08/05/2024
I’ll preface by saying ‘weiros’ is another name for ‘cockatiel’ (derived from Aboriginal language), largely used in Western Australia where Little Beaks is based.
What started out as a small sanctuary for budgies some years ago, quickly became a home for many needy weiros too (among multiple other species over time). Sadly, after budgies/parakeets, these guys are some of the most rehomed birds.
A little more expensive than budgies but still a relatively ‘cheap’ bird, weiros are often bought on impulse or as a first bird, with many people not realising their noise level (not as loud as bigger parrots, but flock calling can be relentless).
They can also do magnificent damage with their beaks - these guys often like to latch on and not let go!
The most common scenario we see is families that have bought a ‘tame’ ‘hand raised’ bird which, in reality, has just had their wings clipped and ends up being scared of people.
Weiros are amazing birds, intelligent, cheeky, full of character... but flock life and an understanding of their needs and species traits is essential for them.
video description: on a swinging branch moving from end to end away from the camera, several budgies and weiros sit close together, some preening, others just chilling. Two budgies at the front preen each other. Near the end, a weiro near the back tries a few times to grab a thin twig as the branch swings near it, and finally succeeds, to enjoy chewing.