Cockatiel Care & Information Sheet

Cockatiels (Nymphicus hollandicus) are charming, affectionate, and intelligent parrots that make excellent pets. Native to Australia, they are known for their distinctive crest, expressive faces, and melodic whistles.

Please Note These are Avairy Raised Birds and colours of ones available do depend please feel free to pop in store or simply call us to ask whats available.

📏 Basic Info

• Lifespan: 15–25 years with proper care

• Size: ~12–14 inches (including tail)

• Weight: ~70–120 grams

• Origin: Australia

• Colouration: Varys in store 

🏡 Housing

• Cage Size: Minimum 20”L x 20”W x 24”H for one bird, larger is better

• Bar Spacing: ½” to ⅝”

• Perches: Provide a variety of sizes and textures (natural wood perches recommended)

• Toys: Rotate regularly; include chew toys, foraging toys, and mirrors (sparingly)

• Placement: Keep the cage in a quiet but social area, away from drafts, fumes, and direct sunlight

🥗 Diet

A balanced diet includes:

• Pellets: ~60–70% of diet

• Seeds: ~10–20% (as a treat, not the main food source)

• Fresh Veggies: Dark leafy greens, carrots, broccoli, bell peppers, etc.

• Fruits: Apple, banana, mango (in moderation)

• Avoid: Avocado, chocolate, caffeine, alcohol, salty/fatty foods

🧼 Always provide fresh, clean water daily.

💬 Social Needs

• Cockatiels are highly social and bond closely with their humans.

• They enjoy being handled and can be taught tricks and to whistle tunes.

• Daily interaction outside the cage is crucial—aim for at least 1–2 hours per day of out-of-cage time and interaction.

🧠 Enrichment

• Cockatiels are intelligent and curious—keep them mentally stimulated!

• Provide puzzle toys, safe chew items, and opportunities to explore.

• Encourage natural behaviors like foraging and climbing.

🧹 Cleaning & Maintenance

• Clean food/water dishes daily

• Spot clean cage daily

• Full cage cleaning weekly

• Rotate perches and toys to maintain hygiene and interest

🧑⚕️ Health & Grooming

• Vet Visits: Annual avian vet checkups recommended

• Beak, nails, feathers: Monitor for overgrowth or damage

• Molting: Happens 1–2 times a year; ensure good nutrition

• Bathing: Offer misting or shallow dish baths 2–3 times per week

🔍 Signs of Illness (seek vet care if you notice):

• Fluffed-up feathers

• Lethargy

• Not eating/drinking

• Discolored droppings

• Changes in vocalization or behavior

🐣 Fun Facts

• Cockatiels can mimic sounds and learn to whistle songs!

• Their crest shows their mood (up = alert, flattened = angry/frightened).

• Males are typically more vocal and prone to mimicry.