CHOOSING A COCKATIEL
General information
The cockatiel (Nymphicus hollandicus) is likely the best known and most widely
kept member of the parrot family other than the budgie. These Australian natives
with their elegant long tail and crested head, possess the exotic look of a
cockatoo. They are a graceful, gentle and generally quiet bird well suited for
a household with children. Larger than budgies and smaller then parrots, these
entertaining birds are easy to maintain and provide endless hours of entertainment
and companionship. A single bird may have better social interactions with family
members than multiple birds in the same house. These birds are wonderful whistlers
and do possess a limited ability to talk, although their voice is whistle-like
in sound. Males tend to be better talkers than the females. They are beautiful
flyers and enjoy lots of activity and play. These birds need to be entertained.
Cockatiels love to chew, therefore providing bird-safe toys will easily distract
them from the unwanted destructive chewing they may otherwise do around the
house. Nontoxic, untreated branches or pieces of wood are readily available
and fun for the birds to chew on.
Purchasing a Cockatiel
Cockatiels may be purchased from a pet shop or, better, a reputable breeder.
When selecting a cockatiel, try to choose a young bird as it will be easier
to tame and train. Older, wild, colony or parent raised birds may prove difficult
to tame. Hand raised babies often make better pets since they have been completely
socialized with humans. Young birds are easy to tame and adapt readily to new
environments and situations. Your new bird should be exposed early to different
events (young and old people, males and females, other pets, car trips, visits
to the vet, etc.) to help promote a calm, well adjusted pet. The lively, alert
bird that is not easily frightened is more likely a healthy bird. After purchasing
your new bird, have it examined by your vet.
Veterinary care
Cockatiels require regular, routine veterinary health checkups. Your vet can
perform a physical examination, grooming (beak, nail or feather trim) and laboratory
tests as needed. During these semiannual checkups., health, nutritional and
maintenance issues can be identified and addressed. Veterinary checkups. help
prevent disease and will aid in the maintenance of a long lasting, healthy relationship
between you and your bird.
Color
Mature
- naturally occurring gray bird with yellow face and orange cheek patch with
white on front part of wing
- color mutations include lutino (white - lemon yellow), Pied, Pearl, Cinnamons
and many combinations
Immature
Sexing
Mature
- males have solid coloring on the underside of the tail feathers and long
wing feathers, they have a brighter yellow face and brighter orange cheek
patch
- females have horizontal fine yellow barring on the underside of the tail
feathers, yellow spots on the underside of the long wing feathers, they have
a pale yellow
face and duller orange cheek patch
Immature
- same as the adult female
- mature coloring occurs after first molt around 9 - 12 months
Weight - average 2.8 - 3.5 ounces (80 - 95 grams)
Size - average 12.5 inches (32 cm) in length
Life span - 10 - 14 years (maximum 32 years)
Diet - consult your vet or see the information page here
Breeding - sexual maturity 8 - 12 months - prolific breeders year round
but require large cages, lots of exercise, a large nest box and privacy
Brood size - 4 - 8 cream colored eggs hatch in 18 - 20 days, young leave
the nest in 5 weeks
Cage - Minimum 2 ft x 2 ft x 3 ft (60 cm x 60 cm x 90 cm)
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