A Complete Profile Of Cockatiel And Care Overview

August 01, 2024

When I was planning to get my first bird, I was so confused about choosing between parakeets and cockatiels. The cockatiel is one of the most popular medium-sized pet birds with charming personalities and distinctive crests. They achieve popularity for their ability to mimic sounds and whistles. They are also one of the quietest breeds among the parrot species and the perfect choice for kids. For bird enthusiasts, this article provides a complete profile of cockatiel and care overview and all the information you need to know about.

Physical Characteristics

Origins and History

Cockatiels are small to medium-sized parrots native to Australia, specifically found in arid or semi-arid areas. They remain the only member of the genus Nymphicus and the smallest member of the cockatoo family. They were first scientifically described in 1788 by the Dutch naturalist Johann Friedrich. In the early 19th century, they were brought to Europe and quickly became popular pets due to their friendly natures, whistles, and relative ease of care. In 1850 they were first bred in captivity. Nowadays cocktails are one of the most cherished pet birds around the world.

Around the late 19th to early 20th century, they were introduced to the United States. In the 1960s – 1970s they became one of the most popular pet birds in the United States. Breeders began to enhance their appeal to develop various color mutations.

Behavior and Personality

The reason behind their popularity is their friendly and affectionate nature. They can make a strong bond with their human companions and enjoy spending time with them. They can be very social with other humans and pets and often enjoy being handled and petted. Do you know what makes them so special? Yes! They are capable of mimicking sounds but they have wonderful whistling sounds. They may not be as prolific talkers as some other parrots but can learn a few words. Males are more vocal than females and use various vocalizations to communicate.

I would say, they are one of the best birds for families with kids, because of their gentle and mild-mannered nature. They enjoy interacting with humans such as perching on shoulders, nibbling gently on fingers, and seeking out attention. You may find them aggressive but it’s a territorial behavior that occurs during breeding seasons. Other than that, they are easy to train and can perform lots of tricks.

In the wild, they live in flocks. If you choose to keep them as a single bird, they need lots of regular interaction. They have a curious and playful nature and love to explore the environment. As active birds, they love flying, climbing, and playing with toys. Make sure they have plenty of toys and keep rotating them for more curiosity and interest.

Diet & Daily Care Requirements

I always recommend you give them high-quality pellets. Seeds can be given as treats but not as primary foods. Seeds are high in fats and could cause fatty liver disease, obesity, and lack of vitamins (A, D, E). Some fresh vegetables and leafy greens such as kale, broccoli, lettuce, carrots, and collard greens are high in vitamins A, C, and K, as well as calcium and iron. The fiber in leafy greens also helps in digestion. Fruits like apples, berries, and oranges provide essential vitamins and nutrients. Antioxidants in fruits help them to protect against cellular damage and support the immune system.

So try to create a routine if possible and keep following the routine. Here is a general feeding routine for cocktails:

Common Health Issues

To be honest, they don’t get sick excessively, but some common health issues can still affect our favorite cockatiel. Such as:

  1. Respiratory

  2. Feather Plucking

  3. Psittacosis

  4. Egg Binding

  5. Beak & Feather diseases

  6. Polyoma Virus

Feather plucking is not very common in cockatiels, but egg binding can happen very often because of a lack of calcium. To avoid respiratory problems, keep the living area clean and well-ventilated. Psittacosis is also known as parrot fever and is caused by bacterial infection. Consult with your avian vet to help your birds. Regular check-ups can help you with early detection and treatment of any health problems. You need to learn the symptoms of this illness for better recognition. If you see changes in dropping, fluffed-up feathers, or lethargy; chances are your bird is sick, and consulting with the avian vet can be a great solution.

Read another article:

Understanding Cockatiel Vocalizations

It’s true that birds can communicate through a variety of sounds like whistles, chirps, and squawks. Birds, who have different vocal codes, are easier to understand. Here, I’m going to provide some wonderful cockatiel vocalizations and what they typically mean:

  1. Whistling & Singing: Usually a good sign of a happy and content bird.

  2. Chirping: This sign indicates their excitement and a desire for attention.

  3. Hissing: This is a defensive sound means the bird is threatened or scared.

  4. Screaming: This is also a sign of fear, distress, or demand for attention.

  5. Chattering: Sometimes they make a sound like soft, and continuous murmuring; which means they feel relaxed.

  6. Contact Calls: They make this type of loud and repeated call when they trying to locate their flock or human companion.

  7. Alarm Calls: When they feel danger they make this type of vocalization.

Choosing a Cockatiel

Here, everybody makes mistakes just like me. When I first brought my birds home, I looked for color and beauty, and not anything else. But selecting a bird is more than its beauty. Try to choose a healthy bird when you select a cockatiel. Check their eyes if it’s bright or not, if the feather is clean or not, if their beak or nail is damaged or not, and so other things. It’s better to buy from a local breeder than a bird shop. Local breeder’s birds are likely healthier than bird shops.

It is your personal preference to choose between a male or female cockatiel. In general male cockatiels are more vocal and likely to mimic sounds, while females are often quieter. I would suggest you get a hand-faded cockatiel which is easier to tame. You might find them from local breeders.

Housing Or Cage Requirements

Before getting a cockatiel, we have some work to do like setting up cages. You should go for a spacious cage to allow them to fly and stretch. The cage should be located in a well-lit area, but keep it away from direct sunlight, and drafts. I prefer to place the cage where regular human activity occurs because cockatiels a very social birds. If you are breeding then make sure you place the cage in a quiet area.  Buy a cage that is easy to clean and make sure the environment is stable and moderate humidity. Here are the minimum cage and breeding box requirements for one cockatiel ( bigger is better for multiple birds):

Training Tips for Cockatiel

I think cockatiel is one of the easy-going parrots, and training them can be a rewarding experience. Start with a basic command like “step up” and “step down”. Always have some treats ready for positive reinforcement. I always said that training takes a lot of patience and consistency. Try to spend more time talking and interacting with them. This helps you to build a strong bond and trust with your birds, which makes the training easier. I hope you have a lot of fun with your wonderful cockatiel!!!!

Mohammad Solaiman

About Author

I’m a bird lover & breeder living in New York. I always love to share the journey I have with my friends, family, and the people surrounding me. On this website, I only share my personal experiences related to birds and some informational content based on my research and the knowledge of some of my bird lover friends. While I’m not a veterinarian, none of these articles are intended to replace professional veterinary advice. If your bird has medical concerns, always seek professional assistance or take them to a vet.