The cockatiel is a bird native to Australia; it is usually kept as a pet and can be an excellent companion. This article describes some simple tips to keep her healthy and happy.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Preparing his Abode
Step 1. Find a cage of the correct size
Make sure it fits your little feathered friend; it should be large enough to allow it to spread its wings even if there are objects or other birds inside. Remember that the smaller the cage, the more time the cockatiel has to spend outside to move and find mental stimulation.
- Look for a model that you can easily clean; keep in mind that birds need to defecate every ten to fifteen minutes.
- Check that your hands can enter the cage without difficulty.
- The cockatiel must have enough space to comfortably spread its wings.
Step 2. Install perches
You need to put a few so that the bird is free to walk and hop around in the cage. If you position them correctly, the cockatiel is also able to fly between them; the best models are made of wood or rope.
- Do not place them directly on top of each other, as the bird cannot fly vertically at too steep angles.
- Try to make steps or platforms with perches, to allow vertical movement within the cage.
- Do not put concrete structures, as they are too hard for his paws.
- Make sure the wood you use is safe, such as eucalyptus.
- Perches made from wooden or plastic spikes can create problems for the cockatiel's legs due to lack of exercise.
- Do not take perches or toys made of oak or plum, as they are harmful woods for this bird.
Step 3. Put some toys in the cage
It is important that there are several types; this species of bird, like most parrots, tends to easily destroy objects; it is essential to provide him with natural foliage and toys to shred, so that he can properly vent his instinct to chew.
- Variety is important; the cockatiel is happier if she has plenty of toys to distract herself with.
- Ask your vet for more information before giving natural foliage to the bird, as not all trees and shrubs are safe.
- Over time, the cockatiel gets bored with games; replace them every two weeks, giving them new ones.
Step 4. Offer her a bath tub
All birds need to have something available to wash themselves; in addition to ensuring the cleanliness of your feathered friend, the water stimulates her physically and mentally. You can find a specific plastic tray for cockatiels in major pet stores.
- Some birds prefer to bathe in water mist from a spray bottle or even shower with their owner.
- You can sprinkle a delicate mist of warm water; however, be careful to direct the flow up above her body and not directly onto her body.
- The cockatiel is used to the desert environment and does not need to bathe more than once a week.
- Change the water every day to avoid the risk of bacterial infections.
Part 2 of 3: Caring for the Cockatiel
Step 1. Feed her properly
There is a variety of different vet-recommended pelleted foods specific to provide a balanced, nutrient-rich diet. In addition to buying these products, you can also supplement your diet with fruit and vegetables.
- It mainly prefers corn, grapes, millet and sunflower seeds.
- You should feed her as much pellets and vegetables as possible to keep her consumption of seeds to a minimum (about a third of her diet or less).
- A diet based solely or almost exclusively on seeds is extremely high in fat and can shorten your life.
- Never give her chocolate, caffeine or alcohol, as they are toxic to her.
Step 2. Monitor your health
Often, it is difficult to tell if she is ill; if you notice any unusual signs, contact your vet. Pay particular attention to the following symptoms:
- Sudden weight loss
- Abnormal breathing;
- Leakage of secretions from the beak;
- Mucus on some feathers
- Unusual behavior
- Take her to the vet twice a year for a checkup;
- If you have more than one, isolate the sick one immediately.
Step 3. Give her enough sleep
The cockatiel must sleep ten or twelve hours a night; you need to provide her with a quiet and relatively dark environment, in order to guarantee her the necessary rest.
- In addition to sleeping at night, he must also take naps during the day.
- If the daytime environment in which it is found does not offer sufficient tranquility for at least 10-12 hours, it may be necessary to prepare a specific cage for the night.
- Cover three sides of the cage with a blanket to block out light and noise.
- Don't forget to leave at least one side uncovered to ensure air circulation.
- These birds often suffer from "night fears"; put a small light near the cage to reduce stress.
Step 4. Check the length of the beak and nails
If they are too long, they could cause health problems; in nature, the cockatiel manages to keep them at the appropriate length.
