A Quick Guide to Raising Cockatiel Birds
Beautiful songs, amusing company and lovely presence are just a few of the reasons that people enjoy raising cockatiel birds. There is good reason that these birds are among the most popular of all pet birds.
Birds make excellent pets. They don’t need to be taken outside for exercise, and they don’t eat much. Their song is delightful upon the ear, and the bright colors of many species are beautiful to behold. Some birds are best kept in cages and enjoyed from afar, while others such as the cockatiel can be trained to spend much of their day outside of their haven; coming and going as they please. When a bird is as intelligent as the exotic cockatiel, they can also be trained to perform tricks and activities that will keep the bird just as entertained as their human. With all of these attributes, it is easy to understand why so many people turn to cockatiels when they seek an interactive pet.
Cockatiels are classified within the category of the cockatoo family, as is evidenced by the upright feathery tuft atop their heads. They are also thought of as parrots since their beaks bear a strong similarity to those seen on parrots. Many people also liken the appearance of the cockatiel to a parakeet because of the long tails possessed by both. Truth be told, cockatiels are a treasure unto their own. Indigenous to Australia, wild birds of this species travel frequently in flocks across grasslands; often stopping to take roost in eucalyptus trees. Their travel is conducive to finding food; once a food source has been depleted in an area, the birds will take to the air once again as they seek another source.
It is largely due to their highly adaptive natural inclinations that cockatiels make excellent pets. Young birds are the best pupils when the owner wishes to hand raise the chick, generally between the ages of 8 to 10 weeks. Beginning this early in the bird’s life will help them to easily adapt to the hand of their human and forming a strong relationship. Little by little, your new cockatiel will develop a great trust in you and demonstrate more and more desire to please you. Soon the chick will yearn to be with you; accompanying you in all that you do throughout the day.
Birds are naturally entertaining, and the cockatiel is no exception. The male of this species in particular have the ability to talk, although perhaps not in the clear manner of a parrot. However, their vocalization can definitely be deciphered. Cockatiels can also be taught to whistle and sing and will love to do so, but this propensity does not mean they are noisy birds; in fact, the opposite is true.
Proper nutrition is a must for these feathered beauties. While they love to eat seeds, these alone are not adequate. Fruits, vegetables, grains, chicken, eggs and bread will round out a healthy diet for the bird. A fresh water source should always be available for the pet cockatiel. Without the proper nutrition, they can easily sicken. Along with their diet, these birds require a great deal of sleep to retain their health.
Choosing cockatiel birds as pets is a lifetime commitment, as it is very common for this species to live long lives. When they are provided with excellent care, they can live well into their 20’s. They are also very sociable, so be sure that you are able to commit to their need for close companionship. With the proper care and environment, your pet and you will be “birds of a feather” for a long time.