Choosing a Cockatiel
The cockatiel (Nymphicus hollandicus) is likely the best known and most widely kept member of the parrot family other than the budgie.
These Australian natives with their elegant long tail and crested head, possess the exotic look of a cockatoo. They are a graceful, gentle and generally quiet bird well suited for a household with children. Larger than budgies and smaller then parrots, these entertaining birds are easy to maintain and provide endless hours of entertainment and companionship.
A single bird may have better social interactions with family members than multiple birds in the same house. These birds are wonderful whistlers and do possess a limited ability to talk, although their voice is whistle-like in sound. Males tend to be better talkers than the females.
They are beautiful flyers and enjoy lots of activity and play. These birds need to be entertained. Cockatiels love to chew, therefore providing bird-safe toys will easily distract them from the unwanted destructive chewing they may otherwise do around the house. Non-toxic, untreated branches or pieces of wood are readily available and fun for the birds to chew on.
Purchasing a Cockatiel
Cockatiels may be purchased from a pet store or a reputable breeder. When selecting a cockatiel, try to choose a young bird as it will be easier to tame and train. Older, wild, colony or parent raised birds may prove difficult to tame. Hand raised babies often make better pets since they have been completely socialized with humans.
Young birds are easy to tame and adapt readily to new environments and situations. Your new bird should be exposed early to different events (young and old people, males and females, other pets, car trips, visits to the veterinarian, etc.) to help promote a calm, well adjusted pet. The lively, alert bird that is not easily frightened is more likely a healthy bird. After purchasing your new bird, have it examined by your veterinarian.
Veterinary Care
Cockatiels require regular, routine veterinary health check-ups. Your veterinarian can perform a physical examination, grooming (beak, nail or feather trim) and laboratory tests as needed. During these semi-annual check-ups, health, nutritional and maintenance issues can be identified and addressed. Veterinary check-ups help prevent disease and will aid in the maintenance of a long lasting, healthy relationship between you and your bird.
Colour
Mature - Naturally occurring grey bird with yellow face and orange cheek patch with white on front part of wing. Colour mutations include Lutino (white - lemon yellow), Pied, Pearl, Cinnamons and many combinations
Immature - same as adult female
Sexing
Mature
males have solid colouring on the underside of the tail feathers and long wing feathers, they have a brighter yellow face and brighter orange cheek patch
females have horizontal fine yellow barring on the underside of the tail feathers, yellow spots on the underside of the long wing feathers, a pale yellow face and duller orange cheek patch
Immature
same as the adult female
mature colouring occurs after first molt around 9-12 months
Weight
The average weight of an adult Cockatiel is 80 - 95 grams.
Size
The average adult Cockatiel is 32 cm in length.
Life span
The average lifespan is 10 - 14 years (maximum 32 years).
Diet
Consult your veterinarian to ensure you have the correct diet for your bird. Click here to read more about feeding your Cockateil a proper diet.
Breeding
Sexual maturity is reached at 8 - 12 months. Cockatiels are prolific breeders year round but require large cages, lots of exercise, a large nest box and privacy.
The average brood size is 4 - 8. The cream coloured eggs hatch in 18 - 20 days, with young leaving the nest at 5 weeks.
Cage
Minimum cage requirement is 60 cm x 60 cm x 90 cm.
- Last updated 16 November 2012
