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Cockatiel

The cockatiel is a gentle, social and intelligent bird from Australia. It is a parrot species and belongs to the cockatoo family. Thanks to its crest, orange cheek patches and whistling, it is a popular companion bird. Cockatiels enjoy the company of people and other parakeets, love to play and thrive on variety. With enough attention, exercise and a good range of toys, they can keep themselves well entertained. They communicate through whistling and can sometimes imitate certain sounds.

Characteristics

Country of origin: Australia

Also known as: Cockatiel, Nymphensittich, Nymphicus hollandicus

Body build: Medium-sized bird with long tail feathers and a crest.

Colours and coat types: Wild-type grey with a yellow head and orange cheek patches, but many colour varieties are bred.

Weight: 80 - 120g

Life Expectancy: 12 - 20 years

Health risks: Parrot disease, circovirus, respiratory problems, fatty liver, feather plucking, egg binding and aspergillosis.

Character profile

Singing level

Social behaviour

Tameness

Playfulness

Noise level

Space requirements

Ease of care

Suitable for beginners

Origin of the cockatiel

The cockatiel originates from Australia, where it lives in semi-arid open areas near watercourses and savannas. In the wild, it lives in large flocks that move around in search of food and water. From the 19th century onwards, the cockatiel became popular in Europe as a cage bird. Through selective breeding, many colour varieties have emerged. In addition to the typical grey and yellow cockatiel, there are many colour forms such as entirely yellow, entirely white, light grey, pied and grey striped with spots.

Appearance and song

The cockatiel is a medium-sized, slender bird measuring about 30 to 33 cm in length including the tail. It can be recognised by its crest and the orange cheek patches in most colour varieties. The wild cockatiel is wild-type grey with a yellow head, but pet cockatiels come in a range of colour varieties, such as yellow, white, light grey and pied. Males generally have a more brightly coloured head and a solid-coloured tail, while females often have bars across the tail and spots under the wings. The cockatiel’s song consists of clear whistles and short melodies. Males usually whistle more often and with more variation than females and sometimes copy sounds.

All about the cockatiel

How old can a cockatiel get?

A cockatiel lives on average between 12 and 20 years, but with good care, a healthy diet and sufficient exercise, some cockatiels can live longer.

What does a cockatiel eat?

Cockatiels naturally eat grass seeds and herbaceous plants, but in captivity a complete diet of pellets is often a better choice, as each pellet contains the same nutrients. This helps prevent deficiencies and excess weight.

An ideal diet consists of 60 to 70 percent pellets, supplemented with:

Fresh vegetables (such as endive, bell pepper, carrot, spinach or broccoli)
Occasionally a small piece of fruit (such as apple or pear)
Grit or a mineral block to support digestion and mineral balance
Fresh drinking water that is changed daily

Egg food can be a good supplement, but is only needed during moulting, the breeding period or when a cockatiel is recovering from illness.

If your cockatiel (still) receives a seed mix, it is important not to give too much. An adult cockatiel needs about 1 to 2 teaspoons of seeds per day. Provide a measured amount rather than a full bowl, so it does not pick out only the fattest seeds. Always combine this with vegetables and possibly some pellets to keep the diet varied and nutritious.

How can I tell a male from a female?

Males often have a striking yellow head and a clear song. Females can be recognised by the bars on the underside of the tail and spots under the wings. In white or other colour varieties, the sex is more difficult to determine.

How can I tell if my cockatiel is ill?

A sick cockatiel often sits fluffed up, shows lethargic behaviour, eats or sings less and may have difficulty breathing. Diarrhoea, weight loss or feather plucking are warning signs. If in doubt, always consult a veterinarian.

Can cockatiels live well with other birds?

Yes, cockatiels are social flock birds and feel comfortable with companions of their own kind. They can also live with other bird species, but only if there is enough space and their behaviour is observed closely.

Should a cockatiel be kept alone or as a pair?

A cockatiel is a companion bird and should not live alone. In the wild, they live in large groups and constantly seek contact with others of their own species. It is therefore best to keep at least two cockatiels together, preferably two males or a male and a female. Birds that are kept alone can become lonely or develop behavioural problems, even if they receive a lot of attention from people.

Can you tame a cockatiel?

Yes, cockatiels can be tamed well, especially when they get used to people from a young age. It is important to start calmly. Talk to your bird often and softly, and let it first get used to your presence. When that goes well, you can slowly put your hand in the cage without making sudden movements. When your parakeet becomes curious, you can gently offer a small treat, such as a small piece of millet spray.

Taming takes a lot of time and patience, and each parakeet learns at its own pace. Do not force contact and respect the bird’s pace, otherwise you may create distrust. If you have two parakeets, they often become a little less tame, but they do stay happier because they can communicate and play together. Tame parakeets like to seek contact and will sit on your hand, while still remaining lively and curious.

Care and housing of the cockatiel

The cockatiel is an active, curious bird that enjoys flying, playing and communicating with its surroundings. In the wild, they are constantly on the move and in close contact with others of their own species. In the home, they therefore need space, variety and companionship to encourage this natural behaviour. A good living environment is just as important as a healthy diet and contributes to their wellbeing and lifespan. Points to consider:

Cage and space

Choose a spacious cage with plenty of length. For one or two cockatiels, a minimum size of 100 cm in length, 60 cm in width and 80 cm in height is recommended, but bigger is always better. Cockatiels mainly fly horizontally, so a wide cage is important. Even better is an aviary or a room where they can fly freely every day.

Furnishing

Use natural wooden perches of different thicknesses to train the foot muscles.
Provide a variety of toys, such as ropes, swings and bells, to prevent boredom.
Place a bird bath or regularly mist your bird with lukewarm water for feather care.
Position the cage in a bright, draught-free spot, not close to a heater or in direct sunlight.
Provide a small dish with grit or oyster shell grit in the cage, so your cockatiel can eat it as needed. This supports digestion and provides extra minerals.

Care

Clean the cage regularly, change the drinking water daily and check the food and water bowls. Also make sure to give your cockatiels some attention every day: they are curious and often enjoy contact with their caretaker.

Feeding garden birds: What to feed and when?

It is recommended to feed garden birds all year round. Birds need energy throughout the entire year. In winter, they use energy to keep themselves warm; in spring, they need it for nesting, laying eggs, and raising their young. In autumn, they build up reserves to prepare for the winter. Birds stop eating once they are full. It is also a myth that birds forget how to find food for themselves.

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