Caring for your cockatiel is easy but constant. As the owner, you are responsible for the bird’s basic needs so that he will be happy and healthy.
In this section you will learn the different requirements your cockatiel needs. For instance, what size bird cage? Where to place the bird cage? Cockatiel behaviour? Cockatiel food? Following are the answers to many questions.
What size bird cage?
When considering what size bird cage you will need for your cockatiel remember the bird will be spending most of his life inside this cage so it should be large but cosy.
The bird cage must be well made of non toxic materials. For example, it will need to have a sturdy lock as these cheeky birds will try and escape.
Click here to find out much more information about what size bird cage is best.
Where to place the bird cage?
When I consider where to place the bird cage, I like to put them in a place where they’ll get to interact with people.
For instance, a corner of your lounge room or dining room may be the ideal spot where they can get some sun without the heat.
Click here to find out more about where to place the bird cage.
How to clean the bird cage?
Knowing how to clean the bird cage is very important as the cleanliness of your cockatiel’s cage could affect his health.
Caring for your cockatiel means daily chores like removing spoiled food and greens. The cage paper should also be changed every other day.
You should clean the bird cage thoroughly once a month at least.
Learn how to clean the bird cage effectively here.
What toys does your cockatiel need?
What toys does your cockatiel need depends on your budget. They are intelligent birds that require stimulation. Use only a couple of toys in the cockatiel bird cage at a time and rotate them weekly.
Click here to go into more details about the toys that may suit your cockatiel.
Cockatiel food
When giving a cockatiel food you need the staples of seeds and pellets and a daily variety of fruit, vegetables and greens.
These birds are very active and need a diet that is nutrient rich and varied.
This page gives you a list of cockatiel foods to give and foods to avoid.
Bathing a cockatiel
Bathing a cockatiel is fun and easy. Place a small bird bath filled with warm water into their cage and watch them flap about with joy.
There are more instructions of bathing a cockatiel here.
Cockatiel behaviour
What is cockatiel behavour? Cockatiels behave in certain ways depending on their environment and interaction with others. For instance, you will need to learn how to handle and tame your bird. They are intelligent and inquisitive birds with a cheeky personality.
Click here for simple ideas on cockatiel behaviour.
Cockatiel health and diseases
Caring for your cockatiel means educating yourself on your cockatiels health and diseases. You know the symptoms of a common cold in humans, similarly, you should familiarise yourself with common health issues for your bird.
This page lists common cockatiel health and diseases.
Conclusion on caring for your cockatiel
When caring for your cockatiel you need to have knowledge of its habitat requirements and environmental conditions to ensure that your bird stays healthy. It is important to keep them in a bird safe environment. Consequently, this means having a bird cage that is big enough for them to exercise, sturdy enough to keep them in and predators out and high enough they feel safe.
It is important to have an Avian Veterinarian that you trust. Birds have very different needs to cats and dogs. Check out the Association of Avian Veterinarians to help you find one in your area.