BASIC CARE FOR A HAPPY AND HEALTHY BIRD

 

Bird pet parents should avoid non-stick cookware and appliances as they can release fumes hazardous to your bird's health.

 

A Healthy Diet

A well-balanced cockatiel diet consists of:

• Specialized pellets should make up 60 to 70% of diet, plus fresh vegetables and fruits and small amounts of fortified seeds.

• Clean, fresh, filtered, chlorine-free water, changed daily.

• Do not feed birds avocado, fruit seeds, chocolate, caffeine or alcohol as these can cause serious medical conditions. Avoid sugar and high fat treats.

Feeding your Cockatiel

Things to remember when feeding your cockatiel:

• Fresh food and water should always be available.

• Vegetables and fruits not eaten within a few hours should be discarded.

• Treats should not exceed 10% of total food.

Housing

• Cockatiels acclimate well to average household temperatures, not to drop below 65°F or to exceed 80°F; be cautious of extreme temperature changes. The habitat should be placed off the floor in an area that is well-lit and away from drafts.

• A habitat approximately 24"W x 24"D x 30"H, with metal bars spaced no greater than 1/2" apart, makes a good home for one cockatiel. It is best to provide the largest habitat possible.

• Perches should be at least 5" long and 1/2" in diameter; a variety of perch sizes to exercise feet and help prevent arthritis is recommended.

• A metal grate over the droppings tray will keep the bird away from droppings; line the droppings tray with habitat paper or appropriate substrate for easier cleaning. To avoid contamination, do not place food or water containers under perches.

• Cockatiels can be kept alone to bond with pet parent or in pairs to bond with each other. Different types of birds should not be housed together.

• Birds should be socialized daily by the pet parent.

Normal Cockatiel Behavior

• Cockatiels are known for mimicking repetitive sounds and noises.

• Bond easily with their human companions.

• Parent-raised cockatiels will require some time to acclimate to human handling.

• Provide foraging toys, which provide important mental stimulation.

Habitat Maintenance

• Clean and disinfect the habitat and perches regularly with a 3% bleach solution; replace substrate or habitat liner weekly or more often as needed.

• Replace perches, dishes, and toys when worn or damaged; rotate new toys into the habitat regularly.

• Ensure that there are no habitat parts or toys with lead, zinc or lead-based paints or galvanized parts as these can cause serious medical issues if ingested by your bird.

• Do not use a lot of cleaning agents around your bird as the fumes can be harmful. It is recommended to use a natural cleaning product.

Grooming & Hygiene

• Provide filtered, chlorinefree, lukewarm water regularly for bathing; remove the water when done. As an alternative, mist the bird with water.

• Clipping flight feathers, when done correctly, can help prevent injury or escape; consult an avian veterinarian on what is best for your bird.

• Nails should be trimmed by a qualified person to prevent injury to the bird.

 

Health

Signs of a Healthy Animal

• Active, alert, and sociable

• Eats and drinks throughout the day

• Dry nares and bright, dry eyes

• Beak, legs and feet normal in appearance

• Clean, dry vent

• Smooth, well-groomed feathers

Signs of illness

• beak swelling or accumulations

• fluffed, plucked, or soiled feathers

• sitting on floor of habitat

• wheezing or coughing

• runny or discolored stools

• favoring one foot when not sleeping

• eye or nasal discharge

• red or swollen eyes

• loss of appetite

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