Everything you need to know about the Cockatiel : History, Health, Behavior and more.

Cockatiels are recognized as some of the most beloved pet birds globally. Their endearing characters, melodious whistle, and colorful crests have made the cockatiel much sought birds of all ages by people who love birds. Are you planning to adopt a cockatiel or you already have one at home? Either way, this guide has every piece of information on cockatiels, including their history, how they care, their intelligence and behavior.

To see additional advice on avian care, read the American Veterinary Medical Association and PetMD’s Cockatiel Care Guide.

Cockatiel Introduction

The cockatiel, scientifically known as Nymphicus hollandicus, is a medium-sized parrot that originates from Australia. Having cute habits and the capability of imitating the sound, cockatiels are excellent pets to keep either by a novice or those who have some experience with birds. In actual sense, their manageable size, social nature, and fairly simple care needs have made them the best pet amongst the families around the world.

They have a unique crest on your head and a variety of color variations offspring, cockatiel can be very charming and emotionally responsive qualities that most other birds do not have. That is why they are gaining popularity even all over the world.

Cockatiel History

Cockatiels are indigenous to the dry and the semi-dry areas of Australia.Birds move from one place to another going together in cows and finding near the lakes and rivers. Specifically, they became known in 1700 and gained fame across Europe by 1800. Due to domestication, several secondary color mutation albino, lutino, and pied have occurred. However, cockatiels remain to be very wild and natural. What is more, they have successfully acquired the captivity life.

cockatiel in native Australian habitat — A visual throwback to the bird’s natural environment.

Cockatiel Health

In general, cockatiels are strong birds that need proper care to stay healthy. This means they need a well-rounded diet, a tidy living space, and regular interaction with people. Common health problems include:

Respiratory infections
Feather picking (caused by stress in most cases).
The fatty liver disease
Deficiency of calcium (particularly in cockatiels of the female gender)

Also besides these advices, it is advisable to pay a visit to the avian vet regularly. Furthermore, watch out on their droppings, behavior, and appetite because they are signs of health. As a result, when problems are detected early enough, this would bring about better consequences.

Behavior and Care of Cockatiel

Cockatiels are social, friendly and even sometimes funny. They also love attention and with the lack of this attention may develop depression. It is therefore good to provide your cockatiel with out of cage time and a lot of mental stimuli on a daily basis.

Simple tips of Cockatiel care:

Cage: Roomy, and having bars, which run attached to each other, so that you can climb over them (horizontally)
Food: Seeds and pellets, fresh vegetables and eggs sometimes
Play: The games are often different to allow children to take toys: the game changes to avoid problem
Interaction: Communicate to them daily, provide them with head scratches and provide them with supervised flight times

Moreover, to compare Boston Terrier with some other pet-friendly animals, refer to our Boston Terrier Puppies Guide or German Shepherd Guide.

Moreover, you can unravel more information about pet breeds by looking at our Tibetan Mastiff Overview or by checking the Sphynx Cat Complete Guide. on hairless pets.

cockatiel interacting with colorful toys — Play is a vital part of any pet bird’s routine

Is cockatiel talking possible?

Yes, cockatiels do learn to talk but this works best when they are trained early in life. They are also capable of imitating simple words and phrases together with whistles. They have smaller vocabulary as compared to larger parrots, though.

Is a cocktail costly to keep?

When you compare cockatiels to other parrot species, they are generally more budget-friendly to care for. At first, you’ll need to spend money on the bird itself, a cage, toys, and veterinary visits. Moreover, the ongoing expenses for food and bedding each month are quite manageable.

What is 5 fun facts about cockatiels?

The cockatiels are not regular parrots, but are in the cockatoo family. They are emotional with their crest movement. Moreover, they whistle and do not speak, they like head scratching; and they can live 15-20 years in captivity.

What should be avoided with this bird?

