Search over 11 Cockatiel results across Australia
Tucked within the broader clan of cockatoos, the Cockatiel plays the role of the easygoing cousin—one who doesn’t steal the spotlight but wins over hearts in the long run.
These feathered companions, often spotted riding human shoulders or craning their necks for a scratch, have a knack for nestling themselves deep into everyday routines. They don’t just co-exist—they mingle.
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Tucked within the broader clan of cockatoos, the Cockatiel plays the role of the easygoing cousin—one who doesn’t steal the spotlight but wins over hearts in the long run.
These feathered companions, often spotted riding human shoulders or craning their necks for a scratch, have a knack for nestling themselves deep into everyday routines. They don’t just co-exist—they mingle.
Questions To Ask A Breeder
- Are you are registered breeder?
- Can we meet in person?
- Have they been socialised?
Breed Characteristics
Exercise
Size Range
The Ultimate Cockatiel Guide
About Cockatiel
Australians sometimes call them “weiros” or “quarrions,” names passed along like backyard tales. And truth be told, it’s hard not to get drawn in. Their gentle ways, love for chatter, and craving for connection make them second only to Budgies when folks think about which bird to bring home.
Lifespan
20 to 25 years
Weight
80 to 125 grams
Length
30 to 33 cm
Colour
Grey, Yellow, White, Pearl, Blue
Origins
The Cockatiel didn’t waltz onto the pet scene from some faraway jungle. These birds cut their teeth in the tougher parts of Australia’s interior—dry stretches of red earth dotted with scrubby trees and thirsty creeks.
They don’t fuss about luxury. What they chase is shade, safety, and the company of their kind, gathering in chatty flocks that skitter from branch to branch like whispers through the outback.
An English naturalist named George Shaw first scribbled their likeness down in 1792, though the birds themselves had already spent generations darting between gum trees and nesting near watering holes.
When they finally made their way to Europe, they didn’t arrive with fireworks. Instead, they worked their charm over time—settling into homes, perching in windowsills, and whistling their way into the hearts of bird lovers.
No one can say with full confidence where the name ‘Cockatiel’ hatched from. Some reckon it stems from a word borrowed from Aboriginal languages, like wirrkookookee.
Others suspect Dutch sailors cobbled it together, combining kalkoen (their word for turkey) and tielt (young chick), which, admittedly, doesn’t quite capture the Cockatiel’s flair.
Key Characteristics Of Cockatiels
Do Cockatiels Make Good Pet?
If you’re after a pet that won’t give you the cold shoulder and actually wants to hang out, a Cockatiel might be your best bet. Raised with a kind hand and plenty of company, these birds warm up like a kettle on the stove.
Common Health Issues & Considerations
Cockatiels may suffer from:
Respiratory infections
Skin disease
Gastrointestinal problems
Special Needs
Cockatiels might look low-maintenance, but scratch the surface and you’ll find a bird that thrives on routine, calm, and connection.
Suitable Cage
First things first: their cage isn’t just a container—it’s their personal headquarters.
Look for something roomy, not just tall, but wide enough to flap about without crashing into bars.
A good rule of thumb? Around 50cm square and at least 65cm tall does the trick for most adult birds.
Go for sturdy wire or solid plastic—nothing flimsy or painted with mystery coatings that could chip.
Other Considerations
- Cockatiels might look low-maintenance, but scratch the surface and you’ll find a bird that thrives on routine, calm, and connection.
- They also need a quiet, draft-free spot in the home where they can perch without panic. Sudden noises, fast movements, or unfamiliar animals can set them off.
- Their mental health matters just as much as their physical one. Without toys to shred, perches to climb, or puzzles to poke at, a Cockatiel can get bored fast.
How can I take good care of my Cockatiel?
Nutrition
Cockatiels aren’t exactly fussy eaters, but that doesn’t mean you can toss them a cracker and call it lunch. Their meals need a bit of thought if you want them chirpy and in top nick.
Start with pellets. Not the cheap, multicoloured kind that looks like cereal from the ’90s—get the good stuff. Look for pellets packed with natural ingredients, nothing too sugary or dyed to look fancy. These should be the backbone of your bird’s diet.
Now, layer in some fresh produce. Leafy greens like kale, spinach, and silverbeet get the green light. Seeds? They love them. But treat them like dessert.
Out Of The Cage
If you’ve got the room—and you’ve bird-proofed your space—let them stretch their wings daily. Even an hour out of the cage can do wonders for their muscles and mood.
Entertainment/Enrichment
Cockatiels thrive when provided with varied toys, such as:
- Swings
- Ladders
- Movable perches
- Toy balls
- Ropes
Cockatiels also benefit from diverse perches, each offering a different texture, material, or diameter for them to explore and climb.
Exercise
A Cockatiel that sits still all day is a Cockatiel plotting mischief—or worse, sliding into boredom that can lead to feather plucking or shouting matches with the toaster. These birds aren’t meant to mope. They’re wired to climb, glide, and poke their beak into every nook of their space.
Most Asked Cockatiel Questions
Cockatiels enjoy bathing and should be given the opportunity to do so at least once a week.
Cockatiels require 10 to 12 hours of sleep every night.
If you are searching for Cockatiels for sale, it’s important to only deal with reputable breeders. The average cost of a Cockatiel for sale will be between AUD $100 and $300. Rarer Cockatiels will command higher prices.
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