EXPERIENCE ROXY'S PET SHOP CARE SHEETS

• Cage Size: Cockatiels are small to medium-sized parrots that require a spacious cage to thrive. The minimum cage size should be 18 inches wide x 18 inches deep x 24 inches high for one bird. However, larger cages are always better, especially if you plan to house more than one cockatiel. A larger cage will allow for more movement and space for toys and climbing.
• Bar Spacing: The spacing between the bars should be about ½ inch to ¾ inch to prevent your cockatiel from squeezing through the bars or getting stuck.
• Cage Location: Place the cage in a central, social area of the house where your cockatiel can interact with family members. Avoid placing the cage in direct sunlight, near windows where drafts can occur, or in the kitchen due to toxic fumes from cooking. They prefer a quiet, calm environment for sleeping, so placing the cage in a room away from loud noises at night is a good idea.
• Perches: Provide a variety of natural wood perches in different shapes and sizes to promote healthy feet. Cedar, willow, and eucalyptus are safe choices. Perches of varying thicknesses will allow your cockatiel to exercise its feet and claws. You can also add gravel perches to help naturally wear down their nails.
• Toys & Enrichment: Cockatiels are social and active birds that need plenty of stimulation. Provide chew toys, foraging toys, bells, and mirrors (although too many mirrors can sometimes encourage territorial behavior). Rotate toys regularly to keep them entertained and prevent boredom. Cockatiels love to shred things, so offer safe materials like paper and cardboard.
• Playstand: Cockatiels love to spend time outside of their cage. A playstand or bird-safe perch outside the cage will give your cockatiel a safe place to explore and interact with you. A playstand encourages interaction and exercise.

• Seeds: Seeds can be offered as a treat but should not make up the bulk of their diet. Opt for a cockatiel-specific seed mix that includes millet, canary seed, and safflower seeds. Sunflower seeds can be too high in fat, so offer them in moderation.
• Fresh Fruits & Vegetables: Cockatiels thrive on a diet that includes fresh fruits and vegetables. Offer a variety of leafy greens (like kale, spinach, and dandelion leaves), carrots, broccoli, bell peppers, and sweet potatoes. Cockatiels also enjoy fruits like apples, bananas, berries, and grapes. Avoid giving citrus fruits (like oranges, lemons, or grapefruit), as they can be too acidic for cockatiels. Avocado, onions, and garlic should also be avoided, as they are toxic to birds.
• Nuts: Nuts, such as almonds and walnuts, can be given as an occasional treat. These are high in fat, so they should be offered sparingly.
• Egg Food: During molting or breeding, you can supplement your cockatiel's diet with egg food (a mixture of boiled egg, seeds, and vegetables) to provide extra protein and nutrients.
• Fresh Water: Always provide fresh, clean water daily. Cockatiels tend to be picky about their water, so ensure it’s changed regularly to avoid contamination.

• Companionship: Cockatiels are very social and thrive on human interaction. They enjoy being part of the family and should be included in daily activities. They are especially affectionate with their owners and can form strong bonds with them. Cockatiels are happiest when they get plenty of attention and companionship.
• Bonding: Cockatiels are typically not as demanding as larger parrots like cockatoos or macaws, but they do enjoy socializing and bonding with their owners. They often enjoy being petted, especially on the head and cheeks, and will bond with their owner over time. Be patient, as it may take some time for them to trust you fully.
• Training: Cockatiels are intelligent and can be trained to do simple tricks and learn basic commands. Use positive reinforcement such as treats or praise to encourage good behavior. Cockatiels are also known for their ability to mimic sounds and simple phrases, though they may not be as vocal as other parrots. Start training early, keep sessions short and engaging, and be consistent with commands.
• Play: Cockatiels are playful and love to explore their environment. Make sure they have plenty of safe spaces outside of the cage where they can fly, explore, and play. Some cockatiels even enjoy being carried around on their owners' shoulders or laps.

