The cockatiels have a lot of personality.These birds are great for first-time bird owners, but not for everyone.Before you buy a cockatiel, make sure you consider your home and lifestyle.Before purchasing a cockatiel, you should understand some of their special habits.If you decide to get one, you should look for a bird that is alert, social, and healthy.
Step 1: How much time can you put into daily care?
The cockatiels are very social and do not need a lot of upkeep.Knowing the daily needs of a cockatiel will help you understand how they fit into your life.At least once a day, the cockatiel will need food and water.The food and water bowl needs to be cleaned at least once a day.You will need to wash the cage at least once a week.The cockatiels need at least an hour of free flight a day.You should be able to keep an eye on them.If you want to tame your cockatiel, you need to have two or three training sessions a day.
Step 2: You have to calculate your budget.
It can get expensive to care for an exotic bird.Before buying a cockatiel, make sure you have enough money for a cage, toys, food, and veterinary care.You can spend between $250 and $650 on a cage.You have to account for the cost of toys, perches, and food bowls.A veterinary visit for a bird can cost hundreds of dollars.It's possible that tests and bloodwork will cost more.The cockatiel can be had for between $40 and $130.
Step 3: If your living space is large, you should inspect it.
There is plenty of room to roam for cockatiels.They need a large metal cage that is at least 36 inches long, 18 inches wide, and 24 inches high.Measure a space in your home where you can put the cockatiel.There is a lot of activity in an area where cockatiels are very social.A living room is a good place to put the cage.Make sure the cage is not too close to the kitchen.cockatiels can be made sick or even kill by fumes from non-stick pans.Outside of the cage, cockatiels like to spend time.Make sure windows are shut, ceiling fans are turned off, and electrical wires are not exposed when they are in your home.The cockatiel may chew the bars, so don't get a wooden cage.
Step 4: The noise level should be considered.
The cockatiels like to sing and talk.The cockatiel may try to call you if you are not in the room.A cockatiel may not be the right pet for you.Most cockatiels prefer to whistle.Look into a different type of parrot if you want a talking bird.Female cockatiels tend to be quieter than males.
Step 5: Will you be able to commit to twenty years of ownership?
The lifespan of a cockatiel is between 15 and 25 years.If you don't know if you should care for a bird for that long, you may want to choose a shorter lived bird.
Step 6: The cockatiel has picky eating habits.
Vegetables like carrots, leafy greens, and fruit like apples and bananas are included in the diet of cockatiels.It is possible to find the perfect diet for the cockatiels.If you decide to get a cockatiel, try to feed them the same diet as they had at the store or breeder for the first few weeks.They will be helped to adjust to their new home.
Step 7: Are you able to deal with night frights?
The cockatiels get scared at night.The bird is startled at night.The cockatiel may panic if it is thrashed against the bars of the cage.If this will bother you at night, be careful.Night frights are usually caused by another animal or person walking around the home.Night frights can be reduced by creating a calm environment at night.
Step 8: cockatiels are messy.
Cockatiels can make a mess when they eat.You can find food scattered over their cage, in their water bowl, and outside of it.If you are looking for a clean pet, a cockatiel may not be the right choice.If you buy a cage skirt, you can clean up feed that has fallen out of the cage.Wrap the skirt and dump the food in the trash.The cockatiels like to chew.Make sure they have plenty of chew toys so that they don't destroy things in your home.
Step 9: Think about what your family wants.
If you live with other people, consider their needs as well.Make sure that everyone in your household is excited about owning a cockatiel.The cockatiels are good with children.Make sure to teach children how to approach the bird, hold it on their finger, and leave it alone.For households with dog or cat allergies, cockatiels are great pets.
Step 10: Do you know if the bird is old?
Young birds that don't eat adult food are sold by some pet stores.This can be a problem.An unweaned bird may beg you for food, and you may have to feed them on your own.If you want to purchase a bird, make sure it has been fully weaned.If you are unsure, you can put a deposit on the bird, and ask to return in two or three weeks to pick it up.You can take the bird home if it's still healthy.
Step 11: If the bird is social, you should handle it.
The cockatiels are very social.Ask to hold the cockatiel.The ideal cockatiel should not be afraid of you.Give the bird a few minutes to get used to you.If the bird hops onto it, hold a finger.They have already been taken care of.When you approach the cage, a social cockatiel will most likely come up to you.If the bird hides from you, they may have a bad temperament.
Step 12: If they are healthy, look at their body.
A healthy cockatiel has clean eyes and feathers.They should be alert and energetic.It's a good idea to give the bird a quick checkup.The feathers should lie flat.The bird may be stressed or ill if the feathers are ruffled or patchy.The cockatiel may be sick if it is sitting with its eyes closed and its feathers puffed up.The beak should be checked to make sure there are no cracks or crookedness.Take a look at the bird's underside.If it is wet or dirty, it means the bird is sick.
Step 13: Take the bird to a vet.
You should take your cockatiel for a full health exam within three days of purchase.Birds don't always show signs of sickness, so this visit will be important in identifying if there are any issues.An animal doctor is a vet that deals with birds.The Association of Avian Vet has a website where you can look up a local vet.Before buying a cockatiel, ask the seller if they have a health guarantee.If you bring your cockatiel to an avian vet within a certain number of days, you can get your money back or return it for another.