It’s important not to yell at a cockatiel or grab it roughly and confine it. These actions create fear and damage the bird’s trust. Therefore, it’s essential to interact softly and consistently use positive reinforcement.

cockatiel showing stress from sudden movement — Sudden handling can lead to behavioral issues in birds.

Is cockatiel a friendly bird?

Cockatiel is a very social animal and forms a strong attachment with its owner. They like to be petted, engaged in conversation and included in the everyday activities. Consequently, they are not fearful because they grow up well socialized hence are affectionate pets.

So what is the way to teach cockatiel to talk?

Begin with small and explicit words and say them everyday. Praise your cockatiel when it reproduces some sound or word. Also, regular training and enforcements coupled with patience is the most effective.

Is the pet bird smart?

Yes, cockatiels are quite smart and can learn new tricks, voice recognition as well as solve simple puzzles. They are smart birds that assist them in building relationships with owners and getting used to their regimes. Therefore, the stimulation of the mind is necessary.

Is it safe to kiss cockatiel?

Yes, it is preferable not to be in mouth-to-beak contact though so as not to spread disease. Rather than that, tenderly kiss their head or cheek. Notably, considerations must be given constantly on the part of discomfort.

Is the two birds better than one’s expense?

A pair of cockatiels will be able to stay company with each other and avoid feeling lonely. Nevertheless, they could get much closer to one another as compared to you. So it is proper interaction that will make them tame.

cockatiel pair sitting together in one cage — Two birds can offer emotional benefits, but with added cost.

What is the lifespan of cockatiel?

Well taken care of, cockatiels have a lifespan of 15 to 20 years. Healthy food, physical activities and medical examinations by veterinarians lead to long healthy life. Actually, others even attain to 25 years.

What is its cost of purchase?

The average price on a cockatiel is 80-250 dollars depending on the breed and age. Include in the initial setup costs the costs of a cage, toys and food. Nonetheless, the expenses of long-term care are cheap as compared to other pets.

Which bird is cheap to purchase?

The cheapest pet birds are normally the Budgies. But cockatiels present a better interaction and are easier to tame. Therefore, they are affordable yet companions when it comes to the need of having them.

Are these birds simple to look after?

Cockatiels are easy to care, mainly by a first-time owner. It needs a healthy cage, healthy food and contact. Consequently, people can afford their daily requirements.

Are Cockatiels noisy pets?

They are moderate noise and have a reputation of whistling and chirping. As compared to bigger parrots, they do not scream loudly. Besides, their calls also depend on the situation and the mood.

cockatiel whistling near window light — These pets usually make soft, soothing sounds.

Are the parrots dependent on the sun?

Yes, natural light is beneficial or UV light that is full spectrum. It helps to produce vitamin D and help give healthy feathers. However, do not keep cages under harsh sun.

What is the way of distinguishing the sex of a cockatiel?

Males become more vocal and are brightly colored over the patches on their cheeks. Sexing is not always possible visually. Hence, the correct official procedure of identifying gender entails DNA testing.

What do cockatiels have as food?

They eat pellets, seeds, leafy green, and fruits. There should be clean fresh water available. Moreover, it is possible to provide treats such as millet on a regular basis.

What is the number of hours this bird sleeps?

Cockatiels should get 10 12 hours of sleep on a daily basis. North Block light and noise with a cage cover. To sum everything up, quality sleep enhances behavior and health among them.

Do these birds how to fly?

Yes, cockatiel are natural fliers and require exercise. Flying them in a safe indoor area is healthy. In addition, you should only trim wings using professional assistance should there be a necessity to do so.

cockatiel mid-flight in a pet-safe room — Flight helps maintain the bird’s physical health

What is the messiness of a cockatiel pet?

Cockatiels are dirty because of seed shells, feathers and droppings. Cleaning the cage and environs regularly is helpful. Actually, cover the cages with cage liners to facilitate cleaning.

What sort of places should you not touch your pet bird?

