All About Cockatiel Care: Food, Housing and Training
Cockatiels are great little birds that are friendly and have made good companions for people more recently. From the brilliant plumes on their heads to their colorful personalities and all-important bond with owners, many people know cockatoos bring cheer into homes. But, like any pet, a cockatiel needs the right care to thrive. With this guide, you will learn the basics of cockatiel care from how to feed it, where to house it, and training tips.
Feeding Your Cockatiel
For a long and happy life, your cockatiel needs to eat right. Pragmatically, they have the base of a rounded diet but with a few specific needs.
Pellets and Seeds
Cockatiels enjoy seeds, but seed-only diets lead to nutrient deficiency.
They should primarily be eating high-quality pellets that are made for their population.
For a pioneering mix, use pellets together with seeds in the ratio of 70:30.
Fruits and Vegetables
The diet of a cockatiel should contain some fresh fruits & vegetables.
Examples:
include leafy greens such as spinach and kale, carrots, apples, and berries.
- Wash all fruits well
- discard pit or seeds in your fruit such as apples which can be toxic.
Fresh Water
- Keep fresh water available in an appropriate bowl at all times.
- The inner bag is replaceable on a daily basis to prevent contamination.
- Dirty water is one of the health issues Cockatiels are sensitive to.
Treats in Moderation
Cockatiels love treats such as millet sprays or small pieces of unsalted nuts. But give these once in a while, so as not to make overweight or different health troubles.
Housing Your Cockatiel
You also need the proper housing for your cockatiel to be relaxed and comfortable.
Choosing the Cage
Cage Size:
Cockatiels require a large cage which allows them to expand their wings and walk around.
The suggested dimensions are 24 × 18 × 24 inches, but bigger is always better.
Spacing Between the Bars:
The spacing between the bars should be no more than ½ inch apart to ensure that they cannot crawl out and get injured.
Cage Placement
Put the cage in a bright part of your home that is also quiet. Steer clear of kitchens due to fumes, and high-traffic areas that can stress your bird. Keep the cage in a shady spot, so it is away from direct sunlight, drafts and heating vents.
Accessories and Enrichment
Make sure to provide natural wood perches of different thicknesses to exercise your bird’s feet and avoid the risk of pressure sores.
Cockatiels are dumbass birds that have a toy constantly:
- Provide rope toys
- bells and puzzles to stimulate their minds.
- If the toys are left there forever,
- kids get bored of them easily.
Cage Liner:
- Use simple paper towels or plain news paper to cover the cage so that it is easily removable
- check for droppings for signs of sickness.
Cleanliness
- It needs to be cleaned regularly.
- Make sure to wash the food and water dishes every day
- clean the cage at least once per week.
- Clean perches and toys with bird safe cleaners from time to time.
Training and Socialization
Cockatiels require plenty of social interaction as they are very social animals. Not only does training help your bird learn which behaviors are most appropriate, but it also strengthens the bond between you as well.
Building Trust
The first thing to consider is once you bring your cockatiel home, allow them some time to settle in.
- Do a close talk just speaking to them softly all the time while you are sitting on their cage.
- Do not make jerky motions that will scare the deer away.
Hand Taming
Then start by giving them some treats through the bars of their cage. When they are ready
- open your cage and gently persuade him to climb onto your finger with a soft step-up command.
- You will need to be patient and consistent
- giving treats and words of praise when he is good.
Basic Training Commands
- Basic commands such as step up
- stay Such are useful for carrying and security purpose.
- Repeat the instruction calmly in a normal voice
so he knows it is time to go.
Interactive Playtime
- You should allow your cockatiel to have at least one hour of play time outside the cage that is supervised.
- Take this time to play games or do training exercises
- build trust and let them stretch their wings.
Avoid Negative Reinforcement
- DON’T ever shout or punish your cockatiel
- when they do something you don’t like. Instead
- turn their focus to a constructive task.
Health and Wellness
Cockatiels health check: Regular checks are very important to make sure your cockatiel is healthy.
Signs of a Healthy Cockatiel:
- Bright eyes and well-groomed fur.
- Actively crawling and eating well.
- Squeaky clean nostrils & a pretty damn good lookin dude.
Common Health Concerns
- Look out for illness
- lethargy and changes to droppings/loss of appetite.
- If you see anything not right,
- go to an avian veterinarian as soon as possible.
Grooming Needs
Bathing:
- Offer them a shallow container of water or spray their cockatiel using a spray bottle to keep your pet clean and hydrated.
Beaks and nails:
- Perches will typically wear down their beak, but you might sometimes need to clip the nail.
Conclusion
It takes lots of effort and love to Rear a cockatiel, but in the long run it will be worth. Feed them right, give them a warm home to stay in and basic commands to do at your command and you are all set to enjoy a long-lasting bond with your pet bird.
These tips will help you make your cockatiel care routine a little easier, and have the added benefit of keeping your feathered friend happy, healthy, and part of your family for life whether you’re a bird owner for the first time or just want to refine what you’ve already learned.