• Feather Care: Cockatiels are excellent self-groomers and will spend a significant amount of time preening their feathers. You can encourage your cockatiel to bathe by offering a shallow dish of lukewarm water or misting them with water from a fine spray bottle. If you prefer, you can also provide a bird bath or shower perch to allow your cockatiel to bathe.
• Nail & Beak Care: Cockatiels naturally wear down their nails by climbing and chewing. However, if their nails grow too long, you may need to trim them. Use bird-safe clippers or take your bird to an avian vet for nail trimming. Similarly, their beaks will wear down naturally if they are provided with chew toys and safe materials to gnaw on. If the beak shows signs of overgrowth or damage, consult with your avian vet.
• Health Monitoring: Regularly observe your cockatiel for signs of illness, such as lethargy, loss of appetite, fluffed feathers, difficulty breathing, or discharge from the eyes or nose. Cockatiels are generally hardy, but they are prone to respiratory infections and nutritional deficiencies if not cared for properly. If you notice any signs of illness, it’s important to seek help from an avian vet promptly.
• Molting: Cockatiels molt twice a year (usually in spring and fall). During molting, they may become a little more irritable or quieter than usual. Provide extra protein-rich foods like egg food during this time to support feather regrowth. Molting is a natural process, but ensure your cockatiel’s diet is balanced to promote healthy feather growth.

• Breeding Setup: If you plan to breed your cockatiels, provide a spacious nesting box made of untreated wood (about 12 inches x 12 inches x 18 inches). The female will lay 4-6 eggs, and both parents will take turns incubating them. Make sure to place the nesting box in a quiet, dimly lit area of the cage.
• Egg Laying: The female cockatiel will typically lay eggs every other day, and the incubation period lasts about 18-21 days. Once the chicks hatch, the parents will feed them by regurgitating food.
• Chick Care: The chicks will remain in the nest for about 4-6 weeks before fledging (leaving the nest). During this time, the parents will continue to care for the chicks, feeding them and keeping them warm.

• Affectionate & Gentle: Cockatiels are known for their gentle nature and are often described as affectionate and tolerant. They can be a bit more independent than larger parrots, but they still enjoy being around their human family members. Many cockatiels will enjoy sitting on your shoulder or lap, and they will seek attention when they want it.
• Playful & Curious: Cockatiels are playful and inquisitive birds. They love to explore and play with toys, especially those that they can chew, shred, or manipulate. They can also be very vocal, chirping or singing throughout the day. Some cockatiels will even imitate sounds or mimic simple tunes.
• Quiet Compared to Larger Parrots: Cockatiels are generally not as loud as larger parrots like macaws or African Greys, but they do enjoy singing, whistling, and making cheerful noises. They can be quite vocal in the mornings and evenings, but their sound level is more moderate compared to other species.
• Intelligent & Trainable: These birds are highly intelligent and can be trained to perform tricks, respond to cues, and mimic sounds. Some cockatiels will learn to whistle tunes or even repeat simple words and phrases. Regular mental stimulation and positive reinforcement training are important to keep them engaged.

• Toxic Plants & Materials: As with all pet birds, make sure your home is free from toxic plants like pothos, azaleas, lilies, and oleander, which can be poisonous to birds. Avoid using non-stick cookware (Teflon) around your cockatiel, as it can release toxic fumes when heated.
• Other Pets: Always supervise interactions between your cockatiel and other pets, especially dogs or cats, as they can pose a threat to smaller birds. Ensure the cage is secure, and avoid letting your cockatiel fly freely in areas where it could be harmed.

Cockatiels are sweet, affectionate, and social birds that make wonderful pets for families, singles, and first-time bird owners. With the right diet, plenty of space, and regular interaction, they can form strong bonds with their owners and offer years of joy and companionship. Their playful personalities, vocalizations, and ability to mimic sounds make them a delightful addition to any home. Whether you have a classic gray cockatiel, a lutino, or a whiteface, these charming parrots are sure to bring brightness and warmth to your life!