Birds - Cockatiel Care

A cockatiel is one of the most popular birdsFemales 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 makesmore aggressive but will talk and sing more than
them wonderful pets even for beginners. Owningfemales. Cockatiels are not an expensive
one of these birds is very rewarding and notbird.Cockatiels need a cage at least 18" X 18" X
very hard work.Cockatiels are actually a species18". If they are going to be in the cage a lot then
of parrot. They get their name from a Dutchyou 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 andexercise. Try not to keep the cage in a draughty
originated from Australia. There are many colorarea. You should try to let your bird out of the
varieties of cockatiels, including yellow, gray andcage as much as possible. There are even bird
white. With the proper nutrition, cockatiels will livediapers now to prevent messes in your house!
for 15 to 20 years.Cockatiels are extremelyBecause 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 birdsin 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 tricksmake sure the toys you get are safe.In order to
or singing. They are generally very happy cheerfulkeep your pet healthy, it is imperative that you
birds. They are also very affectionate and willkeep them on a good diet. Do not put your bird
often groom your hair. Because of theiron an all seed diet. Try and get a pellet-based diet.
affectionate nature, they especially love to beIf you do not get a pellet based diet, you will
stroked and cuddled. They will even put theirneed to prepare fresh fruits and vegetables
heads down for you to stroke them! Cockatielsevery 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 thea pellet diet. Also, cockatiels need between 10 and
females.Even though cockatiels are from the12 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. Thishave one, it will form an extremely strong bond
makes them great family pets. When choosing awith you because it will think you are its mate.
pet, make sure that it is hand-fed so that it willCockatiels love attention and are very gentle and
be tame and used to people. Also, you will needaffectionate. They are excellent pets.
to decide whether you want a male or female.