Cockatiels (Nymphicus hollandicus) are small parrots native to Australia. They are popular as pets due to their friendly, social, and affectionate nature, as well as their low-maintenance care requirements. They have a distinctive appearance, with a distinctive crest of feathers on their head and a yellow face, and are known for their distinctive whistle.
Cockatiels are relatively easy to care for, but still require daily attention and interaction, a proper diet, and a suitable cage environment. Their diet should include a mix of seeds, vegetables, and fruits, and they also benefit from occasional supplements of calcium and vitamins. Cockatiels are active birds and need a cage large enough to allow them to move around and stretch their wings, with plenty of toys and perches to keep them entertained. Cockatiels can also be trained to do simple tricks and can be taught to whistle and sing, making them entertaining and interactive pets. With proper care and attention, cockatiels can live for up to 15 years or more.
Cockatiel Care Fundamentals
Cockatiels are relatively low-maintenance pets, but still require proper care to thrive. Here are some basic care guidelines:
- Housing: A cage with horizontal bars and a solid bottom,  measuringÂ
   at least 20 inches in length, 18 inches in width, and 24 inches in height,
   is appropriate for a single bird.
- Diet: Offer a balanced diet consisting of a high-quality seed mix, fresh             vegetables, and occasional fruits. Provide a source of calcium, such as             cuttlebone or mineral block, and offer a vitamin supplement a few
   times a week.
- Water: Provide fresh water daily and change it regularly to keep
   it clean.
- Exercise: Cockatiels are active birds and need plenty of space to fly
   and play. Provide a cage with plenty of perches, toys, and ladders to
   keep your bird entertained and physically active.
- Social interaction: Cockatiels are social birds and benefit from daily
   interaction with their owners. Spending time playing, training, and
   bonding with your bird can help keep it happy and healthy.
- Health: Regular veterinary check-ups and a healthy diet can help
   prevent common health problems, such as feather plucking, obesity,
   and infections
Feeding Cockatiels
Cockatiels are omnivores and require a balanced diet to maintain their health. A proper diet for a cockatiel should include:
- Seeds: Offer a high-quality seed mix as the base of the diet. This should
   include a variety of seeds, such as millet, sunflower, and safflower seeds. - Vegetables: Offer fresh, dark leafy greens, such as lettuce and spinach,
   as well as other vegetables, such as carrots, peas, and corn. - Fruits: Offer occasional pieces of fruit as a treat, such as apples, grapes,
   and bananas. - Pellets: Offer a commercial pellet food as a supplement to the diet. This
   can provide additional nutrients, such as vitamins and minerals, that
   may be lacking in seed-based diets. - Treats: Offer occasional treats, such as nuts, dried fruit, and mealworms,
   but limit these to less than 10% of the diet to prevent overfeeding and
   obesity.
Housing Cockatiels
Housing is an important aspect of caring for your cockatiel. Here are some guidelines for providing suitable housing for your bird:
- Cage size: A cage with horizontal bars and a solid bottom, measuring at
   least 20 inches in length, 18 inches in width, and 24 inches in height, is           appropriate for a single bird. Larger birds will require a larger cage. - Perches: Provide multiple perches of different sizes and textures, made
   of natural materials such as wood, to provide comfortable resting places
   for your bird. - Toys: Offer a variety of toys to keep your bird entertained, such as swings,         ladders, and mirrors. Rotate the toys regularly to keep your bird interested.
- Nesting box: Provide a nesting box for your bird to use as a sleeping and
   hiding place. - Location: Place the cage in a well-lit, quiet area away from direct sunlight,
   draft, and noise. This will provide a comfortable and secure environment
   for your bird. - Cleanliness: Clean the cage and its accessories regularly to prevent the
   build-up of bacteria and other pathogens. Remove droppings and debris
   daily, and wash the cage and perches weekly. - Access to the outdoors: Allow your bird to have access to the outdoors
   for at least a few hours a day, if possible, in a secure and supervised          environment.
Cockatiels as Pets
Cockatiels are popular as pets due to their friendly, social, and affectionate nature, as well as their low-maintenance care requirements. Here are some of the benefits of keeping cockatiels as pets:
- Affectionate: Cockatiels are known for their affectionate and social nature,
   and they enjoy interacting with their owners. They are often referred to as         “lovebirds” due to their strong bonding potential. - Easy to care for: Cockatiels are relatively low-maintenance pets and are
   well suited to first-time bird owners. They have simple dietary and housing         requirements,  and  are  hardy  birds that  can adapt  to a variety of
   environments. - Entertaining: Cockatiels are active and playful birds that can be trained
   to do simple tricks, such as whistle and sing. They are also known for their          distinctive calls and songs. - Long lifespan: With proper care, cockatiels can live for up to 15 years or
   more, making them long-term companions. - Low-cost: Compared to other pet birds, cockatiels are relatively low-cost,
   with a reasonable price for their cage, food, and toys.
However, owning a cockatiel also requires a significant commitment, as they require daily attention and interaction, a proper diet, and a suitable cage environment. Before getting a cockatiel, consider if you have the time, resources, and space to provide for its needs.
