Cockatiel Care Guide
Cockatiels are a small parrot that actually belong to the same family as the cockatoo and are native to Australia. Hand-raised cockatiels can be quite personable and gentle, and a wide variety of color mutations are available in the pet trade. Although they can speak, they more typically whistle and chatter. Pet cockatiels may live 15–30+ years.
Enclosure
Cockatiels should be housed in a cage with minimum dimensions of 24″ long × 24″ wide × 36″ tall, though larger enclosures are preferred. A variety of perches with different diameters and textures should be placed at different levels throughout the cage.
Take special care with any rope or fabric perches and toys — cockatiels commonly chew and ingest fibers, which can be dangerous. Inspect these items regularly and remove and replace any that are fraying promptly.
Temperature
As a tropical species, cockatiels prefer warm temperatures in the 65–80°F range. Supplemental heating may be required if the temperature drops below 60°F.
Humidity
Cockatiels prefer a humidity level of 40–60%, which can be measured with a hygrometer. A humidifier can be used if necessary. Many birds appreciate a warm misting or shower 1–2 times per week to encourage healthy skin and feathers.
Cockatiels produce a fine powder that helps waterproof their feathers — you may notice this powder on surfaces around the cage. Regular baths help keep plumage clean and bright and can clear debris from the nostrils. Some birds will bathe on their own in their water dish or a designated bird bath dish.
Lighting
Like other birds, cockatiels need access to sunlight. Ultraviolet-B rays in sunshine help maintain a normal skeleton by allowing birds to produce vitamin D3, which enables calcium absorption from the diet. Placing your bird near a window may help with normal circadian rhythms, but glass and window screens block UVB rays. Getting your bird outside in the sun is the most effective approach. Always monitor closely outdoors to prevent overheating or escape.
If safe outdoor access isn’t possible, a UVB lamp such as ZooMed’s Avistar 5.0 is a good alternative. Place it 12–18 inches from the bird and run it for about 6 hours a day.
Diet
As with other parrot species, it is recommended that approximately 60% of the diet be in the form of a pellet, with fresh vegetables, fruits, and grains making up 10–30%, and seeds making up less than 10%.
Some cockatiels — particularly color mutations — do better with more seed mixed in. Because this can be unpredictable, diet changes are best made under veterinary supervision. If you are switching your cockatiel to a pellet diet and need help, please refer to our handout on tips for diet conversion.
Enrichment
Cockatiels appreciate toys. A variety of wooden and plastic toys are available at pet stores. Homemade toys such as small pieces of notebook paper, paper towels, or plastic bottle caps (like those from 2-liter soda bottles) work well too. Foraging is another recommended form of enrichment.
Avoid toys with mirrors — some cockatiels become obsessed with their reflection and treat it as a mate. Avoid toys with metal pieces unless you are certain the metal is non-toxic. Do not use charm bracelets or metal trinkets, as they may contain dangerous metals such as zinc and lead that can be deadly if chewed.
Wellness & Preventive Care
Cockatiels should have an annual wellness exam and fecal evaluation. Depending on your bird and individual circumstances, infectious disease screening may also be appropriate. Microchipping is available and can help your bird find its way home in the event of an escape.
