| Pet Cockatiels are one of the most popular birds | | | | company comes. |
| because they make such wonderful companions. | | | | They are friendly and enjoy one on one time from |
| Attention to the following 5 areas of care will make | | | | family members. The more they are socialized the |
| for a very happy bird for hopefully a very long time. | | | | tamer they will be. |
| Honey I'm Home--The cage that you select will make | | | | Fly Me to the Moon--Cockatiels are busy, active little |
| a huge difference in your bird's adjustment in your | | | | birds that need a chance to exercise out of the cage |
| home. Select a cage that is square or rectangle in | | | | for an hour or more each day. Be sure to keep a |
| shape. This will provide corners and a sense of | | | | close eye on your bird and make sure the area has |
| security when needed. | | | | cords tucked away, ceiling fans are off, window and |
| Choose a cage that is wider than it is tall, and it | | | | doors are closed, mirrors covered, and other pets |
| should be wide enough so it can fly a little, tall enough | | | | are out of the area. You can even set up a perch |
| to have several perches, and big enough to | | | | and toy area for them to go to when they are out |
| accommodate a variety of toys--the bigger the cage, | | | | of the cage. |
| the happier the bird. | | | | What's Up Doc?--Your ace in the hole should always |
| Check bar width to make sure they are close enough | | | | be a good avian veterinarian. Find one even before |
| to prevent a head from getting caught. Plastic cages | | | | you bring you Tiel home. Know the hours, the |
| are probably best as they avoid traces of poisonous | | | | emergency numbers, and their costs. Take your bird |
| metals that are toxic to birds, and they show well in | | | | for regularly scheduled check ups but also check with |
| a living or family room. | | | | the vet when there is a change is stool, eating, |
| I'm Hungry Let's Eat--Cockatiels enjoy eating healthy. | | | | sleeping, or general behavior. |
| Always keep clean water available and feed them a | | | | In the wild birds hide symptoms of illness because a |
| variety of seeds, pellets, fresh fruits and vegetables. | | | | sick bird is subject to attack. Noticing changes in daily |
| Cuttlebone and a mineral block are good supplements. | | | | habits and getting professional help quickly will keep |
| Since they are ground feeders they need a separate | | | | your bird happy and healthy for many years to come. |
| dish for each type of food and a grate at the | | | | Fresh Air Please--Cockatiels are a powder down bird |
| bottom of the cage will keep them out of their | | | | so don't be surprised by the white powder in the bird |
| droppings. Foods to avoid include avocado, rhubarb, | | | | room. This powder would not pose a problem in the |
| chocolate and caffeine, and beverages containing | | | | wild because it would dissipate and the birds would |
| alcohol. | | | | not spend all of their time in the same place. |
| Getting to Know You--As members of the parrot | | | | But in captivity, using an air purifier in your bird room |
| family Tiels can learn a few words, but they prefer | | | | will remove the fine dust from the air, decrease the |
| to whistle or to imitate noises around them such as | | | | chance of respiratory infections for you and your |
| flushing toilets, cell phones, or the microwave buzzer- | | | | Cockatiel, and make routine clean up a lot easier. |
| all of which can be great conversation pieces when | | | | |