COCKATIEL INFO

PAGE 1
General Info
Ten Things
The Bird Cage
Cage Placement

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Perches
Dishes
Feeding
Foods

PAGE 3
Plants
Hazards
Bathing

PAGE 4
Ownership
Toys

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Behaviors
Crest
Preening
Mutual Preening
Lowers Head
Standing on One Leg
Stretching
Beak Grinding
Hissing
Shaking Feathers
Fluffing Feathers
Sneezing
Yawning
Night Frights

BIRD TOY PARTS
Toy Parts Index
Wood Toy Parts
Shredder Parts
Plastic Toy Parts
Metal Parts

BIRD SWINGS
All Bird Swings
Activity Swing
Wood Bird Swing
Palm Swing
Cotton Bird Swing
3 Toy Bird Swing
Spectacle Swing
Paper Stick Swing
Diversion Swing
Small Fun Swing

BIRD PERCHES
All Perches
Mineral Perch
Calcium Perch
Pedicure Perch
Shower Perch
Foldup
Shower Perch

MINERALS
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Cuttlebone
Mineral Block
Lava Conditioner
Love Bites
Calcium Perch

BIRD TREATS
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Millet
Jumbo Millet
Flaxseed
Grass
Cactus Snack
Bird Cone

CUSTOMER
SERVICE
Ordering
Shipping
Wholesale
About Our Toys
Website Info
Links
Contact Us

SPECIES
SPECIFIC
Parrotlets
Cockatiels
Cockatoos

The scientific name for cockatiels is Nymphicus Hollandicus, which means "Goddess of New Holland." Australia is the native homeland of cockatiels. Our pet cockatiels are bred domestically because Australia banned exportation of all native birds in 1894.

They are social and intelligent companion birds. Cockatiels are exotic birds known for their beautiful crests, the orange patch on their cheeks and their long sleek tails. These charming birds provide us with lots of entertainment, affection and companionship.

Cockatiels are extremely social birds. They have a need for social interaction. A single bird will get more attached to its keeper but if you are not at home a lot it is best to get two birds. It is a fact that two birds of the same sex get along just as well as a mixed pair. Even more so if the cockatiels were introduced while they are still young.

Always try to purchase a hand-fed baby or a young bird when possible. Hand-fed chicks are already hand tame so you won't have as much training and socializing with hands to do. A young chick can be easy to train but may take a bit longer. Chicks should be weaned at seven to eight weeks old. If you purchase a cockatiel younger than that you should hand feed it until it is eating completely on its own. If you have no experience hand feeding, I recommend not purchasing an unweaned baby. A weaned chick will bond easily to its new owner as soon as it is comfortable in its new surroundings.

If you are purchasing an adult cockatiel it may already be tame and even have some tricks under its feathers! If not, an adult cockatiel can be hand tamed but takes much time and patience. It may be a challenge but is very rewarding to give an adult cockatiel a chance to become bonded to its new owner.

TEN THINGS TO REMEMBER ON PROPER CARE

1. A happy bird is a busy bird. If you aren't going to be able to spend a lot of time with your cockatiel it is best to get two. They will have each other to eat, play, preen and sit with.
2. Whenever approaching or dealing with cockatiels, act calmly and quietly. Fast movements and loud noises alert the bird and make it nervous. Do not approach a cockatiel unexpectedly with quick movements as this will scare it.
3. Get your cockatiel used to your hands and fingers. When you are trying to get the cockatiel to step onto your hand or finger raise your hand to the abdomen from below and encourage it to step onto you. Putting your hand over its head will make it nervous as if you are trying to catch it.
4. A cockatiel cannot be housebroken. But if you pay a lot of attention to your bird you can get an idea of when it will do the business. Cockatiels usually move their tail up a bit and move back. A damp cloth or tissue usually takes care it.
5. Never leave a cockatiel alone with another pet or a child under the age of 12. Even if a dog is gentle and calm it could hurt the cockatiel by trying to play with it.
6. A busy bird is a happy bird. Provide lots of toys and things to chew. Rearranging the inside of the cage and rotating toys keeps cockatiels alert. The same perch arrangement and toys can lead to boredom. New things are appreciated.
7. Offer a variety of foods. Seeds, pellets, millet all are a great start. Learn all the different fruits and vegetables your cockatiel can have. Then offer them to your bird and watch it enjoy its favorite ones.
8. Cockatiels need time outside of their cages. Regular free flying is important. If you do not clip your cockatiel's wings then it will enjoy flying around and up to the high places in the room or house. If you do clip its wings then it will still flap its wings like it is flying but stay on the perch. They also like to fly down to the floor to explore the bird-proofed room!
9. Clean your cockatiel's cage regularly. This prevents disease. Don't use regular house cleaning products around your cockatiel. Hot water and apple cider vinegar work great. Change the paper everyday. Wipe down the cage and dry it once a week. Then once a month take everything out, scrub and wash it all very well then dry it. This is a great time to arrange the perches and food dishes differently. Add some new toys and both you and your cockatiel(s) are happy.
10. Be patient with your cockatiel. It may need time to get used to new things and new people. Observe your cockatiel. You will then become accustomed to their behavior patterns and see their personality develop. Cockatiels can become lovable, tame and trusting companions.

THE BIRD CAGE

It is best to purchase the cage and supplies before the bird. This way it can all be washed, set-up and ready for the new arrival. The cage should not be any smaller than 24 x 16 x 24 inches for one cockatiel. An easy thing to remember is that each bird has to have enough room to spread out both wings without touching anything and that the tail cannot constantly touch the cage bars. The cage should be rectangular with a lot of horizontal bars. One with two doors is ideal and the bigger the better. This will make cleaning easier and more comfortable for you as well as your cockatiel!

PLACEMENT OF THE CAGE

Before you purchase the cockatiel you should find a perfect place for the cage. A cockatiel likes to know its surroundings so avoid moving it a lot. The cage should be placed by a window. This way the cockatiel can see the world and the natural rhythm of the day. Cockatiels should get a chance to get some sun but they must always be able to retreat to a shady part of the cage. Cockatiels can get overheated quickly and need a place to sit and cool off.

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