Caring for a Cockatiel
Cockatiels are a small bird in the parrot family. Caring for a cockatiel requires a commitment to supervise and interact with your bird. They are easy to train and make a great companion pet. You may notice your cockatiel mimicking repetitive sounds to which it is exposed.
General
Cockatiels are energetic birds that originate in Australia and come in a variety of beautiful colors. They are vocal birds and take well to training. Without proper care, however, cockatiels can develop unhealthy habits such as screaming, biting and destructive chewing. Their wings should be kept properly clipped; ask your avian vet for recommendations on this and general health.
Housing
Cage width and depth are more important than height. Make sure the cage is zincsafe, leadfree, and has appropriate bar size and spacing; your parrot should not be able to fit its head between the bars, or to bend or damage the bars with its beak. Natural hardwood branches sold at your pet store make the best perches. Using a variety of perch sizes helps exercise the bird’s feet. Choose a variety of nontoxic wood or acrylic chew toys to occupy your bird and rotate them to avoid boredom. Keep the cage up off the floor and away from any drafts. Make sure there is a grate over the droppings that will keep the bird away from its waste. Provide fresh, clean water daily. Do not place water, food bowls, or toys underneath perches to avoid soiling.
Diet
Cockatiels need a large variety of fresh, healthy foods, whether on a pellet or a seed diet. Beneficial foods include dark green, leafy vegetables like kale, broccoli, dandelions, and chard, as well as carrots, sweet potatoes, and squash. Healthy table foods like cooked eggs, corn, beans, pasta, and rice can also be offered. Remove perishable foods after a few hours and at bedtime. A seedonly diet will result in malnutrition. Eventually, a cockatiel should become acclimated to a diet containing specially formulated pellets. An avian vet can help with more information. Do not feed birds fruit seeds, avocados, chocolate, caffeine, or alcohol.
Cleaning
Tray liners should be replaced every day and the cage bottom, fittings and dishes regularly washed with a safe bird cage cleaner and deodorizer. Dishes should be soaked in a 10% bleach and water solution. Add clean tray lining.
Fertility
Egglaying is quite common for cockatiels and can start any time from five months to over ten years of age. Excessive egglaying can be a health risk, check with an avian vet if you have a pair. Females laying eggs should be given extra calcium to prevent deficiencies.
Health
Cockatiels should be examined by a qualified avian vet at least once a year or as soon as possible if any bleeding, injuries, or other signs are noted. It can be hard to tell when a bird is ill, and by the time you notice a problem, the sickness is usually welladvanced. Delaying a visit with an avian vet or using overthecounter or human medicines may be fatal.
Warnings
Birds have extremely sensitive respiratory systems and should not be exposed to cigarette smoke, aerosols, harsh cleaning products, or other toxic fumes. Do not use non-stick cookware near a bird (they release fumes that are toxic to birds).
Companion animals are potential carriers of infectious diseases that can be passed to humans. Taking these simple precautions can help prevent the potential spread of diseases:
- Always wash your hands before and after handling your pet and/or habitat contents
- Carry hand sanitizer when venturing outside of your home with pet
- Do not kiss or let your mouth come into contact with your pet
- Keep your companion’s habitat, water & food bowls, décor, and other surfaces as clean as possible and remove droppings daily
Pregnant women and people with weakened immune systems should speak with their physician when considering a new pet. For more information regarding pets and disease, go to the Center for Disease Control at cdc.gov/healthypets/. The information provided on this Care Sheet is not a substitute for veterinary care. It is strongly advised to seek further information on the care of your animal.
Recommended Supplies from Kahoots
- Kahoots Cockatiel food
- Higgins InTune Cockatiel Blend
- KT Cockatiel treat
- Spray Millet
- Lee Perch Food/Water Cups
- Spray Bottle (for bathing)
- KT Wood Pellets
- A&E Cage Toys
- Missing Link Avian Formula
- Zoo Med Avian +
- Kahoots Stain & Odor Remover
Additional Recommended Supplies
- Bird Cage 26” x 14” x 25” or larger
- Bird Cage stand