The Ultimate Guide to Cockatiel Care: Keeping Your Feathered Friend Happy and Healthy
Cockatiels are some of the most delightful and affectionate birds you can have as a pet. With their charming personalities and adorable crests, it’s no surprise they’re among the most popular pet birds in the world. But like any companion, they require proper care to thrive. Whether you're a new owner or just brushing up, here's everything you need to know to keep your cockatiel healthy and happy.
🏠 Housing: Creating a Safe and Stimulating Environment
Your cockatiel’s cage is their home, so it should be clean, spacious, and comfortable.
Size matters: At minimum, choose a cage that’s 24” wide, 24” tall, and 18” deep, with bar spacing between ½” and ⅝”.
Perches: Provide a variety of perches with different textures and widths to promote foot health.
Toys & enrichment: Cockatiels are intelligent birds that need mental stimulation. Rotate toys regularly and include foraging activities.
Location: Keep the cage in a well-lit room with plenty of interaction but away from direct drafts, smoke, or kitchen fumes.
🥗 Diet: Feeding for Health and Longevity
A balanced diet is essential for your cockatiel’s overall well-being.
Pellets: High-quality pellets should make up about 60–70% of their diet.
Fresh foods: Offer leafy greens, carrots, broccoli, apples, and berries in moderation. Avoid avocado, chocolate, caffeine, and anything salty or sugary.
Seeds: Seeds can be given as treats but should not be the main food source.
Fresh water: Replace daily and clean the bowl regularly.
🧼 Cleanliness: A Healthy Bird is a Happy Bird
Keeping your bird and its environment clean is key to preventing illness.
Cage cleaning: Wipe down surfaces daily and do a thorough cleaning weekly.
Bath time: Most cockatiels enjoy bathing. Provide a shallow dish of lukewarm water or gently mist them a few times a week.
Nail and beak care: Most cockatiels naturally maintain their nails and beaks if given perches and toys, but occasional trimming may be necessary.
❤️ Social Time: Cockatiels Crave Companionship
Cockatiels are highly social and love attention from their humans.
Daily interaction: Spend at least 30 minutes to an hour with your bird every day. Talk, whistle, or gently handle them to build trust.
Out-of-cage time: Allow supervised time outside the cage in a bird-safe room to stretch their wings and explore.
Bonding: The more you interact, the more affectionate and tame your cockatiel will become.
🩺 Health & Vet Care: What to Watch For
Regular checkups with an avian vet are important.
Common signs of illness: Fluffed feathers, lethargy, appetite changes, sneezing, or droppings that change color or consistency.
Annual checkups: Help catch issues early and keep vaccinations or treatments up to date.
Quarantine new birds: If you’re bringing in another bird, isolate them for at least 30 days to prevent illness.
🐤 Final Thoughts: A Little Care Goes a Long Way
Cockatiels are loving, intelligent, and surprisingly expressive pets. With the right care, they can live up to 15–20 years or more, offering you years of companionship, laughter, and songs.
Give your cockatiel the love and attention it deserves, and it will reward you with trust, joy, and its own unique personality every day.
