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Cockatiel

Known to be very friendly birds who are fond of their owners and enjoy spending time outside the cage with them

Accessories: Cockatiels are intelligent animals and enjoy enrichment through cage accessories. Toys should be provided for which enable the bird to remain occupied. Allow plenty of perches to climb on and swing toys.  Use different sized perches to allow your birds feet to stay healthy.

Diet: Cockatiels require a diet made up from around 75% pellets and 25% seed. Dark leafy veg should also be fed,  making up no more than 20% of the total diet. See over the page for specific cockatiel foods.

Housing: The recommended cage size for a cockatiel is  96cm L x 72cm D x 72cm H or (L 2x wingspan, D/H 1.5x wingspan) with 10% additional per extra bird. Cockatiels require lots of cage toys and perches in order to gain enrichment. They also enjoy mirrors and will sing to themselves. They do require handling every day at least once a day.

Handling: Cockatiels are very social birds and should be handled daily– especially if housed alone. Try to make their time out of the cage enriching by focusing on your bird when it is out. You can train your bird to fly to you with treats and toys and set up perches around the home for your bird to fly to. Always allow your bird to step on to a branch or your hand when taking them out. Do not grab them.

Healthcare

Cockatiel common ailments include respiratory infections, feather plucking, and nutritional deficiencies. Regular veterinary check-ups and a balanced diet can help prevent these issues in pet cockatiels. This proactive approach is essential for maintaining your cockatiel’s health. Additionally, providing a variety of toys and perches can help keep cockatiels mentally stimulated and physically active. This can reduce the risk of boredom-related behaviors such as excessive screaming or aggression.

Signs of illness in cockatiels include lethargy. Changes in appetite, abnormal droppings, and difficulty breathing are also common indicators of health issues. It is important to seek veterinary care promptly if any of these symptoms are observed. This is crucial to ensure the health and well-being of the bird.

Nails: should also be regularly trimmed to prevent overgrowth. This helps avoid potential injury to the bird or its cage mates.

Feathers: should be checked regularly for signs of feather picking or plucking. These signs can indicate stress or health issues. Regular baths can help maintain healthy feathers and skin. Providing access to a shallow dish of water for bathing is beneficial for your cockatiel’s hygiene.

Beak: should be monitored for signs of overgrowth or deformities. These issues can affect the bird’s ability to eat and groom properly. Providing a variety of safe chew toys can help keep the beak in good condition. These toys encourage natural wear and promote beak health.

Please note: Birds are for store collection only. To speak to us about purchasing a bird, or any of our other pets or products, please contact us.