As lifelong pet owners with years of experience, one of the questions we often receive is “Are cockatiels easy to care for?” We can say firsthand that cockatiel bird care is very rewarding and great for beginners.
Like dogs, they’re great at learning commands. They get along very well in pairs and can be quite the life of the party. However, there are certain precautions of cockatiel care that you need to exercise at all times.
In this cockatiel care guide, you’ll learn all about the basics and specific safeguards to give your feathered friend a long, happy life.
Cage for a Cockatiel
The first step in proper cockatiel care is getting the right cage. When it comes to cockatiel cages, we recommend getting one at least twice the size of their wingspan, which would be at least 20-by-20-by-20 inches. Other experts recommend at least 20-by-20-by-24 inches.
If you’re planning to get at least a pair of cockatiel birds, you need to expand your cage accordingly. The cage bars should be horizontal and spaced at least ½ inch apart to prevent cramping and injuries.
Some cockatiels love to climb ladders. If that’s the case with yours, we recommend investing in something like the Yaheetech, which comes with a rope ladder on the inside and a sturdy one on its rooftop.
Additional Basic Cage Safety Protocols
- Cockatiels are very sensitive to strong odors and air drafts. As a result, it’s best to keep their cages away from the kitchen and any windows. In fact, if you own Teflon pans, the fumes can actually kill cockatiels. The living room, den or a bedroom is usually best.
- Be sure to include a variety of perches at varying heights, textures and thicknesses.
- Never put any perches directly above a cockatiel’s food or water dish.
- Be sure to line the bottom of the cage with recycled paper bedding or lining. Change it at least every other day.
- Disinfect the cage with a non-toxic solution at least weekly. Always include the perches and all other equipment.
Other Basics of How to Care for a Cockatiel
Diet
One of the questions our experts hear most often is, “What can cockatiels eat?” For ideal cockatiel care, we recommend using veggie pellets to make up 60 – 70% of your cockatiel’s diet.
The other 30 – 40% should include fruits, vegetables and seeds. They’re known for eating seeds in the wild. However, seeds by themselves don’t contain the complete nutritional value that cockatiels need.
If your bird isn’t given the right balance of cockatiel food, it’s prone to health issues such as obesity and iodine deficiency. Avoid these foods at all costs:
- Avocados
- Fruit seeds
- Garlic
- Chocolate
- Anything else containing sugar or caffeine
- Onions
So, what kinds of fruits and vegetables are safe for cockatiels? Try these:
- Apples
- Bananas
- Mangos
- Grapes
- Oranges
- Carrots
- Corn
- Kale
Be mindful of portion sizes. A teaspoon of food is equivalent to a human adult’s dinner plate. Always cut fruits and vegetables into small bites—no larger than half an inch.
Signs of Illness
We can’t talk about cockatiel care tips without discussing signs of illness. Consult your veterinarian if you notice:
- Runny or discolored droppings
- Dry eyes
- Decreased appetite
- Heavy breathing or general breathing issues
- Lethargy
- Feather plucking
- Changes in vocal sounds
Behavior
While all cockatiels have their own unique personality, there are some common behaviors your bird is likely to exhibit. Knowing how to correctly interpret these can make cockatiel care that much simpler.
Expect lots of exploration and gentle nibbles from your curious bird. Head bobs are also common and are usually a sign of your cockatiel’s affection and interest.
Some cockatiels get territorial over their cage, toys, food, or even you throughout mating season. Moving the cage to a new room can serve as a “neutral” space for them to calm down.
Common Cockatiel Challenges
Pet ownership often comes with a few challenges. When it comes to cockatiel care, be aware of:
Screaming – You can curb this by rewarding quiet sounds and ignoring the screams.
Biting – Combat rough play by telling your bird “No” and giving it a short time-out.
Night frights – Cockatiels can’t see well at night, so consider a dim nightlight or playing soft rain forest sounds.
Bathing and Grooming
Your pet cockatiel needs to be bathed two or three times a week. It’s smart to do this with a water bowl in the cage that’s heavy enough to prevent tipping. However, some cockatiels prefer to be gently misted. Either way, be sure the water is warm.
Always make sure your sprays are gentle. Strong sprays on a cockatiel are the equivalent of a fire hose on one of us.
We don’t recommend antibacterial soaps. They can cause dryness and irritation. While there are bird-friendly cleansers available in some pet shops, we suggest consulting your local veterinarian first.
Clipping
Cockatiels need nail grooming once every three to 12 weeks to prevent injury. Ideally, have someone who’s trained show you how to do it (and how to tell when it’s time) before attempting it yourself. Beaks don’t need regular trimming unless your bird has a disease that triggers abnormal growth.
When done right, clipping the five outermost feathers can help prevent injury and escape. It’s best to consult with a veterinarian before attempting this yourself.
Stimulation
Adequate cockatiel care includes providing the right amount of stimulation. Cockatiels do best when played with and rewarded on a regular basis. Toys that hide treats are often excellent choices. Also, be sure to let your bird out of its cage to play every single day.
If you and your family are often out and about, another bird, such as a parakeet, can be a great source of stimulation.
Cockatiels are great for pet owners of every level. As long as you exercise the precautions above, your bird should have a healthy, fulfilling life. Cockatiels live for about 15 years, which is the same as some large dogs.
