Cockatiels (Nymphicus Hallondicus) Care Sheet
Cockatiels are fun, intelligent, and easy to care for pet birds. Cockatiels are known for their mellow nature and love to be social with their fellow flock mates. They are the first bird recommended for new pet owners and families.
Adult Cockatiels average in size of about 11 to 14 inches head to tail. They can live up to 25 years with proper care, and are herbivores.
Housing
Cockatiels are active birds, so they need a spacious cage. Opt for a cage no smaller then 24"x18"x24" with 1/2" to 1" bar spacing so they cant squeeze out. This size with give them plenty of room for horizontal play and vertical climbing, you want to ensure your cockatiel's movement is not restricted in anyway.
There must be a minimum of two perches, one placed up high for roosting and one down low for access to food and water.
Placement of the cage is very important, you want to ensure your bird is in a secure location away from any harmful substances, fumes or drafts. At night it is recommended to cover their cage to provide security to sleep.
Make sure you fill your cage up with plenty of toys and things to forage and to help prevent your bird from boredom.
You'll want to provide two metal bowls, that can attach to the cage and keep your bird from flipping them over constantly. One bowl for food and one bowl for water, the bowl you use for water can be larger then your food bowl to allow your bird to take baths in it, or you can provide a separate bowl designed specifically for baths.
There must be a minimum of two perches, one placed up high for roosting and one down low for access to food and water.
Placement of the cage is very important, you want to ensure your bird is in a secure location away from any harmful substances, fumes or drafts. At night it is recommended to cover their cage to provide security to sleep.
Make sure you fill your cage up with plenty of toys and things to forage and to help prevent your bird from boredom.
You'll want to provide two metal bowls, that can attach to the cage and keep your bird from flipping them over constantly. One bowl for food and one bowl for water, the bowl you use for water can be larger then your food bowl to allow your bird to take baths in it, or you can provide a separate bowl designed specifically for baths.
Habitat Maitenance
REMEMBER: ONLY USE BIRD SAFE CLEANERS
Birds have extremely sensitive respiratory systems and can get extremely ill and even die if any unsafe cleaners are used around them.
Daily Cleaning:
Weekly
A few acceptable cleaners to use around birds:
On another note bird owners should avoid non-stick cookware and appliances as they can release fumes hazardous to your birds health.
Birds have extremely sensitive respiratory systems and can get extremely ill and even die if any unsafe cleaners are used around them.
Daily Cleaning:
- Rinse out food and water bowl, always provide fresh food and water.
- Change out bottom substrate of droppings and seeds. (We recommend using plain newspaper or paper towels at the bottom of the cage to make it easier to clean)
Weekly
- Clean all toys and perches.
A few acceptable cleaners to use around birds:
- Nature's Miracle
- Vinegar and Water Mixture
- Poop-Off
- Healthy Habitat
On another note bird owners should avoid non-stick cookware and appliances as they can release fumes hazardous to your birds health.
Feeding
The most recommended diet is a 75%-80% specialized pellet diet. With small amounts of fortified seeds mixed in. It is not recommended to feed just seeds as they are usually high in carbohydrates and lack vital nutrients. Fresh fruit and vegetables should make up the other 20%-25% of your birds diet.
Cuttlebone should also be provided for your cockatiel at all times. Cuttlebone is the calcareous internal shell of a cuttlefish. It provides necessary minerals and calcium, which helps birds with bone formation and blood clotting. Cuttlebone has a rough texture, making it an ideal tool to help support beak strength. Birds can use cuttlebones to help keep their beaks trimmed and sharp.
You can also provide spray millet for your cockatiel, millet is an excellent treat and healthy. It allows your bird to forage as well, which many birds love to do.
For a list containing safe and unsafe foods for your cockatiel please visit this website;
Cuttlebone should also be provided for your cockatiel at all times. Cuttlebone is the calcareous internal shell of a cuttlefish. It provides necessary minerals and calcium, which helps birds with bone formation and blood clotting. Cuttlebone has a rough texture, making it an ideal tool to help support beak strength. Birds can use cuttlebones to help keep their beaks trimmed and sharp.
You can also provide spray millet for your cockatiel, millet is an excellent treat and healthy. It allows your bird to forage as well, which many birds love to do.
For a list containing safe and unsafe foods for your cockatiel please visit this website;
Activities
This photo resembles what a cockatiel cage should resemble. Lots of things to play with and to keep your bird occupied.
Cockatiels loves to play and need things to keep them busy, and happy. You can also provide them with foliage toys which allows them to destroy and chew.
Cockatiels can also learn small tricks and can learn to mimic words and phrases. They aren't exceptional talkers though and males have more of a talking ability then females. It is recommended you handle your bird daily, they love to be around their human flock mates and have social interaction.
Cockatiels loves to play and need things to keep them busy, and happy. You can also provide them with foliage toys which allows them to destroy and chew.
Cockatiels can also learn small tricks and can learn to mimic words and phrases. They aren't exceptional talkers though and males have more of a talking ability then females. It is recommended you handle your bird daily, they love to be around their human flock mates and have social interaction.
Cockatiel Colors
Care sheet created by JMW
We do not claim any photos above, they are strictly for educational purposes.
We do not claim any photos above, they are strictly for educational purposes.
