Temperament
The Cockatiel is a member of the Cockatoo family and is native to Australia. They are the smallest Cockatoo and are known for their friendly and social nature. They enjoy being petted and will often perch on their owner’s shoulder.
Cockatiels – Wallan
Hi there I’m giving away these 2 beautiful cockatiels along with cage food and toys all for $150. I just had a baby so have no time for them. Feel free to reach out.
Cockatiel for Sale
3 months old and looking for the first home. Unsure of gender and not hand raised but friendly and whistles softly.
Handraised Baby Cockatiels
Handraised baby cockatiels various colours will be available when fully weaned approx mid August Price $100ea Please contact us on 0402932144
The Ultimate Guide to the Cockatiel
● Key Characteristics Of The Cockatiel
● How Can I Take Good Care Of A Cockatiel?
● Most Asked Cockatiel Questions
● Similar Bird Species
Cockatiels are very popular pets, second only to Budgies in popularity. Often called ‘quarrions’ or ‘weiros’ by Australians, Cockatiels are known for their friendly dispositions and love of attention. You can find a Cockatiel for sale in most online pet marketplaces.
Cockatiel Bird Origins
Cockatiels originate from the arid inland areas of Australia where they live in flocks in trees and scrubland near water sources. The first scientific description of the cockatiel was by English naturalist George Shaw in 1792. They were eventually brought to Europe, and they have been kept as pets ever since. Cockatiels became popular in the 20th century due to their docile, friendly personalities.
The origin of the name Cockatiel is uncertain. The most likely explanation is that it is derived from an Australian Aboriginal word for the bird, wirrkookookee or wirrikooroo. Another possibility is that it comes from Dutch kalkoen, which means chicken or hen, and tielt, which means young chicken or chick.
Key Characteristics of the Cockatiel
| Do Cockatiels make good pets? | Cockatiels can make good pets if they are socialised with people at a young age. They are typically very friendly birds that enjoy human interaction. |
| Special needs? | The Cockatiel is a very social bird and needs to have regular contact with its owner. It is important to spend time every day talking to, playing with and handling your Cockatiel. |
| Common Health Issues & Considerations | While generally healthy, the Cockatiel may be prone to: ● Respiratory infections ● Skin disease ● Gastrointestinal problems |
| Lifespan | 20 to 25 years |
| Colours | Grey, Yellow, White, Pearl, Blue |
| Size | Weight 80 to 125 grams Length 30 to 33 cm |
| Suitable Cage | A Cockatiel's cage should have a few key features to ensure the bird is comfortable and has enough room to move around. The cage should be 20 inches square and 26 inches tall and made of sturdy material, such as metal or thick plastic, with bars that are close together to prevent the bird from escaping. The cage should also have a bottom that can be easily cleaned, and it should come with a few perches and toys for the bird to play with. |
| Out of Cage Time | Cockatiels need some time out of their cage, but not as much as some other common pet birds. Try to give your Cockatiel at least an hour out of their cage every day. When letting your Cockatiel out, they should be kept in a secure room with no hazards that could potentially injure them. |
Other considerations:
● If you have other pets in the house, you will need to make sure that the Cockatiel is comfortable with them. Birds can develop health problems when they are stressed.
● Be prepared to spend time every day interacting with your Cockatiel. They are social creatures and need attention.
● Understand that Cockatiels can be noisy. They are known for their whistling and chirping.
How can I take good care of my Cockatiel?
Nutrition
A Cockatiel’s diet should consist of:
● A high quality Cockatiel pellet as the main staple
● Fresh vegetables and fruits as supplements
● Occasional seeds as a treat
A high quality Cockatiel pellet will provide your bird with the majority of the nutrients they need. The pellets should be made of all natural ingredients, and contain no artificial colours or flavours. The pellets should also be free of any fillers such as corn, wheat, or soy. A good way to supplement your bird’s diet is to offer them fresh vegetables and fruits. Some suggested vegetables include: dark leafy greens, carrots, sweet potatoes, squash, and green beans. Fruits can be given as well, but should only be offered in small quantities as they are higher in sugar. Some good fruit options include: apples, pears, bananas, and berries. In addition to fresh fruits and vegetables, you can also offer your bird occasional seeds as a treat. However, seeds should not make up the majority of their diet as they are high in fat and low in nutrients.
Entertainment and Enrichment
A Cockatiel needs a variety of toys to keep them amused and mentally challenged. Some ideas for cockatiel toys are:
● A swing
● A ladder
● A set of stairs
● A perch that can be moved around
● A set of toy balls
● A rope toy
In addition to toys, cockatiels also need a variety of perches to climb on and rest on. These perches should be different in terms of material, texture, and diameter.
Exercise
The best way to provide exercise for a Cockatiel is to give them plenty of space to fly around. If you have the room, setting up a large cage or aviary is ideal. If not, then making sure they have at least a few hours out of their cage each day to fly around in an open space is important. Cockatiels also enjoy climbing and perching, so providing them with plenty of perches and toys to climb on will help keep them active.
In addition to physical exercise, Cockatiels also need mental stimulation to stay healthy and happy. Providing them with toys that require them to use their beaks and feet to manipulate will help keep their minds active. For example, hanging toys that they have to figure out how to get to the treat inside or puzzle feeders that make them work for their food are both good choices.
Overall, Cockatiels need a combination of physical and mental exercise to stay healthy and happy. Providing them with plenty of space to fly and climb, as well as toys that challenge their minds, will help ensure they get the exercise they need.
This is general information and should not be relied on for adopting or purchasing advice.
Most Asked Cockatiel Questions
How often do Cockatiels need to be bathed?
Cockatiels enjoy bathing and should be given the opportunity to do so at least once a week.
How much sleep do Cockatiels need?
Cockatiels require 10 to 12 hours of sleep every night.
What is the cost of a Cockatiel for sale in Australia?
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.
