A cockatiel can be the perfect pet for you and your family, as they are easy to care for and can bring you rewards to enjoy for a lifetime. Parrots, in general, are pets that don’t require tremendous maintenance, so they are ideal even for people who structure their time around a hectic schedule. Besides this, considering they live pretty long, they can also be there for you in the important moment of your life.
Cockatiels are intelligent, clean, and funny birds that are inexpensive to maintain and are generally pretty healthy. But if you are reading this article, we can deduce you are the kind of person who is interested in comprehensive advice about the proper care of your pet.
So, in the following paragraphs, we will present the advantages of buying a bird harness, we will list the elements you should consider when you are looking for a cockatiel cage, and last but not least, we will explain what you should pay attention to when buying bird food.
Why It’s Essential to Buy a Quality Cockatiel Cage?
Cockatiels are intelligent and expressive animals. Their crest can indicate the mood they are in, and the vocalizations they are capable of can show the personality of your winged friend. But you’re not always going to be at home to look after your bird, so it’s necessary to invest in a quality cage for them to spend time in. What should a quality cockatiel cage look like?
Above all else, it must be large enough so your bird will not feel cramped inside. Some acceptable dimensions for an adult cockatiel would be a cage of around 50 cm high x 50 cm wide x 50 cm deep. It is essential to install at least three different perches in the cage, so your bird has somewhere to sit.
You will need to provide some dishes for water and food, and last but not least, you will need to add a liner inside the cage and a bird bath. Cockatiels are pretty clean animals, and a bird bath can be helpful to get rid of the dust that naturally forms on their feathers.
As for the accessories inside the cockatiel cage, they should be quite varied and range from toys such as natural vine balls to ladders or play swings. You shouldn’t forget about the chews. Cockatiels are birds that like to peck, so giving them an alternative to your skin is essential.
Since cockatiels are social creatures, you should always install a mirror inside their cage, so they will think they are looking at another bird. And anyway, you should always buy your cockatiels in pairs, which is a fact that applies to most birds.
What are the Advantages of Buying a Bird Harness?
Maybe you don’t want to see your pet confined in a cockatiel cage, but instead, you want to walk with your bird as you would a dog. One solution to this request might be to purchase a bird harness. And there are many advantages to such an accessory. First, you can walk outdoors with your bird without fearing it will fly away.
Second, walking your birds with a harness can be an alternative to feather clipping, a cruel procedure that can make birds more aggressive. In addition, with the help of a harness, you can take your bird to public places such as a pet shop, which will allow you to find precisely the accessories or treats your cockatiel likes.
Last but not least, using a bird harness makes it easier for your bird to socialize with other people or animals, which can make it more relaxed if you have guests over.
There are downsides, however, and they will depend on your bird’s personality. Like cats, cockatiels can feel restricted by a harness and may not react as you would like. A harness is also easier to put on than to take off. Last but not least, you should be aware of the air pollution levels in your city, as cockatiels are particularly susceptible to airborne toxins.
What Food Should a Cockatiel Eat?
First and foremost, as with other parrots, cockatiels should primarily be fed pallets created by experienced manufacturers such as Tropimix, Living World, or Murphy’s. It is okay to provide your bird with seeds but be aware that they contain a lot of natural fats, which in the long run, are not ideal for the proper development of your pet.
It would be best to feed your bird twice a day, once in the morning and once in the evening. Pellets should comprise 80% of their diet, with the rest ideally consisting of seeds, fruit, and occasional vegetables.
Apple slices, for example, can be an excellent snack for your bird, while carrots, broccoli, or kale can be great for the extra nutritional value they add to their diet. However, moderation is vital, as too many fruits and vegetables can negatively impact your bird’s digestive system.
A Parrot Can Be the Perfect Pet for Your Family
Cockatiels are one of the most fun and curious birds you can have as a pet. They are easy to care for, need only a cockatiel cage and some distracting accessories to be happy, can adapt to your lifestyle, and do well with other animals and family members. Cockatiels are social birds that do best when they have a mate, which is why they are considered one of the most affectionate parrot species.
Compared to other avians, they don’t have a problem if you own other birds, and they can also adapt to living around other pets, although in this case, you’ll need to be vigilant and ensure they will not fall prey to your dog or cat’s instincts.
Whether you want to have a parrot to keep in your bedroom or buy a bird harness and go for walks, a cockatiel can be a companion for many years and can provide you with beautiful moments that, over time, can turn into cherished memories.