Cockatiel Care, Lifespan, Breeding and Pictures

If choosing a Cockatiel as a pet, you must understand that the inclusive cost of Cockatiel care may be enormous. Even though Cockatiels do not require extensive maintenance in terms of money, or cost, the owner must be willing to invest a great deal of time and energy, as well as unlimited individual participation. Though the care of a Cockatiel demands the daily commitment of several hours of affection and undivided attention, you will harvest the rewards through the satisfaction returned to you tenfold. 

One of the foremost paths to excellent Cockatiel care is to provide your pet with the most favorable conditions and surroundings possible. The pet’s coop is a good place to begin. Keeping a tidy cage and environment is an essential requirement. A newspaper is the perfect source of coverage for the base of the cage since it can be easily cleaned of any wasted food, excess feather dust from your pet, and bird droppings.

Cleaning the cage frequently, as well as all accessories, using natural cleaning solutions that contain no chemicals or fumes, is an excellent procedure to follow. Performing this ritual will give your Cockatiel an environment that is clean and well maintained, and in addition, it will aid in the hindrance of sickness.

cockatiel-in-the-wild

Finding a good location for the cage, preferably an extremely quiet and cozy portion of the house, is another factor that contributes to good cockatiel care.  This uncomplicated act will reduce stress in your pet that can be introduced by disturbing sounds, The drafts, and abrupt movements.

cockatiel in cage

To ensure appropriate care for your Cockatiel, it is valuable to provide good physical, as well as intellectual, exercise. The bird should not be allowed to remain inside the cage for lengthy periods of time. You should allow a short exercise program regularly, preferably on a daily basis, permitting your pet to research his surroundings and run free. Because Cockatiels have natural intelligence, it is urgent that you use provocation expressing fondness towards them, as this makes them candidates for a companion that exhibits good health and happiness.

cockatiel-whiteface

Cockatiel Information

DESCRIPTION 12 to 14 inches (30 to 35cm). Resembles cockatoo, but has a long tail. Although available in other colorings, the most common Cockatiel has a yellow throat and head with greyish-blue crest and beak, orangish marks on ears, white wing coverts, brown eyes. Known for its variable pied form, borders of white along the mostly grey body. Female's facial markings duller and wing coverts greyer. Young resemble the female, but the cere is pink, not grey, and the tail is shorter.

NATURAL DISTRIBUTION Most of Australia, rarer along the coast; introduced to Tasmania.

HABITAT Savannah, grassland, cleared country, near water. Usually in pairs, sometimes in flocks damaging to crops, especially sunflower, sorghum, and millet. Nests in tree hollows and close to water. Usually breeds after rainfall.

DIET Grain mixes for medium parrots, plain canary seeds, millet, sunflower seed kernels, hemp, safflower, apples, carrots and green food.

SPECIAL NEEDS Pair by placing inexperienced bird with one that has raised a family. Keep tame Cockatiels in a roomy cage, with daily free flight. Will readily breed in roomy aviary when housed by themselves.

CAGE LIFE A Cockatiel is graceful and peaceable aviary or cage bird. Can talk and mimic, and cock especially has the pleasant song; sometimes noisy. Hisses and swings body when disturbed while nesting. Lives 10 to 25 years. Aviary at least 6Vz feet (2m) long. 

Nest box 13 X 8 X 18 inches (35 X 20 X 45cm), entrance diameter 23/s inches (6cm) - low enough so chicks can stick heads out and make peeping/ hissing sound and so bird on the nest can see out. Line bottom with sawdust or peat moss. Lays 4 to 8 white eggs, incubation 18 to 21 days (male during the day, female at night), fledging 30 to 35 days, fed by parents for some time.