| A cockatiel is one of the most popular birds | | | | Females are more nervous than males, but also |
| today. They are extremely sociable, gentle, | | | | more friendly and affectionate. Males are a little |
| intelligent and not very demanding. This makes | | | | more aggressive but will talk and sing more than |
| them wonderful pets even for beginners. Owning | | | | females. Cockatiels are not an expensive |
| one of these birds is very rewarding and not | | | | bird.Cockatiels need a cage at least 18" X 18" X |
| very hard work.Cockatiels are actually a species | | | | 18". If they are going to be in the cage a lot then |
| of parrot. They get their name from a Dutch | | | | you should get a cage at least 36" X 18" X 24". |
| word, "Kakatielje" that means little cockatoo. | | | | This will give flying room that he will need for |
| Cockatiels belong to the cockatoo family and | | | | exercise. Try not to keep the cage in a draughty |
| originated from Australia. There are many color | | | | area. You should try to let your bird out of the |
| varieties of cockatiels, including yellow, gray and | | | | cage as much as possible. There are even bird |
| white. With the proper nutrition, cockatiels will live | | | | diapers now to prevent messes in your house! |
| for 15 to 20 years.Cockatiels are extremely | | | | Because of their intelligence, cockatiels need lots |
| sociable birds. By nature, they are very gentle, | | | | of mental stimulation. You should change the toys |
| docile and only moderately active. These birds | | | | in their cage every few weeks so that they |
| need to be played with, talked to and touched. | | | | won't get bored. Cockatiels do chew on things, so |
| They will try to get your attention by doing tricks | | | | make sure the toys you get are safe.In order to |
| or singing. They are generally very happy cheerful | | | | keep your pet healthy, it is imperative that you |
| birds. They are also very affectionate and will | | | | keep them on a good diet. Do not put your bird |
| often groom your hair. Because of their | | | | on an all seed diet. Try and get a pellet-based diet. |
| affectionate nature, they especially love to be | | | | If you do not get a pellet based diet, you will |
| stroked and cuddled. They will even put their | | | | need to prepare fresh fruits and vegetables |
| heads down for you to stroke them! Cockatiels | | | | every day. Foods that are good for them include |
| can be taught to talk and whistle tunes. However, | | | | fruits, vegetables, cereals, bread and cheese. You |
| their speech is not as clear as the larger parrots. | | | | can give these as treats if you have your bird on |
| Males are usually more vocal than the | | | | a pellet diet. Also, cockatiels need between 10 and |
| females.Even though cockatiels are from the | | | | 12 hours of sleep every night or they will become |
| parrot family, they are much smaller, quieter, | | | | ill.Cockatiels make great companions. If you only |
| cleaner and bite less than most other parrots. This | | | | have one, it will form an extremely strong bond |
| makes them great family pets. When choosing a | | | | with you because it will think you are its mate. |
| pet, make sure that it is hand-fed so that it will | | | | Cockatiels love attention and are very gentle and |
| be tame and used to people. Also, you will need | | | | affectionate. They are excellent pets. |
| to decide whether you want a male or female. | | | | |