5 Common Mistakes New Cockatiel Owners Make (and How to Avoid Them)

Bringing home a cockatiel is exciting—these curious, affectionate birds make wonderful companions. But as with any pet, there’s a learning curve. Many new cockatiel owners unintentionally make mistakes that can affect their bird’s health, behavior, or trust.

At Arizona Parrots, we work with cockatiels every day and help new owners feel confident in their bird care. Here are five common mistakes we see—and how you can avoid them.

1. Not Clipping Wings During Training

Letting a young, untrained cockatiel fly freely too soon can lead to accidents or trust issues. While it may seem kind to let them fly, it's often safer and more effective to temporarily clip their wings during the training phase.

✅ Our team at Arizona Parrot Pros offers gentle, professional wing clipping to help with training and bonding.

2. Feeding an Unbalanced Diet

Many new owners rely too heavily on seed mixes, which are high in fat and low in nutrients. A healthy cockatiel diet should include pellets, fresh vegetables, and some fruit—not just seeds.

✅ We can help you choose the right foods and even create a sample feeding plan.

3. Neglecting Social Interaction

Cockatiels are social birds. If they don’t get daily attention and interaction, they can become lonely or develop behavioral issues like biting or excessive screaming.

✅ Make time each day for handling, talking, or just hanging out near your bird to build trust and connection.

4. Using the Wrong Cage Setup

A too-small cage, lack of enrichment, or improper perch sizes can lead to stress and health issues. Your cockatiel needs space to stretch its wings, climb, and play.

✅ We offer cage setup advice and can help you create a fun, bird-safe environment.

5. Skipping Routine Health and Grooming

Ignoring nail trimming, dirty cages, or not watching for signs of illness can cause problems over time. Birds are good at hiding symptoms—so preventive care is key.

✅ We provide grooming services and can teach you how to monitor your bird’s health at home.

Final Thoughts

Every bird is unique, and learning to care for a cockatiel takes time. Don’t worry if you’re still figuring things out—we’re here to help!

At Arizona Parrots, we specialize in training, grooming, and support for bird owners across Arizona. Whether you need help with diet, training, wing clipping, or general care—we’ve got you covered.