Meet the Cockatiel: Here’s What to Know Before Bringing One Home

Cockatiels are among the most popular types of pet birds, beloved for their affectionate nature, charming crests, and endearing personalities. Native to Australia, these small parrots make fantastic companions for both new and experienced bird owners. If you’re considering adding a cockatiel to your family, here’s what you need to know about their unique traits, care requirements, and how to decide if they’re the right fit for you.

Key Traits of Cockatiels

Cockatiels are known for their friendly disposition and playful nature. Their most notable characteristics include:

Expressive Crests

Cockatiels’ crests move based on their mood—raised when excited or curious, flattened when frightened or angry, and slightly lifted when content.

Affectionate & Social Disposition

These birds tend to bond closely with their owners and enjoy human interaction. Many love to cuddle and be petted on the head and neck.

Whistlers & Talkers

While they aren’t as skilled at mimicking speech as larger parrots, male cockatiels are excellent whistlers and often learn tunes or simple words.

Active & Playful Nature

Cockatiels love to explore, climb, and play with toys, making enrichment an important part of their care.

How to Care for Cockatiels

Providing proper care will ensure that your cockatiel stays happy and healthy. Here are some key elements to consider:

Spacious Cage

A cockatiel’s cage should be at least 24 x 18 x 24 inches, with horizontal bars for climbing. They also need out-of-cage time daily for exercise and socialization.

Balanced Diet

A high-quality diet consisting of pellets and/or seeds, supplemented with fresh fruits and vegetables, is best. Be sure to include leafy greens, carrots, apples, and bell peppers, while avoiding items that are toxic for birds, such as avocado, chocolate, and caffeine.

Regular Grooming

Cockatiels need frequent access to a shallow dish for bathing or a light misting with water. Regular nail trimming (ideally performed by an avian vet) is also necessary.

Proper Lighting & Sleep

Most cockatiels require 10-12 hours of sleep per night in a quiet, dimly lit area. They may experience night frights, so a small nightlight can help.

Socialization & Training

Like many other types of birds, cockatiels thrive on social interaction and mental stimulation. Here are some ways to keep them engaged:

• Spend time with your bird daily—talking, whistling, and playing with them can help strengthen your bond.
• Training can be fun! Cockatiels can learn tricks like stepping onto your hand, waving, or even fetching small objects.
• If you work long hours, consider getting a companion cockatiel, as they can become lonely without adequate attention.

Potential Challenges of Owning a Cockatiel

While cockatiels make wonderful pets, there are a few important considerations to keep in mind:

Dust Production

Like all members of the cockatoo family, cockatiels produce a powdery dander, which may be problematic for those prone to allergies.

Chewing & Messiness

Cockatiels love to shred paper, chew on objects, and scatter food, so frequent cleaning is a must.

Separation Anxiety

If they’re not given enough social time, cockatiels may develop behaviors like excessive screaming or feather plucking.

Fun Facts About Cockatiels

Want to learn more about these delightful birds? Here are a few fun facts:

• Cockatiels are the smallest members of the cockatoo family, weighing only 2-4 ounces on average and measuring 11-14 inches long from head to tail.
• They can live up to 20 years with proper care, making them long-term companions.
• Their cheek patches help with thermoregulation, meaning that they play a role in the bird’s temperature control.
• Cockatiels are known to “mirror” their owners’ behaviors, often mimicking whistles or gestures.

Is a Cockatiel Right for You?

Cockatiels are ideal for owners seeking an affectionate and social pet without the demands of a larger parrot. If you have the time to interact with and care for them, they will reward you with endless companionship and entertainment.

Want to learn more about which type of bird may be right for your household? Our pet bird matchmaker quiz is a great place to start!