06/10/2020
Welcome to the Cute Critters Pet Sitters family! 🐾
Thank you Hanélle for trusting us with your precious pets🐦🐦🦮🐩🐇🐇 (not pictured two little bunnies).
In light of our new family here are your and a few facts about cockatiels!
They are the perfect "beginner" bird. The smallest of the cockatoo family, cockatiels can grow up to 30 cm long. Cockatiels can live for 15 years or more. They are extremely social and enjoy daily interaction with their humans. They're intelligent enough to learn commands. Cockatiels are native to Australia.
Cockatiels get along well in pairs.
Choose a cage at least twice the size of your cockatiel's wingspan. If you will be keeping more than one in the cage, increase the cage size accordingly.
Place your cockatiel's cage close to the family in a living room, den or bedroom. Keep your cockatiel's cage away from the kitchen and away from windows.
Your cockatiel's cage should include a variety of perches of different heights, thickness and texture. These variations help keep your cockatiel's feet healthy.
Don't put a perch directly above the bird's food or water bowl; droppings are likely to land there.
Line the enclosure floor with recycled-paper bedding or use a paper liner. Replace the liner at least every other day.
Cockatiels enjoy a range of foods, including birdseed, pelleted food, vegetables, fruit and the occasional treat.
A mixture of 75% pellets and 25% seeds will be the mainstay of your cockatiel's diet. Keep your cockatiel's food bowl three-quarters full and refresh it daily.
Feed your bird dark, leafy greens and other fresh veggies every other day. These should make up no more than 20% of their overall diet.
Offer your cockatiel fresh fruit such as berries, melon, papaya or kiwi every other day. Offer your cockatiel a honey stick or millet spray once a month as a special treat. Be sure your bird has access to fresh, clean water at all times.
Cockatiels are birds of play! They love to interact with their owners. They can also entertain themselves inside their cages with toys.