A cockatiel needs social interaction in order to thrive. Cockatiels like to do things like eat, groom themselves (preening) and play with members of their flock, so these are some basic needs you will have to fulfill. If you don't have much spare time to spend wth your bird, consider buying two cockatiels of the same sex so they can interact with each other. Two same sex cockatiels kept together in a large cage will form a strong social bond between themselves.
Change the cage paper daily. Black and white newsprint is alright to use, but don't use the colored print or glossy advertising inserts. Many of these are colored with lead ink.
Take your cockatiel out before cleaning the cage. For cleaning the cage, the Oxyfresh line of products are ideal. Rinse all toys and the cage thoroughly. Perches should be scraped clean. The product Pet Focus is very good for disinfecting and comes in a ready to use form.
Cockatiels' down gives off a powdery dust. This is a sign of a healthy bird.
Your cockatiel needs various components in his diet to keep him healthy. Do not feed your bird only seed. You will also need to feed (organic is best) pellets and healthy fresh greens and beans. Foundation Formula and Harrison's are two organic pellets that can be purchased.
The remainder of your cockatiel's diet should be organic and consist of greens like rinsed, fresh spinach and kale. Lettuce is not very nutritous and consists mostly of water. Other additives to their diet should be cooked vegetables like pasta, beans, corn, and rice. The use of organic foods are stressed here because there may be pesticide residues on produce and seed that is not organic. Roudybush is not organic, but is a high quality food naturally preserved. Cockatiels prefer this food and will thrive on it.
When you are feeding a diet with pellets, do not add vitamins to the water. Most pellets have vitamins added to them Read the manufacturers instructions on the bag.
Provide clean, fresh water for your cockatiel on a daily basis. The stainless steel cups should be cleaned twice daily if food gets in the water. Do not place the bird's perches above food and water dishes. If droppings should get in the water, change the water immediately.
Cockatiels make delightful, entertaining pets when they get the appropriate amount of basic care and interaction with their owners. Please visit us at Cockatiel Care Basic for more free information.
Click the XML Icon Above to Receive Pets Articles Via RSS!
