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The Cockatiel, a member of the Cockatoo family, hails from Australia. Smallest among its kin, this bird captivates with its social demeanour. Cockatiels often seek out human company, resting on shoulders, eager for gentle strokes.

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The Cockatiel, a member of the Cockatoo family, hails from Australia. Smallest among its kin, this bird captivates with its social demeanour. Cockatiels often seek out human company, resting on shoulders, eager for gentle strokes.
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
Cockatiels stand as a beloved companion for many, only outmatched by Budgies in popularity. Often referred to as ‘quarrions’ or ‘weiros’ in Australia, they attract attention with their docile nature and craving for interaction. They flourish in homes worldwide, often available through online pet marketplaces.
Lifespan
20 to 25 years
Weight
80 to 125 grams
Length
30 to 33 cm
Colour
Grey, Yellow, White, Pearl, Blue
Origins
Cockatiels thrive in Australia’s arid inland, where they form flocks, seeking refuge among trees and scrubland near water. English naturalist George Shaw first recorded them in 1792.
Brought to Europe later, they have since become a cherished pet. Their surge in popularity through the 20th century owes much to their easygoing and affectionate character.
The bird’s name, Cockatiel, has unclear origins. One theory traces it to an Aboriginal term, wirrkookookee or wirrikooroo. Another ties it to the Dutch words kalkoen (chicken) and tielt (young chick).
Key Characteristics Of Cockatiels
Do Cockatiels Make Good Pet?
Cockatiels, when introduced to people early, blossom into sociable companions. They thrive on interaction and tend to form strong bonds with their human caretakers.
Common Health Issues & Considerations
Cockatiels may suffer from:
Respiratory infections
Skin disease
Gastrointestinal problems
Special Needs
The Cockatiel, a member of the Cockatoo family, hails from Australia. Smallest among its kin, this bird captivates with its social demeanour. Cockatiels often seek out human company, resting on shoulders, eager for gentle strokes.
Suitable Cage
A proper Cockatiel habitat includes a spacious cage, roughly 20 inches square and 26 inches tall.
Choose sturdy materials, such as metal or thick plastic. Bars should be narrow to prevent escapes, and the bottom should allow easy cleaning.
Include perches, swings, and toys to foster their mental and physical stimulation.
Other Considerations
- If other pets share the home, ensure the Cockatiel feels secure. Birds stress easily and require a peaceful setting.
- Dedicate time each day for bonding, as Cockatiels depend on interaction.
- Note, they express themselves through whistles and chirps, so prepare for a vocal companion.
- To ensure a Cockatiel for sale has been well cared for, look for bright eyes, smooth feathers, and alert behaviour.
How can I take good care of my Cockatiel?
Nutrition
A balanced diet for a Cockatiel includes:
- High-quality Cockatiel pellets as the foundation
- Fresh vegetables and fruits as supplements
- Seeds, occasionally, as a treat
Pellets should contain natural ingredients, free of artificial colours or fillers. Offer fresh vegetables like dark leafy greens, carrots, sweet potatoes, squash, and green beans. Fruits should be limited due to their sugar content, with apples, pears, bananas, and berries serving as ideal choices.
Out Of The Cage
Though Cockatiels don’t need constant out-of-cage time like some other birds, at least an hour daily helps them stretch and explore. Ensure a safe, hazard-free room during this time.
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
Flight serves as the best form of exercise for Cockatiels. If space allows, set up a large aviary.
Otherwise, ensure a few hours daily where they can soar in an open room.
Beyond flight, these birds love to climb and perch, making it vital to provide structures that challenge their agility.
Mental exercise proves equally important. Offer toys that require problem-solving, such as puzzles or hanging feeders.
Engaging their beaks and feet through such activities ensures their mind stays sharp.
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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