| Cockatiels are the smallest member of the | | | | of a mirror for hours while whistling or talking. |
| cockatoo family and are native only to Australia | | | | Keep your cockatiels *away* from any electrical |
| where they are found largely in arid or semi-arid | | | | wires and equipment! |
| country, but always near water. Sometimes | | | | Cockatiels are naturally dusty birds because of |
| hundreds will flock around a single such body of | | | | the powder down they produce. It wouldn't be a |
| water. | | | | bad idea to have a HEPA filter running near the |
| Male cockatiels do not display any obvious | | | | cage, especially if a member of the household has |
| courtship rituals. Females do not talk, however, | | | | asthma, allergies, or respiratory disease. One or |
| male cockatiels can learn to talk and are quite | | | | two birds that are bathed often and whose cages |
| vocal. Male cockatiels often have a very deep | | | | are kept very clean are not much of a problem, |
| yellow face and bright orange cheek patches at | | | | but of course the amount of dust will increase |
| maturity. Female cockatiels will retain their | | | | with each additional bird. |
| immature coloration and the barring of the | | | | Cockatiels are reluctant to accept new foods and |
| underside of the tail. | | | | will accept few fruits and vegetables. They do |
| Both males and females that share incubation | | | | tend to enjoy whole wheat bread, grated carrots |
| responsibilities. Cockatiels are prolific breeders and | | | | and shredded greens. Lots of water and sun light |
| they will breeding in captivity all year long, if | | | | are needed to keep cockatiels happy. |
| allowed to do so. However, clutches should be | | | | Cockatiels are very susceptible to strong smells |
| limited to no more than 2 per year, the amount | | | | such as insecticides, smoke and air fresheners. |
| that avian veterinarians consider normal. | | | | Their respiratory system is so delicate some of |
| Playful and easily amused with simple toys | | | | these can kill a cockatiel. |
| cockatiels are a lot easier to care for because of | | | | Cockatiels are a great first bird along with the |
| their size. You don't need a very large cage like | | | | Budgie Parakeet. A tame hand-fed cockatiel will |
| you would need if you had a cockatoo. However, | | | | most likely be loving and gentle. Cockatiels are the |
| cockatiels live for about 20 years, so a long term | | | | gentle ambassadors of the bird world. Many |
| commitment is required. | | | | aviary lovers owe their passion for birds to a pet |
| Cockatiels are playful birds, and adding toys such | | | | Cockatiel they owned or encountered in childhood. |
| as bells and mini ladders (a cockatiel favorite) are | | | | Cockatiels are very intelligent social companions |
| important. Because cockatiels love to chew, toys | | | | and will provide you with love and enjoyment |
| must be free of toxic metals, hooks, sharp | | | | throughout their life if you care for and love them |
| objects or small, easily consumed components. A | | | | properly! |
| cockatiel will gladly entertain themselves in front | | | | |
