Cockatiels are members of the parrot family of birds. As such, they have many qualities that make them excellent pets-they are intelligent, affectionate, and playful.
They can also mimic speech and make for entertaining companions to have around the house. But are cockatiels good pets?
Well, cockatiels do require more care than some other types of pet animals-their beaks need regular trimming if not clipped down every week or two, their nails should be trimmed at least once a month (or as needed), and they need fresh food & water daily.
Cockatiels can live up to 20 years in captivity.
If you’re considering getting your first cockatiel as a pet animal then read this article before making your decision!
- What are some of the pros and cons to owning a cockatiel as a pet
- How much time does it take to care for a cockatiel on an average day?
- How much space is required for housing your bird at home
- What kind of food do cockatiels eat and how often should they be fed
- Which other pets can you have with your bird? (and what are some of the pros & cons)
What are some of the pros and cons to owning a cockatiel as a pet
Some pros to owning a cockatiel as a pet are;
- That they are intelligent, loving, and playful.
- They can also mimic speech and make for an entertaining house guest.
- Cockatiels are small birds, about 14-16″ long including their wingspan.
- They can live up to 20 years in captive environments.
Some cons of owning a cockatiel as a pet include;
- That they require more care than some other types of pets (their beaks need regular trimming if not clipped down every week or two, their nails should be trimmed at least once a month (or as needed), and they need fresh food & water daily).
- That cockatiels can be “nippy” when they feel threatened.
- That cockatiels can get loud.
- Cockatiels will need time to play outside of their cage every day.
How much time does it take to care for a cockatiel on an average day?
Cockatiels will require time outside of their cage every day, about 10-15 minutes. They should also have fresh food and water every day, and fresh produce (like vegetables) once or twice a week.
They will need to be trimmed at least once a month if not more often than that with their beaks as well. It takes a little more work to keep up with the daily needs of your cockatiel but it’s worth it for all of the love and fun they bring to your life!
How much space is required for housing your bird at home
Some people prefer to have their bird in an aviary where they can fly around freely, while others keep them in cages inside the house.
Cages can be as small as a bird cage or as large as an aviary. An average-sized cockatiel will need about 3ft x 2ft space in its cage, but this can vary depending on the particular traits of your specific bird.
What kind of food do cockatiels eat and how often should they be fed
Cockatiels will eat a variety of different seeds and fruits, including;
- millet seed
- sunflower seeds
- safflower seeds (high in Omega-3 fatty acids)
- peanuts
- apples
- bananas
- oranges and more.
Some people also feed their birds some of the foods they eat such as boiled egg, bread, pasta or rice.
They should be fed daily and their food dish cleaned out as soon as it gets dirty to keep them healthy.
Many people choose not to feed their birds a variety of different foods (as opposed to just one) because they may look for more exotic types of food that are bad for their health if they don’t have what they need.
If you are interested in giving your pet bird a variety of food then it is recommended that you only give them small amounts to prevent them from overeating and getting sick, as well as to prevent losing their beak down too much which can cause infection.
It will take some time for your bird to learn how much food is too much food, so take time to study their habits and consult a vet if you’re concerned.
Which other pets can you have with your bird? (and what are some of the pros & cons)
Some pets that can be kept in the same house as a cockatiel include: dogs, cats, ferrets and rabbits.
Cats and dogs are generally okay to keep with a cockatiel, as long as they are not aggressive animals (a puppy or kitten is usually fine, but an older dog may give your bird trouble).
They can be kept together if you have enough space for them all to run around in (at least 2-3ft x 2-3ft per bird and more if you want your dog to have a larger area). The dogs and cats should not be left alone with the cockatiel without supervision so that they do not accidentally hurt the bird, or vice versa.
Cats are usually more independent creatures than dogs, which is why it’s generally safer for them to be left alone with your bird.
Dogs are generally more affectionate and will want to play or cuddle with your feathered friend, and that can sometimes result in the dog getting nipped or bitten by your bird.
It is dangerous for any pet to be around a cockatiel if they cannot get along because the cockatiel can easily hurt another animal due to their strong beak. Some dogs will still manage to get along with a cockatiel anyways, but you should always supervise them just in case.
A dog’s barking may scare or bother the cockatiel. If they are kept near each other, then it is up to you if you think your bird can handle the special needs of a loud dog.
A lot of cockatiels are afraid of cats due to their predatory nature, so if you want your cockatiel and cat(s) to live together then you will need to take extra care and watch them carefully while they get used to being around each other.
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