2. Cockatiel – The Affectionate Whistling Companion
The Cockatiel (*Nymphicus hollandicus*) is another Australian native and a member of the cockatoo family. Instantly recognizable by their prominent head crest, which they use to express their emotional state, cockatiels are cherished for their gentle, affectionate nature. They are slightly larger than budgies and have a remarkable lifespan of 15 to 25 years.
Overview and Temperament
Cockatiels are known for being friendly and easy to tame. They bond strongly with their owners and enjoy being petted and held, particularly enjoying “scritches” around their head and neck. While they can learn to talk, they are more renowned for their whistling abilities. Male cockatiels, in particular, can learn to whistle complex tunes. A raised crest often signals excitement or curiosity, while a flattened crest can indicate fear or aggression. A relaxed, happy cockatiel will typically hold its crest slightly back.
Specific Care Needs for Cockatiels
Diet: A pelleted diet formulated for small to medium-sized birds should be the cornerstone of their nutrition, comprising about 70% of their food intake. A typical cockatiel will eat about 1.5 tablespoons of pellets per day. This should be supplemented with a daily offering of chopped vegetables, especially those high in Vitamin A like sweet potatoes, carrots, and bell peppers. Healthy grains like cooked quinoa can also be offered.
Housing: A single cockatiel needs a cage that is at least 20 inches wide, 20 inches deep, and 24 inches tall, with bar spacing between 1/2 and 5/8 of an inch. They are avid climbers, so a cage with horizontal bars is beneficial. Provide a variety of perches, including at least one flat platform perch for resting.
Enrichment: Cockatiels need plenty of toys to keep their minds and beaks busy. They enjoy soft wood toys for chewing, bells for making noise, and foraging toys that challenge them to find their food. Social interaction is paramount; a lonely cockatiel can become depressed and may resort to feather plucking. Plan to spend at least an hour a day directly interacting with your bird, in addition to its out-of-cage time.
Grooming and Husbandry: Cockatiels produce a significant amount of “powder down,” a fine white powder that helps waterproof their feathers. This dust can aggravate allergies in sensitive individuals and necessitates regular cage cleaning and a good air purifier in the room. They can also be prone to “night frights,” where they thrash around the cage in the dark. A dim night light near the cage or leaving one side of the cage uncovered can help prevent these episodes.
Common Health Concerns
Like budgies, cockatiels are prone to fatty liver disease from poor nutrition. Respiratory illnesses are also a concern. Females are at risk for chronic egg-laying and egg-binding, a serious condition where an egg becomes stuck. Providing a proper diet and ensuring they get enough sleep (10-12 hours of darkness) can help mitigate this. Giardiasis, an intestinal parasite, can also affect cockatiels. Any signs of lethargy, changes in droppings, or labored breathing warrant an immediate visit to an avian veterinarian.
