cockatiels like a cage where they can flap their wings easily, and the bigger the cage the better for the bird, no smaller than 18” by 18” for a single bird. Cockatiels should be kept in cages that have bars no more than half an inch wide. Luckily, there are many colors and styles to choose from. Cage paper or bird litter are best to use in the tray, never use colored newspaper or cedar shavings.

 Sanitation/General Care:

Every day the bird’s drinking water needs to be replaced. The food dish should be scrubbed out at least once a week and the water dish should be scrubbed several times a week. The tray should be cleaned at least once a week or more often depending on cage size and the number of birds in the cage. Perches should be cleaned off (washed if plastic or cement, scraped if wooden) once a week or as needed. At least once a month, clean out the cage completely by washing the bars, base, tray, and all toys and accessories made of plastic or metal thoroughly.

 Toys:

Cockatiels should always be offered a variety of toys. It is best to have several and rotate one toy out of the cage and place a new one in. If you rotate the toys several times a month the bird will always have a “new” toy as it will not likely remember that the “new” toy was his favorite just a month ago. This will help keep your bird from getting bored which will help keep away bad habits.

 General Maintenance:

 Keep an eye on your bird’s nails and beak. Place a cement or Sandy perch at a high location in the cage to help with the nails. Birds will keep their beak worn down by chewing on beak conditioners, cuttlebone and wooden toys. For bathing, lightly mist your pet with a plant mister, or offer a bird bathing dish, at least three times a week. Only mist or offer a bath to your pet in the morning so they will have time to dry before bedtime.

 Health Care:

 Cockatiels are generally very hardy and healthy birds and can live up to 10-20 years. They do not need any type of vaccines but should be checked by a veterinarian right away if they show any signs of illness such as lethargy, discharges, a change in their feces, or lack of appetite. Their cage should be kept in an area that is free from all drafts. Place the cage away from any vents, windows, or doors.

 Special Section - Taming:

 Young Cockatiels can be very sweet and should always be handled gently. Young birds that are being tamed should have their wings trimmed. It is best to work with them in a small, quiet area. Keep them close to the floor, as they will try to fly. When the bird is on the floor, push a finger slowly and gently against its lower chest. Once the bird is on your finger, raise the hand and quietly talk to the bird. It may fly off a few times so be patient.

 Need Help?

Stop on by and we will be happy to answer all your questions and help you select everything you will need to care for your new Cockatiel including a Cockatiel book for more information.

 Recommended Supplies:                                                   Are you the right person for this pet?

 

	Cage at least 18” x 18” w/ food & water dishes	Y	N	I have an appropriate spot for this birds cage.
	Treat cup	Y	N	I understand this is a long term commitment.
	Cockatiel Pellets or seed	Y	N	I will provide daily, supervised play time outside of the cage.
	Treats	Y	N	The natural sounds of this bird are acceptable to my family and neighbors.
	A variety of Toys	Y	N	A mature person will care for this bird.
	Several Perches of different diameters	Y	N	I am financially able to care for this bird.
	Cockatiel book	Y	N	I will provide a safe environment for this bird.
	Cuttlebone &/or mineral treat
	Bird litter
	Styptic powder

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