what does cockatiel eat

What Does A Cockatiel Eat? A Complete Guide To Their Dietary Needs

What Kind of Food Should A Cockatiel Eat?

One of the most common types of birds kept as pets everywhere in the globe is the cockatiel, which originates in Australia.

They have a lengthy lifetime and necessitate correct nourishment in order to be healthy and active throughout that time.

Pellets should make up the majority of a cockatiel’s diet, with fresh fruits and vegetables serving as a supplement to provide variety.

The pellets that you feed your bird are precisely made to contain all of the necessary vitamins, minerals, proteins, and fats that it need for optimal health.

Fresh foods can also be presented as rewards, and some examples of these are apples, carrots, beans, broccoli, and spinach.



It is essential that you do not overfeed your bird.

Consuming an excessive amount of treats high in fat or sugar might result in obesity as well as other health problems.

Always provide water in a bowl that has been thoroughly cleaned and is free of any impurities, such as dirt or bacteria.

The food and water bowls that your pet uses on a regular basis should both be cleaned thoroughly every day.



How Much Food Should I Give My Cockatiel?

The amount of food that you provide for your cockatiel should be proportional to its size; larger birds have a greater requirement for food than do smaller birds.

It is preferable to supply 1/4 cup (60 ml) every day for each adult bird, although this can vary based on the individual bird’s metabolism, so consult an avian veterinarian if necessary.

As a general rule of thumb, however, it is best to provide this amount.

Once daily, you should only provide an amount of pellets that can be devoured in the span of 15 minutes; any uneaten food should always be removed as soon as possible.



When you serve young birds fresh foods like fruits and vegetables, you should make sure they are sliced into little pieces so that they do not provide a choking risk.

Young birds may not yet know how to correctly swallow food, and larger pieces could cause them to choke.

Since the nutritional value of these things isn’t comparable to that of pellets anyway, limit the amount of times per week that you give them to your pet to no more than twice.



What Foods Are Toxic To Cockatiels?

Cockatoos, like humans, can be poisoned by eating specific foods, including the pits or the skin of avocados, the bulbs, stems, or leaves of onions or garlic, chocolate goods containing caffeine, and sugar-rich delights such as candy bars and other similar items.

Never directly feed your pet bird any of these objects, but exercise extreme caution when handling them in close proximity to your bird.



It is equally important not to overfeed seeds either because they contain high amounts of fat which can cause obesity-related illnesses down the road such as heart problems or liver damage if consumed excessively over time.

It is also important not to overfeed seeds because it is equally important not to overfeed seeds.



How Often Should I Feed My Cockatiel

It is recommended that you only give your cockatie one meal per day, and that this meal should be given at approximately the same time each day.

This helps guarantee that their metabolic rates remain stable throughout the course of their lives.

On the other hand, some people decide to serve just two meals every day, in the morning and the evening, while others choose to serve a number of smaller meals spaced out throughout the day.

Experiment until you discover what works best for you and your feathered companion and then make your decision based on that.

In the end, the decision will come down to personal preference.



What Supplements Can Help Improve My Pet Bird’s Health ?

Even while providing a healthy, well-balanced meal on a consistent basis is essential to maintaining a happy and healthy pet, it is possible that additional supplements will be required on occasion to ensure appropriate growth rates and energy levels.

Calcium supplements help support bone development during periods of rapid growth.

Vitamin C tablets are an excellent addition, particularly during the winter season, when vitamin consumption tends to decline naturally owing to lack of exposure to sunlight.

Always check with your avian’s vet before introducing a new supplement into their diet though!  

Want To Learn More About Cockatiels

If you found this post useful, you may also like Cockatoo vs Cockatiel: What Are The Differences?. There is a lot to learn about Cockatiels, hopefully, this post on The Best Cockatiel Names: Pick The Perfect One For Your New Pet! is useful! Another post you’ll find interesting is Exploring The Fascinating Lives of Cockatiels In The Wild.