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