Do not touch their back, wings and tail because sometimes it can cause stress to them. Resolve to stick to softly rubbing the head and the crest area. Moreover, do not forget to notice their comfortability.

Which odors do cockatiels hate?

Strong odors like perfumes, smoke, and cleaning products can also annoy them. It is important to keep their environment fresh and free of these scents. Natural fragrances are a better option and would be appreciated.

What do these parrots fear, commonly?

They are afraid to make loud noise, see sudden movements and strange objects. Fear can be reduced gradually. As a result, a consistent calm routine establishes confidence.

What are some things harmful to cockatiel?

Avocado, chocolate, caffeine and alcohol as well as Teflon fumes are harmful. Toxic house plants and fruit seeds are also possible. Rule of thumb Do not have these at reach.

cockatiel near foods that are toxic to birds — Some everyday items can be dangerous to birds

Can cockatiel feed on eggs?

Yes, boiled egg is good source of protein to cockatiels. Consume in limits and do not add salt or spices to it. Finally, eggs help in sustaining healthy feathers in the case of molting.

What is the best cockatiel as a starter?

Grey cockatiels are popular as pets and are often hand-raised, which makes them a great choice for first-time owners. These birds are sociable, easy to train, and very adaptable. Because of these qualities, breeders frequently suggest them for those who are just starting to take care of birds.

Can they eat bananas?

Oh, yes bananas are good and very nutritive. Use as snack cut into little slices. Nevertheless, do not take it in excess as it contains a lot of sugar.

What is the tops talking bird around?

The African Grey Parrots are also referred to as the best talkers. Although cockatiel birds do not possess big vocabularies, they can sound too well once trained. With that said, they are nonetheless largely talkative.

When do cockatiel talk?

Mimicking of the sounds starts between 6-9 months in most cockatiel. Speech development is aided by training at a tender age. Moreover, some can begin and end earlier or later according to the personality.

cockatiel learning sounds in early months — Pet birds begin mimicking sounds as they mature

Are they able to eat apple?

APples Yes apples are safe for Cockatiels but the seeds must be removed. The fruits that give fiber and hydration are apples. Wash as ever before serving them.

How do you win the confidence of this parrot?

Take time around the cage and speak calmly and slowly. Give hand-outs of favorite foodstuffs. Thus, a strong trust is developed due to patience and consistency.

How much does a cockatiel eat a day?

The cockatiel must be fed on a combination of pellets, seeds, vegetables, and fruits every now and then. Cut down the portion sizes to prevent obesity. Fresh water therefore is a day-to-day need.

Do cockatiels color see?

No, they are able to see a wide scope of colors and also the ultraviolet light. This assists them to notice mates, food and environment. In actual sense it is a significant component of their vision.

What is the procedure of cleaning your pet bird?

Give them very shallow pan of water to drink or spray them with water. Wash the perches and cages as well as toys weekly. Because of this, disease is avoided by hygiene and the feathers are clean.

cockatiel being gently cleaned with misting spray — Clean feathers and cages are vital to health.

What are the methods of potty training cockatiel?

You should also be alert to when they are about to poop and then get them into a convenient place. Encourage good demeanor and use talk. Above all training is a matter of consistency and patience.

What is the frequency that the birds consume water?

Cockatiels prefer to drink smaller quantities severally in a given day. Replace their water every day to make it fresh. To this end, dehydration may develop rapidly therefore watch what you drink.

Do they have nightvision?

No, the cockatiels possess poor night vision, and they can be facing night frights. The room should have a dim night light and this makes them feel secure. In this way, do not do anything in gloominess.

Does a cockatiel love the owner?

Totally yes, cockatiels can form a deep bond with human beings. They express love by communicating with you by a chirp, cuddling and getting right behind you. Obviously, such a bond is strengthened with regular care.

Are cockatiels cold?

Yes, they can be sensitive to any sudden change of temperature and even a draft. Ensure that their cage is in a warm stable place. Therefore, accommodate covering of cages at winter nights to enhance warmth.