The Average Age & Life of a Cockatiel Bird

Well-cared for cockatiels can live a long time -- up to 30 years. The sad fact is that most members of the species don't live anywhere near this long, usually because of errors made by uninformed owners. Finding a good veterinarian specializing in avian medicine is the first step in ensuring your cockatiel receives the best care.

  1. Hatching

    • Newly hatched cockatiels are cared for by both parents during the first weeks of life. If the breeder intends to hand-raise them, which makes for friendlier birds, he'll take them out of the parental cage at the age of approximately 3 weeks. Whether raised by their parents or a human, baby cockatiels start transitioning to seeds, and fruits and veggies about the age of 5 weeks. Complete weaning, so that the birds eat entirely on their own, should be accomplished by the age of two months.

    Young Birds

    • Once the young cockatiel is weaned, he can go to his new home. Younger cockatiels should respond relatively quickly to training and socialization. Keep your bird's cage out of direct sun and away from drafts. Ask your vet about the best diet for your pet. She might recommend special cockatiel pellets supplemented with small amounts of fresh vegetables and fruits, along with potato or whole wheat breads. Make sure your bird always has fresh, clean water available. Clean your bird's cage regularly, but avoid using strong disinfectants, which can harm your pet.

    Reproduction

    • While cockatiels reach sexual maturity between the ages of 9 months and 1 year, it's best to wait until they are twice that age before actually breeding them. Indoor birds can breed at any time during the year, provided they have at least 12 hours of natural or artificial light. Female cockatiels begin laying eggs about one to three weeks after you've placed the breeding pair in a cage together. She generally lays a total of four to six eggs over several days. Eggs hatch approximately three weeks later.

    Illness

    • It's not always easy to tell if your bird feels under the weather. By the time he displays obvious symptoms of illness, it might be too late. If you notice any change in your cockatiel's behavior, call your vet. He should eat well, appearing alert and content. Normal cockatiels make noise, happily vocalizing. If your bird sleeps excessively or doesn't eat as much, that's a sign that something's wrong. If your bird spends all of his time sitting in one corner of his cage, that's a red-alert that something is the matter and he must visit the vet. Always consult an experienced veterinarian regarding the health and treatment of your pet.

    Old Age

    • While they can live much longer, the average lifespan of the pet cockatiel is between 10 and 14 years, according to VCA Animal Hospitals. Help your cockatiel live to a ripe old age by vigilantly keeping up with semi-annual vet visits, so an avian specialist can check your bird's physical condition and recommend any dietary changes. Your bird needs regular beak, feather and nail trimming to stay in good condition. If you can't perform these tasks, the vet can do that during the examination.