- Long fingernails can get caught or stuck in toys or the cage, causing injury.
- When they are long they can prevent the cockatiel from remaining comfortably perched on the perch and consequently cause injuries to the legs.
- Long nails are also sharp; if the animal gets on your hands, it could hurt or injure you.
- Get a nail file perch for parrots, so that it can "shorten" its nails by itself when it moves around in the cage; place it near food and water to encourage her to use it. You can find this type of accessories in major pet stores.
- To help her keep her beak at the proper length, you need to give her lots of toys. When playing with its beak it can consume it enough to keep it at the correct length; lava stones and cuttlefish bones are perfect for this purpose.
Part 3 of 3: Stimulating the Cockatiel
Step 1. Encourage her to exercise
Needs to move regularly; even if his feathers are trimmed, he should be able to fly a little, assuming he is in good health. By allowing her to walk or fly around the room a bit, you make her happy and mentally active.
- Make sure it's safe; close windows and doors, turn off fans, and keep cats or other pets away.
- Try challenging her when she is out of the cage by placing treats in different areas and letting her walk or fly to look for them.
- Pay attention to hygiene. It is likely to defecate as it moves freely around the room, so keep it away from the kitchen counter or other furniture.
Step 2. Caress her
This is a great way to interact with her and bond; even if she is outside the cage, try to gently stroke her by rubbing her head and neck lightly.
- However, keep in mind that some specimens accept this attention more willingly than others;
- If he wants to get his head scratched, he lets you know by tilting it forward;
- Don't forget to wash your hands before and after touching it;
- If he doesn't want to be touched, don't insist;
- Proceed gently, as it can be easily injured.
Step 3. Interact with her
The cockatiel is an intelligent bird and needs mental stimulation; satisfying this need is a great way to make her happy and create a deep bond. You can also teach her some exercises:
- Talk to her often also by reading her stories;
- Start giving her commands such as: "Up" and "Down" at the exact moments when it comes up or down from your fingers;
- Keep repeating commands to teach her to act on your words;
- If you can't interact with the cockatiel, turn on some music or the radio; he is also able to imitate the song or to pronounce some words he hears;
- Put her on a tennis ball to teach her to stay balanced; with time she learns to climb it even alone;
- Don't hit her and never scold her;
- When you want to train her, constantly focus on positive reinforcement.
Step 4. Play games with your little feathered friend
It can be a great way to help her stay mentally active and learn new things, as well as develop a bond with you. Try some of the following games:
- Dance with her; move your head up and down or from side to side following the tempo of a song. The cockatiel has a sense of rhythm and is often able to move his head along with you following the music.
- Play some music for her. Play an instrument, whistle or sing to entertain her; by having her listen to some songs often, she can learn the lyrics and sing it with you.
- Play hide and seek. Free the cockatiel in the room and place it gently on the ground; stand around the corner of another room and call her. Just poke her head off the edge so she can see you and say, "Find me" before hiding around the corner again. When she reaches you, pat her head and let her know that she has done well.
Step 5. Consider getting another copy
The cockatiel is a social animal and loves being in company; if you are often away from home, you can decide to find her a partner to spend time with.
- Get a second cage for the other bird.
- Keep them away for ninety days and check if the new cockatiel shows any signs of disease, as you need to avoid possible contagion.
- If after ninety days the new specimen appears to be healthy, you can place the cages next to each other.
- At first, take the two cockatiels out of the cages at separate times.
- Over time, leave them free at the same time, but keep an eye on them as they may exhibit aggressive behaviors towards each other; if you see them starting to hiss, scream, bite or attack the other specimen, you need to put them back in the cages.
- Eventually, they will come to bond with each other and can enter each other's cage to keep each other company.
- Never force them to interact with each other and don't force them to share the cage.
Warnings
- Birds have delicate lungs that are susceptible to damage.
- Be careful that there are no fumes in the environment in which the cockatiel is located.
- Teflon fumes released from an overheated pan are particularly dangerous.
- Caustic cleaning products, cigarette smoke, and other strong scents are all harmful to this bird.
