CARING FOR COCKATIELS

Cockatiels deserve their popularity. These calm, affectionate pets often are recommended as a first bird for children and can be responsible for creating a lifelong interest in birds.

Ideal pets for the busy household, cockatiels can learn to adapt to their owner's schedule. For seniors, cockatiels are loving, responsive pets, portable for motor home living and relatively easy to care for. A cockatiel and its owner are happiest when the bird is well cared for, with appropriate housing and supplies, and is well-adjusted with some training and liberal socialization supplied by the owner.

Typical Traits

Cockatiels are often hand-fed as companion birds. This produces tame, socialized pets. If you hand-feed in your store, feedings become quite a show, as cockatiels are noisy beggars and bob and flutter their wings while eating. Cockatiels are usually weaned at 8 to 10 weeks of age. They learn to eat and drink on their own. To assist in a cockatiels later acceptance of new foods, offer weaning or young cockatiels a variety of foods. Encourage new owners to do so, too.

Available in a variety of mutation colors, the difference between a cockatiels species and color mutation is confusing. Every cockatiel is a cockatiel, no matter what color, because there is only one species of cockatiel. By comparison, there are different species of Amazon parrots or of macaws. Color isn't important in a customer's choice, except that the bird should be pleasing to them.

Both male and female cockatiels make good pets. Only males learn to whistle, and may even talk. If someone looks for a talking bird, however, cockatiels are not advisable since they often do not talk. Female cockatiels generally are quieter and less outgoing. Under the age of 6 months, cockatiels all look like hens, then at about 6 months, they molt into adult coloring.

A breeder with a good understanding of genetics may be able to distinguish the sex of chicks from certain pairs. Normally, males have solid-yellow heads at maturity, while hens remain grey (or another solid color). Feathers under a male's tail are solid, while in a female's are striped. This is true even in the lutino mutation, when the stripes are yellow and white and visible in good light. Pieds usually cannot be sexed visually, but males start to whistle, hop and show their outgoing characters at about 4 months old.

Remind Customers

As with any companion animal, cockatiels aren't perfect. Potential owners should be advised about some of the challenges of cockatiel ownership. For example, cockatiels are dusty birds. They produce down feathers, which disintegrate into a powder. It works best not to locate them near books or electronic equipment in a household, and it is advisable to sell an air purifier with a cockatiel if the owner is bothered by the bird's dust.

Cockatiels usually enjoy baths, and bathing cuts down on their dust while contributing to a clean, sleek appearance. Necessary accessories include shower perches and a variety of bird misters and bathers.

Even with clipped wings, cockatiels are strong fliers and can soar quite a distance. A customer should know that they cannot expect their companion to sit on their shoulder outside. Owners can train their birds to accept a bird leash, allowing the freedom to be outside together. Keep customers coming back regularly by offering wing-clipping services in your store. Keeping their wings clipped, especially with headstrong males, can alleviate certain cockatiel behavior problems.

Cockatiels usually get along well with each other and, often, two cockatiels are quieter than one because they keep each other company instead of screaming for attention. If customers want a companion for their pet cockatiels, another cockatiel, a budgie or canary are a few good choices.

Budgies and cockatiels are from the same area in Australia and coexist in the wild, so they have similar care and dietary requirements. Since members of both species have their own individual personalities, however, introductions to each other should be gradual. If they like each other in neutral territory, it might be possible for them to share a cage.

Another popular way to provide a cockatiel with a companion is through a "pet" of its own. Cockatiels usually enjoy watching canaries flit about and may even interact with their singing. Of course, canaries are a different species with different care requirements and should be caged separately.

A companion cockatiel requires an appropriate cage and toys, a good diet and a source of clean water. A cuttlebone should be provided and renewed when it gets soiled or is consumed. As with all birds, it makes cleaning easier to have a second set of dishes for the cage your customers purchase with the bird.

Appropriate toys are essential. Cockatiels enjoy colors and movable shapes. They also like to ring bells and often will sit under larger bells and rest "wearing" them as a cap. A mirror can provide companionship to a single cockatiel and will inspire males, to whistle or talk. Many cockatiels enjoy having a swing in their cage.

Time with their families is necessary for cockatiels, so a movable playpen or T-stand is advisable. Usually extra treat dishes are warranted, as cockatiels enjoy vegetable supplements with their normal formulated diet. If cockatiel owners are feeding seeds, advise them to provide avian vitamins, too. Additional essential items for new cockatiel owners include a bather or mister, an air purifier, plenty of toys and a bird leash.

A cockatiel's cage can't be too large. New models of indoor aviaries and larger cages with small bar spacing (1/2") are appropriate. Note that whatever size cage a customer chooses, a cockatiel will inhabit the top of the cage. For this reason, a wide (rather than a tall) cage is better. For ease in handling even the tamest cockatiel, make sure there is a large door on the cage. Some cockatiel owners may wish to purchase a cage to which a nest box can be attached at a future time.

Cockatiels; make great study companions, family pets, and companions for singles or the elderly. As their interest grows, cockatiel. owners may become interested in other avian companions, which can lead to additional sales for your store. Encourage interested owners to join a bird club or exhibit their cockatiels. to discover the rewards of breeding quality show animals. Cockatiels also are welcome at schools and senior centers, and the love of birds is easily spread with these charmers.

COCKATIEL BASICS

• Choose wide cages. Cockatiels spend their time at the top of a cage, so width is more important than height. Offer these birds room to move about.
• Feed a formulated diet. Cockatiels thrive on a formulated diet. To offer variety to a cockatiel and a chance for interaction with the owner, a cockatiel's diet can be supplemented with fresh vegetables. Cockatiels are less likely to eat fruit than other birds.
• Introduce young cockatiels to a varied diet. Since cockatiels easily become accustomed to a single diet, encourage youngsters to sample a variety of formulated diets, vegetables, some fruit like apples and pears, citrus, warm rice and pasta, scrambled egg and so on. Seeds are high in fat and appropriate as treats rather than part of their regular diet.
• Bathe cockatiels regularly. Cockatiels are dusty, and regular baths help alleviate the dust. This is especially appreciated during hot weather.
• Provide toys. These inquisitive birds need a toy basket or a set of toys that can be rotated every week or two to stimulate their attention.
• Provide socialization. Cockatiels can learn the "up" command for boarding a pet owner's hand and can learn to be friendly with people.
• Provide clean, fresh water regularly. Cockatiels can learn to drink from a water bottle or a bowl.
• Offer plenty of interactions. Cockatiels are social and affectionate birds. They need time with the family, so providing a movable playpen or T-stand is encouraged.
• Share. Often times, cockatiels are welcome at schools, libraries and senior centers, and the love of birds is easily spread with these charmers.

Reprinted by Pretty Birds from Pet Products Magazine by Diane Grindol - "The Complete Book of Cockatiels"

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