Cockatiels
These charming parrots, known for their distinctive crests and friendly dispositions, make wonderful companions for bird lovers of all experience levels. Cockatiels are intelligent and social birds, thriving on interaction and forming strong bonds with their owners. Their ability to whistle tunes and mimic sounds and their playful and affectionate nature make them a joy to have as pets.
To be happy and healthy, cockatiels need plenty of space to fly, the correct food and lighting, and lots of enrichment. You must consider carefully whether you can provide everything these animals need for their whole lives. The Cockatiel information and test can help you make the right decision.
What next?
View the information below to learn the essentials for owning a pet cockatiel.
Take the test, and when you have passed, you will receive a certificate to show to your pet shop and prove your knowledge.
Information for owning a pet cockatiel
The Pet Know How tests are designed to test your basic knowledge of keeping a pet of your choice. They will help you understand the needs of the animal and some of the important things you need to consider if you were to have one as a pet. Once you complete a test you won’t be an expert keeper but you will be in a better position to make an informed decision and decide if you are able, and willing, to take on the responsibility.
In this section, you will find a wealth of knowledge compiled by pet experts to provide you with the valuable information you need regarding owning a pet cockatiel.
Work your way through all the sections, and when you feel ready, register yourself to take the test and earn a certificate that proves your cockatiel knowledge.
Introduction
Cockatiels are natural acrobats and mimics - they can learn simple words and phrases and are excellent whistlers.
Originally a native of the hot, dry Australian interior, all cockatiels for sale in the UK are now bred in this country.
Cockatiels are communal birds that make interesting and intelligent pets. The normal colour is grey but there are variations such as white, cinnamon, pied, silver or lutino (pale yellow).
You can expect to have the companionship of these fascinating birds for twelve to fourteen years, so you must be sure you’re ready for a long-term commitment.
DID YOU KNOW? In an aviary cockatiels will mix with canaries, budgies, and some small parrots.
Choosing your Cockatiels
A healthy cockatiel should…
Be bright-eyed and alert
Have no signs of discharge from the eyes or nostrils
Have a clean vent area
Have feathers that are smooth, flush to the body and not be fluffed up
Have no signs of breathing problem
Move around the cage easily with no stiffness or staggering
Have fluent movements with no signs of lethargy
Housing
For indoor cockatiels, a roomy cage is advisable and should be large enough for your birds to stretch their wings and fly from perch to perch. Cockatiels are climbing birds so it is preferable to choose a cage with horizontal bars. Cages must be easy to clean and must not be made from, or galvanised with, zinc. Avoid putting the cage in draughts, direct sunlight or in damp/humid conditions. Only cover the cage at night if the room temperature is likely to fall.
Outside aviaries must have a sheltered section to provide protection from wind, rain and strong sunlight. This is where you should position the roosting site (the highest perch or nest box) and the food containers.
Aviaries should also have a paved floor with a sunken wire mesh to prevent vermin and a double-door entry system for added safety.
A single caged bird will require a lot of attention and stimulus if it is not to become bored and frustrated (a common cause of feather plucking). If the bird is to be left on its own for long periods it is better to give it a companion. In an aviary cockatiels will mix with canaries, budgies, and some small parrots, but not with the larger parrots.
Furnishing their home
The cage should be furnished with perches of different thickness so the cockatiels can exercise their feet. Do not place perches directly above food and water pots. Put a few toys inside the cage but do not overcrowd it. Try buying a selection of toys and rotating them to avoid boredom.
A source of grit should also be available. They eat it and it helps to grind up food in their gizzards, aiding digestion.
Introducing your cockatiels to their new home
Always take your birds home in a carry box, not in a cage. Before introducing your cockatiels to their new home, fill the food and water pots and sprinkle a little extra onto the floor, to ensure they have enough to eat until they find the seed pots.
Make sure all windows and doors are closed and fires are guarded. Gently open one end of the carry box and let your cockatiels walk into their new home. If they appear anxious or do not settle, drape a cloth over three sides of the cage until they settle. Leave them to adjust to their new setting quietly for a few hours.
Hygiene
Sand sheets or cage bird sand should be placed in the bottom of the cage and replaced regularly. The cage and furnishings should be thoroughly cleaned and disinfected with a pet safe disinfectant weekly, although droppings should be removed daily. A removable tray will make cleaning easier.
Health
Cockatiels are generally healthy pets but you should always pay close attention to the behavior of your pet to spot early signs of any health problems. If you think your Cockatiel may be ill then you should consult a vet immediately.
Feathers: You can use a suitable fine mist spray together with a special solution to spray on, your pet shop can advise you on suitable products. Some cockatiels do enjoy a bath, but not all of them.
Colds: The bird will be listless, with feathers fluffed up and wheezing if it catches a cold. Keep him warm, do not bath and consult with your vet immediately.
Health continued
Wet droppings: This can be caused by an excess of green, mouldy or contaminated food, a change in diet, a lack of fresh water or an underlying illness. Keep him warm, make sure he has plenty of fresh water and consult your vet.
Mites: This is a parasite that feeds on birds’ blood causing itching, weight loss and feather loss. Mites are easy to destroy with a suitable spray and your pet shop or vet will advise.
Beaks and nails: An iodine block can help keep your birds’ beaks trim. If you suspect your cockatiels’ nails and beaks are too long seek expert advice.
Feather plucking: This can be due to many reasons such as a poor diet, internal diseases, lack of exercise or stimulation. Spend time with your cockatiels and provide them with toys for exercise and entertainment. If the condition persists consult your vet.
Food and water
A good quality cockatiel mixture or pellet food should be available from your pet shop. Check the food dishes daily, removing any empty seed husks, and refill as necessary.
Millet sprays can be given as a treat as can honey bells and seed bars. Fresh thoroughly washed green-food may be given, such as chick-weed and dandelion, but be very careful not to over feed.
Your birds will also require a good supply of mineralised or oyster shell grit, which helps to digest their food. Cuttlefish bones should be supplied too as it is a source of calcium and helps to keep the beak worn down and maintain strong bones.
Bird specific vitamin supplements are available and may be added to the drinking water or mixed with fruit or vegetables.
Fresh water should always be available.
Shopping list
Owning a pet is a financial as well as a moral responsibility. In order to properly care for a cockatiel the following items are essential and you should ensure that you are ready to commit to both the one-off and ongoing costs involved with having a pet.
Cage
Cage stand
Cage cover
Water pot
Seed pot
Seed guard
Cockatiel food
Bath
Toys
Sand/sand sheets and grit
Cuttlefish
Mineral block
Pet safe disinfectant
Book on cockatiel care
Pet code of practice
Owning a pet is a responsibility and owners must always ensure that they act in a way that ensures the best welfare for their pet and does not endanger the local ecosystem. Pet’s (companion animals) must never be released into the wild. It is illegal and for most species this will lead to an untimely and possibly lingering death, as they are not native to this country. Any animals or plants that do survive might become harmful to the environment. If you can no longer keep your pet then seek advice at a local pet store, rescue centre or specialist pet club.
Soiled substrate, cage décor and waste water, particularly from fish tanks or amphibian housing, should also be carefully disposed of or treated so that potentially harmful diseases or live food can’t escape into the wild.
Are you ready?
Now that you have made your way through the presentation, it’s time to take the test and move one step closer to proving your knowledge and receiving your certificate.
But first…
In order to access a Pet Know How test, you first need to register some details.
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