• Cockatiels are native to Australia
• Scientific name: Nymphicus hollandicus
• Average length: 12 inches from the beak to the tip of the tail
• In captivity, Cockatiels live anywhere from 10 to 20 years
• Cockatiels come in a variety of colors including grey, yellow, cinnamon, pearl, white, whiteface, and fallow.
Cockatiels make excellent pets for the amateur bird owner. With a tame demeanor and naturally curious disposition, Cockatiels provide hours of entertainment and companionship for their owners. Being naturally social, Cockatiels will require several hours outside their cage every day in order to explore their surroundings and stretch their wings.
Cockatiels are very affectionate and will bond quickly with their owners as long as they are handled frequently and talked to by their owners. Cockatiels also enjoy playing with their owners either outside or inside their cage.
Even though it is possible for Cockatiels to learn a limited number of words, most prefer to sing and whistle as well as mimicking sounds heard in their environment such as the doorbell or the ring of the telephone.
Your Cockatiels cage should be two feet wide, two feet deep, and three feet tall or larger depending on your budget and space available. The bars of the cage should be horizontal to promote climbing and should not be wider than three-fourths of an inch apart to minimize the risk of injury. Several perches should be provided within the cage.
Commercial pellets and seeds should be provided as the main part of your Cockatiels diet. Fresh fruits, vegetables, hard-boiled eggs, cooked meats and nuts can be used to supplement your pet’s diet although it may take several attempts before your pet tries new and unfamiliar foods.
For additional information on caring for your pet Cockatiel:
• National Cockatiel Society
• The American Cockatiel Society
• Cockatiel Foundation, Inc.
• Cockatiel Cottage
• Cockatiel.com
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