Cockatiels

[ad#blod-ad]

Cockatiels reach a size of about 32cm(12.5in) and will normally live for 10-14 years, although some birds have reached the age of 30. These are relatively hardy birds that you can keep indoors or outdoors, as long as you provide a suitable shelter in an outdoor environment. Cockatiels thrive on exercise and so need a spacious rectangular cage or aviary. You should also provide them with a suitable bathing dish, and be sure to change the water every day.

Feeding cockatiels is similar to parakeets; a good-quality budgie mix supplemented with milo (a round red seed also known as red dari), sunflower seed and safflower seed will suit them fine. Daily supplies of fruit and vegetables, together with ground white oyster shell or cuttlefish, are also essential for good health.

With their ease of taming and attractively mischievous nature, it is not surprising that cockatiels have become exceedingly popular as pet birds throughout the world. Not only are they capable of talking and whistling, but they can also perform tricks.

Cockatiels are ideal for housing with budgerigars. Birds about the same size as cockatiels are also compatible, but do not mix them with large parrots, as they will undoubtedly fall victim to attack, and from a large parrot this could mean serious injury to the cockatiel or even death.

It is possible to pick out cock birds within a group of young cockatiels because they tend to have brighter, more striking facial markings and larger crests. It is also possible to recognize adult hens because the majority retain the distinctive barring on the underside of the tail. To be absolutely sure, it is best to have the birds scientifically sexed.

Cockatiels are unlikely to breed before they are 18 months old. When they do enter the breeding season, they need a large cage and a large nest box. Two clutches are produced a year on average, each consisting of 4-8 white eggs. These are incubated for 18-20 days, and the young fledge 35 days after hatching.