How to Protect Cockatiels From Rats

Cockatiels and rats are both popular house pets but don't necessarily get along well. Since rats are omnivores and have been known to eat birds in the wild, it is important to protect cockatiels and other birds from them. Rats can also carry diseases that can be fatal to birds. The most important step in protecting your cockatiel from rats is putting a safe distance between the pets.

Instructions

    • 1

      Find a safe location. The location of a cocatiel's cage is crucial to ensuring the bird's safety. Cages kept low to the ground allow pet rats, pet cats and other possible predators easy access to your bird. Use a hook, shelf or tall piece of furniture to keep your birdcage at a height that ensures predators can't reach it.

    • 2

      Check bar spacing. The Humane Society recommends finding cages with bars spaced closely together. This will help keep your bird in its cage, keeping it safe from rats. It will also prevent your bird from getting its head stuck between bars.

    • 3

      Keep pets separated. If you have a pet rat, allow the animal to roam outside its cage only when supervised and place your bird at a safe location where it cannot interact with the rat. Never allow the bird and rat to be outside of their cages at the same time.