How To Look After A Cockatiel In Chennai?

Native to the land down under, tamed cockatiel birds have become popular at birds shop in Chennai as pet parrots because of their tiny size which is just about 30 to 33 cm when standing. As pets, cockatiel birds can live up to a decade or decade and a half. Though, some birds are known to have a 20-year long life expectancy.

Cockatiel chicks look the same, irrespective of the gender. It is as they gain adulthood that males and females attain their distinctive colours. A male cockatiel has yellow feathers on the face along with a bright orange cheek patch. Females also have the cheek patch, but the shade is different. Barring the soothing colours of their feather, cockatiels make for good pet birds because:

They can be taught to perform stunts like:
- Handshakes
- Flips
They can learn to whistle.
They can fly on command or show off their wings.
They are intelligent.
They are inquisitive.

For all those who are either thinking of getting a cockatiel bird as a pet in Chennai or have already bought one, this post will help. Explained below is the complete care guide for tamed cockatiels in Chennai. From what they should not eat to what makes the perfect cockatiel diet, everything is explored.

Other Popular Cockatiels In The Family

Inquisitive, Playful And Curious Little Friends For Life

The cute parrot cockatiel captured on white background

White faced grey cockatiel on white background

What Should Cockatiel Birds Not Eat?

We begin by talking about food that should never be given to a pet cockatiel bird. By being aware of these items, you ensure that no accidental harm comes to your bird.

Alcohol is a big no.
Chocolate contains theobromine which birds cannot digest. If consumed, chocolate is most likely to be fatal to them. Therefore, never give it as a treat.
Avocado is another item that is deadly to a cockatiel.
Seeds of the following foods is harmful to them:

Apples
Apricots
Cherries
Peaches
pears
plums

If you want to feed them any of the above fruits, ensure that every part of the seed is removed. The best option is to wash the fruits, throw away the pits and then slice it into small pieces for the cockatiel to enjoy.

Processed food that is sweetened or has high fat is not suitable for them. Do not encourage the habit of your pet to eat from your junk food. For instance, pizzas and chips taken from your plate are not correct. Stop this habit before it forms.
Any food that contains high salt in it should be kept out of the reach of the bird.
Human saliva has bacteria that harms cockatiel birds. Ergo, do not give a bite of any food to them that you have eaten to chew.

SUN CONURE

COCKATIELS

Grey Parrot

Blue & Gold Macaws

Cockatoo

What Should A Cockatiel Pet In Chennai Eat?

In the wild, cockatiel birds survive on grass seed, berries, nuts and vegetation. In captivity, they need a similar diet. You can occasionally include human food, too.

Fruits a tamed cockatiel can eat:

Pears
Pineapple
Banana
Grapefruit
Kiwi

Melon of any kind
Plums
Mango
Apples
Apricots

Melons
Peaches
Raspberry
Nectarines
Strawberries

Damsons
Figs
Blackberries
Cherries without pits
Coconut

Grapes can also be provided, but in small amounts, as they contain much sugar.

Vegetables a pet cockatiel can eat:

Courgettes
Cucumber
Asparagus
Carrots and their tops

Squash
Chinese vegetables
Kale
Peas leave them in the pod

Corn leave them on the cob
Peppers either red or green
Brussel sprouts
Parsnips

Cabbage of any kind
Pumpkin
Spinach is small amounts
Spinach is small amounts

There are some food items cockatiel prefer as cooked. These are:

Beans
Lentils
brown rice
quinoa
Potatoes
Sweet potato
yams

While fresh fruits and vegetables are needed, they make only 1/3rd of a cockatiel’s diet. The rest is seeds or pellets. Natural seeds can be used as food, but they do not contain any vitamins and calcium. Therefore, always offer your pet cockatiel bird a balanced diet that includes everything.

What Type Of Cage Do Cockatiel Birds Need?

If you are keeping the cockatiel outside, built them an aviary. If the bird is an indoor pet, then buy a large cage made of wires. The base can be plastic. For indoor pets, it is essential to remember that exercise will be required, along with human interaction every day! Also, since cockatiels are social birds, it is recommended to keep pairs or a whole group. The company will help them thrive.

The entire enclosure should be cleaned occasionally. This includes water bowls and toys. It is mentioned before that food, especially raw fruits and vegetables should be thoroughly cleaned. The same goes for branches inside the living quarters. These branches can have insecticide or pesticide contamination along with parasites and birds. When the cockatiel chews on them, it can put the bird at harm.

It is thus advised to wash each perch and branch thoroughly. Scrub before putting them in the cockatiel cage. If possible, bake the branches in a cooker with a 200-degree limit. One hour of baking will remove all bugs and contaminants.

Another aspect to bear in mind is food. Do not leave decaying fruits and vegetables in the cage. These are breeding grounds for bacteria. If the cockatiel bird consumes them, illness is a very likely possibility.

What Water Do Cockatiels Require?

Besides two meals a day, cockatiels need water to drink and hygiene. While spring water is best, tap water is also acceptable to pet cockatiels. Change the water every day. Dirty water bowls or old water are health hazards for avian. Stagnant water allows bacteria and fungus to flourish, which is not suitable for the pet bird. Hence, clean the water bowl daily. You can utilise bleach, hot water mixed with soap or disinfectant for it.

How much food to give to a pet cockatiel?

As said above, two meals are more than enough. 30 to 40 grams of seeds and pellets is sufficient. This is about one and a half to two tablespoons of pellets. The best time is right in the morning and right before dusk. Wild cockatiels generally forage for food in the morning, rest during the day and eat a second meal during the early evening and then sleep right after sunset.

If you want to give your cockatiel a third meal, you can. The only condition is that the total amount of food per day should remain the same. So, adjust the meal portion accordingly.

If you have a young cockatiel chick, then remember they require almost ten to twelve hours of rest in a dark and quiet place. Keep the meal timing such that their rest is not disturbed.