Information on Owning Cockatiel Birds

Cockatiels are a type of small, vocal parrot that is commonly kept as a pet. They have a high-pitched voice and they can be trained to mimic human speech and to whistle. While the cockatiel is a popular pet bird, learning about the species and its particular needs is essential before you decide to adopt one.

  1. Time Frame

    • According to Parrot Parrot, cockatiels can live between 15 and 20 years, but some birds have been known to live longer. It is important to consider whether you can give a bird a permanent home for that length of time.

    Size

    • The cockatiel will grow to be 15 inches long when it is full grown. It will need a cage that is at least 24 inches wide, 14 inches deep and 24 inches high. The bars should be no more than 1/2 inch apart. If at all possible, the cockatiel should have a flight cage, which is a cage that is large enough for it to glide from perch to perch. The perches themselves should be at least 5 inches long and 1/2 inch in diameter.

    Diet

    • Cockatiels are omnivorous, and in the wild, they will eat insects, fruits and seeds. As pets, they can be fed specialized pellets that will account for most of their nutritive needs. The pellet diet can be supplemented with fresh fruits like strawberries, bananas and pitted apricots, and with vegetables like kale, celery and spinach. Cockatiels should also have fresh, filtered, chlorine-free water available to them at all times.

    Considerations

    • Cockatiels may look as though they are lightly dusted with powder due to their powder down feathers. Powder down feathers grow continuously and disintegrate when a bird preens, turning into a white powder that waterproofs and conditions the bird's feathers. This powder can aggravate the allergies of someone who is sensitive and before you purchase a cockatiel, you may want to consult a doctor to see how risky it might be for you.

    Warning

    • Do not feed the cockatiel avocado, chocolate, caffeine or fruit seeds, as these can cause medical issues. Similarly, do not feed your bird solely on a diet of seed, even if they are fortified. Seeds are too fatty to be the sole source of food for the cockatiel. Fresh fruit should be removed from the cage if it is not eaten within a day.