Learn About Cockatiels

• Scientific name: Nymphicus hollandicus
  
• Lifespan: 12–20 years (many reach mid-20s with proper care)
  
• Size: 30–33 cm
  
• Weight: 80–120g
  
• Temperament: Soft, affectionate, gentle, social
  
• Noise level: Moderate whistles; not screamers
  
• Best for: Families, singles, seniors, apartments
  

Cockatiels are known for being calm, friendly birds with big personalities. They are expressive and emotional companions that thrive on connection with their humans.

Temperament & Behaviour

Cockatiels are social birds who often form close bonds with their families.

Common personality traits:

• Gentle and affectionate
  
• Love head scratches
  
• Enjoy whistling and mimicking tunes
  
• Curious but not overly hyper
• Loyal and attached to their flock (you!)
  

Typical behaviours:

• Crest raising to show mood
  
• Whistling or chatting
  
• Grinding beak when sleepy
  
• Gentle begging chirps
  
• Head-bobbing when excited
  
• Bonding strongly with their favourite person
  

They are slightly calmer and more independent than conures but still very interactive.

Diet Requirements

A healthy, varied diet is essential for preventing illness — cockatiels are prone to obesity and fatty liver if fed too many seeds.

Recommended diet breakdown:

• 40–60% vegetables & fresh chop
  
• 25–35% high-quality pellets
  
• 10–20% seeds
  
• Fruit: small amounts as treats
  
• Extras: foraging foods, cooked grains, herbs
  

Great vegetables:

• Silverbeet, kale, spinach (in moderation)
  
• Carrot, broccoli, capsicum
  
• Sweet potato, pumpkin
  
• Corn, peas, herbs
  

Cockatiel-safe treats:

• Spray millet (their favourite!)
  
• Berries
  
• Small pieces of fruit
  
• Basil, parsley, mint
  

NEVER FEED:

Avocado, chocolate, caffeine, garlic, onion, fruit pits, apple seeds.

Housing & Cage Setup

Cockatiels need room to flap, stretch and play.

Minimum cage size:

60–70 cm wide × 50 cm deep × 80+ cm tall

(Bigger is always better.)

Bar spacing:

1–1.5 cm

Cage essentials:

• Natural wood perches of different thickness
  
• Rope perches
  
• Foraging toys
  
• Shredding toys (they love soft balsa, palm, paper)
  
• Swings
  
• Stainless steel food/water dishes
  
• Cuttlebone or mineral block
  

Place the cage in a social part of the house where they can see their flock.

Enrichment & Mental Stimulation

Cockatiels need daily mental engagement — boredom can lead to plucking or excessive calling.

Provide:

• Foraging trays
  
• Shredding toys (they LOVE them)
  
• Rotating toys weekly
  
• Daily out-of-cage time
  
• Whistle training
  
• Mirror toys (moderation, may cause hormonal behaviour in some birds)
  

Cockatiels are clever and benefit from simple training like step-up, recall, and targeting.

Taming & Handling

Most cockatiels are naturally gentle but may need time to settle.

Tips:

• Allow 24–48 hours to adjust
  
• Let them come to you at their pace
  
• Use millet to build trust
  
• Teach “step up” early
  
• Stay calm and consistent
  
• Keep all sessions short and positive
  

Cockatiels thrive when handled daily and spoken to softly.

Grooming Needs

• Bathing: 2–4 times per week (they enjoy misting!)
  
• Nail trimming: every 2–3 months
  
• Wings: optional trim depending on preference
  
• Beak: normally self-maintained with toys
  

Sleep Requirements

Cockatiels need 10–12 hours of quiet, uninterrupted sleep.

A sleep cage or covered cage in a dark room is helpful.

Common Health Issues

Cockatiels are hardy but can be prone to:

• Fatty liver (seed-heavy diets)
  
• Obesity
  
• Respiratory infections
  
• Chlamydia (psittacosis)
  
• Vitamin A deficiency
  
• Hormonal behaviours in breeding season
  

Warning signs:

• Fluffed feathers
  
• Quiet or withdrawn
  
• Watery or odd droppings
  
• Tail bobbing
  
• Nasal discharge
  
• Sitting low on perch
  
• Reduced appetite
  

Seek an avian vet promptly if you notice these.

Why Cockatiels Make Wonderful Pets

• Sweet, gentle personalities
  
• Easy for beginners
  
• Not overly loud
  
• Affectionate & loyal
  
• Great with children
  
• Easy to train
  
• Expressive crests show how they feel
  
• Social and people-oriented
  

Cockatiels are loving, gentle companions that bring calm joy to every household.