Average Size: 11-14 inches

Lifespan: Up to 25 years

Hygiene and Health: It is not recommended to add vitamins to your Cockatiels' water because bacteria is attracted to the water and is will be unhealthy for them to drink.

Its your choice on if you should clip your birds' wings. There are dangers if they have access to free flight such as ceiling fans, windows, hot surfaces, running into walls, etc. Clipping their wings will not harm them, but simply control their freedom of movement to ensure safety for them. This is highly recommended.

Like all pets, you should keep the cage as clean as possible.

Cockatiels do get upset and will scream and fuss. There could be many reasons for this. Not enough sleep, losing a cage mate, they want to be talked to, fear, angry, or just being a pain. In time you will be able to tell what your cockatial really wants by its pitch and its your responsibility to take care of the situation. Careful not to run to its' every needs though or you'll have a spoiled screaming jealous bird on your hands.

Behavior: Cockatiels are very commutative by sound species. They run so many different sounds that this article could go on forever. They made grinding sounds when they are content, when you talk to them they respond vocially and with body language, hiss when they are angry.

Just like parrots Cockatiels have the ability to mimic words, quotes, and songs. They whistle and love to be talked to as well as talk themselves. Their voices are not as clear as a parrot but they learn just as fast. The speech of a cockatiel is most interesting, but yes....they can talk a little too much.

Diet: For a main course meal you should always have Cockatiel food available in their dish, but as a supplement they can be fed many other things such as broccoli, kale, spinach, dandelion greens, collard greens, mustard greens, sweet potatoes, yams, carrots, red peppers, turnips, green beans, peas, corn, tomatoes, apples, grapes, bananas, oranges, melons, apricots, peaches, plums, oranges, tangerines, pomegranates, watermelon, kiwi, cheese, eggs, pasta, rice, potatoes, wheat bread, etc. All food must be small so they don't choke on it.

Habitat: A cage that is 16" by 16" or larger is proper for a cockatiel. They are notorious for waking up alarmed and flap their wings which could hurt them if the cage is any smaller. They also do not like absolute darkness so be sure not to totally cover them over night. There are plenty of toys that cockatiels should have such as perches, hanging mirrors, ladders, etc. Its good to not clutter the cage, but still have some in there so that they can enjoy playing and not be bored.

Taming, Training and Handling: Every Cockatiel has a different personality. WIthout trying your cockatiel will eventually start making copycat sounds from sounds it hears around the home. As for taming, its important that you take the cockatiel out of its cage. As she/he starts to realize that you will not harm her then you can win her/him over using its favorite treat such as an orange slice or a little carrot.

Loner or Groupies: Cockatiels can be housed together. The best way to introduce them is to put them in separate cages side by side two two weeks then bring them both out and sit them next to each other. Once a month has past you can attempt to put them together but understand that there is a possibility that they just don't like each other.

Recommended Supplies: