This is a specific care sheet for Cockatiels (Nymphicus hollandicus), for more in this genus see Category:Nymphicus.

Introduction

The Cockatiel (Nymphicus hollandicus), is also known as the Quarrion or Weiro and is the smallest and genuinely miniature cockatoo endemict to Australia. They are kept as a household pet throughout the world and are easy to breed. As a caged bird, cockatiels are second only in popularity to the Budgerigar.

The cockatiel is the only member of the genus Nymphicus. It was previously considered a crested parrot or small cockatoo. However, more recent molecular studies have proved this wrong. These indicate that the Cockatiel belongs in the Cockatoo subfamily Calyptorhynchinae (commonly known as Dark Cockatoos). They are now classified as the smallest of the Cacatuidae (Cockatoo family). Cockatiels are native to the outback regions of inland Australia, and prefer the Australian wetlands, scrublands, and bush lands. Cockatiels are now bred in captivity as Australia no longer allows export of native animals

Cockatiels are widely acknowledged to be amongst the most adorable birds that can be kept as a pet. Apart from being very friendly and relatively clean, they don’t really have any downsides. The one thing that is essential when keeping a cockatiel is caring for it correctly.

As with any pet, cockatiels make good companions, but they need to be cared for and respected. As with most birds, cockatiels are caged inside the home unlike other pets such as dogs and cats which are usually free to roam. Cockatiels need to be kept in a cage or in a sealed house to prevent them from escaping. This means that they need to have the right living conditions and need to be given a lot of attention to make their lives as happy as possible. To provide this quality of life for your cockatiel, there are specific things that need to be done. This care sheet includes information on each of the following crucial categories: food, housing, grooming, rest and exercise.

Housing

The best advice that can be given is to get the largest cage you can afford. A minimum size for a cockatiel is 60cm by 60cm by 60cm. The bars should be no farther apart than 12mm, and it is helpful if are some horizontal bars, to make it easy for the bird to climb around. Stay away from dome-topped cages, because the bird’s foot can become caught up near the top where the bars meet. Cages with play areas on top are a good idea, or buy a separate play-pen to give your bird a place to play by themselves while it is out of the cage.

Do not leave the bird alone while he is out of his cage. There are too many things he can get into which will harm him, like electrical cords and toxic plants. The cage will need to be cleaned at least once a week. Newspaper is the best floor covering for a cage as you can inspect the birds’ droppings to assess the state of his health, and the top sheets can be replaced frequently to remove the dirt. Make sure feed and water dishes are not placed under perches where they can become soiled by the bird’s droppings. Perches should be at least two different diameters, the more natural the perches are, the better the exercise for the bird’s feet. Never put a sandpaper perch in your bird’s cage. If you need to keep toenails smooth you can get special terra-cotta or cement perches which will keep nails dull without injuring the birds’ feet.

The cage needs to be kept out of direct sunlight, unless it is large enough for the bird to get away from the sun as they can overheat easily during the summer. Put the cage where there is activity; your bird is a colony bird, and lives in large flocks in the wild. Birds this intelligent can become bored easily and therefore need sufficient stimulation to keep them entertained.

Feeding

In the wild, cockatiels normally survive on a diet of seeds, grains and vegetation such as fruit. As pets, it’s up to the owner what food Cockatiels can eat. However, like humans they enjoy food and have a sense of taste, this means they will not eat foods they do not like. This means that it is best to experiment with what they like to eat. This is best done by getting some cockatiel food and testing them with that, if it isn’t suitable then try a different type of food until you find one that suits. A mix of grains, pellets, fruits, vegetables and a rice/bean/corn mix is often best along with table scraps now and then. However, when feeding your cockatiel do not give them salty, greasy or sugary foods, this upsets their digestive system and can cause them to become sick.

Grooming

Cockatiels need a lot of grooming and their feathers need routine maintenance to keep them pristine. This is done by the cockatiel itself but cockatiels love to be sprayed with a light mist to allow any grease or oils to run off their feathers. However, they should be kept out of drafts until the water dries to prevent them from getting to cold. To stop your cockatiel from flying away you must trim its wing feathers, be careful not trim them too much as they still need to be able to stabilise themselves to prevent injury. If you don’t feel comfortable doing this then certain pet shops or trained vets can do this for you.

Rest

Like most animals, cockatiels need time to sleep. This is normally in the form of 10-12 hours at night like most humans. It is important to get the cockatiel into a rhythm of going to sleep so that they can be synchronised with your own sleeping patterns. The best way to establish this is to cover the cage at night time to minimise stimulation especially if people are active in that area of the house.

Exercise

Cockatiels are inquisitive and intelligent birds who enjoy climbing and playing. They also need stimulating both mentally and physically so toys are essential. A bird kept in solidarity will need plenty of attention every day, much more than groups or pairs of birds.

Health

Cockatiels can catch Scaly Beak which is a contagious condition that requires immediate treatment by a vet. If you are concerned about any aspect of your cockatiels health, seek advice from an Avian veterinarian. For a healthy and happy life, your cockatiel needs the following:

• A good quality, balanced and consistent diet.
• Plenty of toys to keep them stimulated.
• Water bottle and feed bowls cleaned daily.
• Their nails clipped several times a year – ask your vet for advice.
• A daily bath – essential for their preening activities.
• Regular exercise outside their cage.