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Cockatiels
This is a
smaller member of the parrot family. With its striking colors and patterns as
well as its ease in taming, the cockatiel makes an excellent pet. They are
relatively small in size, averaging about 12 inches in length. Some color
varieties of the domesticated cockatiel are:
Grey
, Cinnamon, Lutino,
Pearl
, Pied, and White-faced. The
natural color pattern in the wild is that of the
Grey
Cockatiel
. If properly cared for, a
cockatiel can live up to twenty years. They are very social birds and require
handling and attention daily. Males can become adept talkers and whistlers. Some
females have been known to talk, but in general are quieter than males. Twilight
is the best time for voice lessons. Start with two or three words and repeat
them over and over. Short words and phrases are easiest to learn.
Feeding
Cockatiels
should be fed a staple diet of a fresh pelleted formula or a fortified cockatiel
seed diet. Pelleted diets are recommended since each pellet contains balanced
nutrition. Besides a pelleted or a seed mix diet, each day offer chopped dark
green and yellow vegetables, and a small amount of fresh fruits. Whole grain
bread, cooked rice, and cooked pasta can also be offered. Protein supplements
can include cooked legumes, chopped hard-cooked egg, or tofu. Cockatiels also
relish millet seed sprays. Avoid the following foods: iceberg lettuce and
cabbage (these can cause diarrhea), caffeine, cola, chocolate, avocado, and
sugary or salty snacks (these can be harmful). Remove fresh fruits and
vegetables within 4 hours of offering to prevent spoilage. If the bird gets too
much liquid from the fresh fruits and vegetables, the droppings could become
runny and discolored. Stop the fresh fruits and vegetables for a day if this
occurs to determine if this is the reason. Birds require fresh water each day.
Wash and rinse their water dish thoroughly prior to adding fresh water. Powdered
vitamins can be lightly sprinkled on the fresh food, or added into the drinking
water. Always have a cuttlebone or mineral block available to supply calcium and
prevent beak overgrowth.
Housing
Cockatiels
must be able to stretch their wings and still have room for a variety of toys
without hitting them, therefore, the larger the cage the better. The cage for a
cockatiel should measure a minimum of 22" length by 18" high and
18" wide. The cage should be your cockatiel's secure area where it feels
safe, but it should be allowed out of the cage when supervised for
socialization. Perches are an essential part of the cage and should be chosen to
suit the feet of the bird. A variety of perch sizes, shapes, and diameters will
help exercise the bird's feet and toes. Place perches strategically to prevent
droppings from contaminating water and food dishes and to prevent the tail from
hanging in dishes or on the floor. Many different types of toys in the cockatiel
cage will keep your bird entertained. Be sure when choosing toys that they are
intended for a cockatiel and not for large parrots or something small such as
parakeets. Place your cockatiel's cage at eye-level in a bright area free from
drafts and direct sunlight. Make sure it is safe from small children, dogs and
cats. Cockatiels like to see what is going on in the house and do well when
placed in the family room or commonly frequented parts of the house. For safety
reasons, do not place the bird cage in the kitchen or areas near smoke or fumes.
Cigarette smoke is especially harmful to birds? sensitive respiratory systems.
Handling
Cockatiels
enjoy being picked up and petted or stroked. They are inquisitive and friendly
to both humans and other birds. Always supervise children around any cockatiel,
as, when they are frightened, their bites can be painful. Cockatiels are very
intelligent and should be trained basic commands such as to "step up"
onto your hand and "step down" when putting them back into their cage.
This will make handling of the cockatiel much easier as it matures from an
easily handled baby to a more independent adult bird. Cockatiels become sexually
mature between 6-9 months of age.
Special Requirements
Cockatiels
are social birds and prefer to be kept in a colony (family) setting. They need
to have a great deal of socialization and stimulation to remain a happy, healthy
member of your family. To aid the bird in keeping itself clean, we recommend a
light misting with tepid water from a clean spray bottle on a frequent basis. Always wash your hands
before and after handling your pet bird, or after cleaning its cage. Keep the
cage clean to prevent the possibility of disease for the safety of you and your
companion bird.
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