Cockatiel

• ExerciseModerate

  Daily out-of-cage time and foraging toys keep them busy.

• GroomingEasy upkeep

  Fresh bath water and an occasional mist are all they ask.

• Living spaceStandard cage

  A proper cage and daily out-of-cage time fit fine in an apartment.

• Owner experienceSome experience helps

  A little know-how makes life smoother.

• Commitment15–25 years

  Plan for a long, loving relationship.

Health to watch: Respiratory issues · Egg binding · Feather plucking

The cockatiel is one of the gentlest and most rewarding companion parrots, a whistling, crest-flashing bird that bonds deeply and can live fifteen to twenty-five years. It needs daily interaction or a feathered companion, a roomy cage, out-of-cage time, and plenty of toys and foraging to stay content. Its expressive crest is a live mood meter — raised and thin when startled, relaxed when calm. Like all parrots it should eat mostly pellets with fresh vegetables rather than an all-seed diet, which causes obesity and fatty liver. Two cockatiel-specific issues deserve attention: hens are prone to chronic egg-laying that drains their calcium and risks fatal egg binding, so avoid nesting cues and long daylight hours; and the breed suffers 'night frights', thrashing in the dark, which a small night light helps prevent. Cockatiels produce a fine feather dust (powder down), so good ventilation matters for both bird and allergy-prone owners, and their sensitive lungs make non-stick fumes, aerosols and smoke deadly. Provide calcium, a clean diet, companionship and clean air, watch for breathing changes and egg issues, and a cockatiel will serenade your household for two decades.

• How much activity does a Cockatiel need?

  Moderate. Daily out-of-cage time and foraging toys keep them busy.

• How much feather care does a Cockatiel need?

  Easy upkeep. Fresh bath water and an occasional mist are all they ask.

• What cage does a Cockatiel need?

  Standard cage. A proper cage and daily out-of-cage time fit fine in an apartment.

• Is a Cockatiel a good fit for first-time owners?

  Some experience helps. A little know-how makes life smoother.

• How long do Cockatiel live?

  15–25 years. Plan for a long, loving relationship.

• What health issues affect the Cockatiel?

  Keep an eye out for Respiratory issues, Egg binding, Feather plucking. These are worth raising with your vet, along with any screening they recommend.

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