How to Take Care of Cockatiel Birds

Native to Australia, the cockatiel is the smallest member of the cockatoo family. In the wild, they are often found in cities near people and are not easily spooked. Pet cockatiels exhibit these same traits; they easily get along with people and are not easily intimidated. In fact, they can be quite intelligent, bold and curious, making for an adventurous pet packed into a small bird body. With good basic care, cockatiels live into their 20s and even 30s.

Things You'll Need

  • Large cage
  • Cockatiel food
  • Avian veterinarian
  • Play areas
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Instructions

    • 1

      Provide your cockatiel with a large, safe cage. A minimum-sized cage for one cockatiel would be 24 inches square (length, height and width). This size doubles for every additional bird housed in the same cage. Buy only plastic, powder-coated or stainless steel cages. Wrought iron and other metals are toxic to birds.

    • 2

      Clean the cage, food and water bowls and play areas daily. All food and feces must be removed daily to keep your bird healthy.

    • 3

      Give your bird nutritious foods every day. Provide mostly parrot pellets and fresh vegetables and fruits with some seed. A completely seed-based diet is not healthy; it is the most common cause of health problems in cockatiels.

    • 4

      Give your cockatiel lots of exercise. Aviaries, toys, play gyms and out-of-cage time all help keep your cockatiel active.

    • 5

      Take your cockatiel to your avian veterinarian at least annually. Cockatiels easily hide symptoms of illness from their owners. Regular vet checks will help identify any potential health problems before they become life threatening.

    • 6

      Recognize the dangers to cockatiels that exist in a home. Even with clipped wings, cockatiels can fly well---especially if they get a lot of good exercise. Open doors and windows, moving fans and open toilets are all hazards for them. Thus, when your cockatiel is out of its cage, keep doors and windows closed, toilet lids down, fans off and don't allow it to play on the floor so it doesn't get stepped on.

    • 7

      Do not use air toxins in the home. Cockatiels are extremely sensitive and can die within minutes of exposure if the concentration is high enough. This includes non-stick cooking pans, candles and many household cleaners. If you must use such products, open windows and move your cockatiel to another part of the house or outside.