Cockatiel Food Diet

The Cockatiel is one of the most popular small birds people keep as a pet. The birds are generally grey in color with orange or yellow cheeks. They are very social birds and are generally eager to be handled. With perseverance they can be taught to speak some words. Given proper care a cockatiel has a life span of 15 to 20 years, so knowing the proper diet is important.

  1. General Diet

    • A well-balanced diet is the most essential tool in keeping the cockatiel healthy. By feeding the bird food that will give it all the vitamins its body requires, you will not only help it to live a long life but will also save yourself the cost of multiple vet visits.
      The best time to feed a cockatiel is in the morning when it is normally the most hungry. Start with a base diet of high quality cockatiel seed or pellets. An equal mixture of both can also be fed. This will make up 50 percent of the birds daily diet. Look for a brand of seed that has a high vitamin content but a low fat content. Seed mixes that contain sunflower seed are generally high in fat and should be fed sparingly. Feed the bird only the amount that it will eat at one time.
      Green leafy vegetables such as kale, cilantro, romaine lettuce and turnip greens are a good source of calcium. Feed them to the bird raw and cut into small pieces. Yogurt can also be served for calcium in small amounts but other dairy products should be avoided as cockatiels cannot digest lactose.
      Protein is necessary for cockatiels, mainly during molting although it can be served at other times. Serve small amounts of poultry, fish or eggs that have been freshly cooked. Do not leave the food in the cage for longer than 30 minutes, as bacteria can develop after that time.
      Cooked sweet potatoes, asparagus and carrots provide many vitamins that cockatiels require. Serve fresh fruits such as apples or grapes if the bird enjoys it. Most cockatiels prefer vegetables over fruits. Vegetables that should be avoided are spinach and parsley as they contain oxalic acid, which prevents calcium absorption and can cause kidney damage.
      Carbohydrates can be obtained from rice, pasta and whole wheat toast. Whole grain cereals should be served in small amounts.

    Treats

    • A cuttle bone or mineral block should be available at all times not only for calcium but also for beak exercise. Millet spray is used for recreation and should only be fed weekly as the bird will eat it before eating healthier foods.