spaceparrot
New member
- Jun 1, 2016
- 138
- 3
- Parrots
- Two cockatiels: Sharlett (Cinnamon Pied) and Data (White-Faced Pied)
I know there is a larger list in another board that talks about the pros and cons over different species but I wanted to make one about cockatiels since there are some misconceptions in the public about this beautiful birds.
What is a cockatiel?
A cockatiel is the smallest member of the family Cacatuidae, the family to which all cockatoos belong. Although it was controversial before now, DNA has proven that cockatiels are in fact cockatoos. These birds live in Australia and are listed as "least concern" as far as conservation goes. Though they share a lot of traits with their larger cousins, cockatiels have longer tails and thinner head crests. Nearly all cockatiels (save some specific color phenotypes) have distinctive orange patches over their ears that resemble a Pikachu.
General Information:
The second most popular pet bird after the Budgie
Lifespan of 25-30 years
Standard cockatiels are sexually dimorphic
Some will say "limited vocal ability" but I would not put too much stock in that because it seems to be limiting these birds
Good at whistling
Foragers in the wild
Cockatiels are very endearing. Once you have one, you will very likely be hooked on these sweet little birds! They are very comical and constantly do silly little things that will keep you in stitches! Their size is a plus because although they need a large cage, their cages will be generally smaller than that for a macaw or larger cockatoo. Tiels are very talented singers and are able to learn a variety of melodies (as well as wierd noises like a printer or Data's favorite: a car alarm...) They are able to learn to speak and with practice can speak clearly. (Watch what you say around them because they will repeat it!)
Pros:
As for some of the concerns or "cons" of owning a cockatiel, well, there are a few things to consider. Do you have the time and energy to care for a bird that will live 25-30 years? Cockatiels need AT LEAST 1-2 hours of out of cage time a day and you MUST spend time with them. Please remember that they are cockatoos and can have very similar problems and attributes of their larger cousins- just in a tiny package. They can be VERY NOISY! While not as loud as, say, a Moluccan Cockatoo they can still Pierce your ears. They also have very high-pitched voices, especially when they are young which can still hurt your ears. They are also very messy as they have powdered down that loosens every time they preen themselves (you will end up looking like you bathed in powdered sugar). Their curiosity is also a concern because they can sometimes get themselves into danger by being too trusting or not knowing their boundaries. Egg-binding and excessive egg-laying are two big concerns for female tiels. Also they will destroy your valuables if they can get to them. Which they will try. And look absolutely adorable doing it.
Cons:
This is by no means a comprehensive list and what I say is not true for ALL cockatiels. This is just a general overview.
What is a cockatiel?
A cockatiel is the smallest member of the family Cacatuidae, the family to which all cockatoos belong. Although it was controversial before now, DNA has proven that cockatiels are in fact cockatoos. These birds live in Australia and are listed as "least concern" as far as conservation goes. Though they share a lot of traits with their larger cousins, cockatiels have longer tails and thinner head crests. Nearly all cockatiels (save some specific color phenotypes) have distinctive orange patches over their ears that resemble a Pikachu.
General Information:
The second most popular pet bird after the Budgie
Lifespan of 25-30 years
Standard cockatiels are sexually dimorphic
Some will say "limited vocal ability" but I would not put too much stock in that because it seems to be limiting these birds
Good at whistling
Foragers in the wild
Cockatiels are very endearing. Once you have one, you will very likely be hooked on these sweet little birds! They are very comical and constantly do silly little things that will keep you in stitches! Their size is a plus because although they need a large cage, their cages will be generally smaller than that for a macaw or larger cockatoo. Tiels are very talented singers and are able to learn a variety of melodies (as well as wierd noises like a printer or Data's favorite: a car alarm...) They are able to learn to speak and with practice can speak clearly. (Watch what you say around them because they will repeat it!)
Pros:
- Funny
- Long-lived
- Good singers
- Their talking ability is generally better than most people will tell you it is
- Small
- They do not have the bite force of parrotlets or larger birds
- Curious
- Pretty friendly
- Come in a variety of colors
- Easier to care for than larger birds but still high maintenance
- Are pretty available
- May not cost as much to adopt as a larger bird
- Somewhat more sociable than other species
As for some of the concerns or "cons" of owning a cockatiel, well, there are a few things to consider. Do you have the time and energy to care for a bird that will live 25-30 years? Cockatiels need AT LEAST 1-2 hours of out of cage time a day and you MUST spend time with them. Please remember that they are cockatoos and can have very similar problems and attributes of their larger cousins- just in a tiny package. They can be VERY NOISY! While not as loud as, say, a Moluccan Cockatoo they can still Pierce your ears. They also have very high-pitched voices, especially when they are young which can still hurt your ears. They are also very messy as they have powdered down that loosens every time they preen themselves (you will end up looking like you bathed in powdered sugar). Their curiosity is also a concern because they can sometimes get themselves into danger by being too trusting or not knowing their boundaries. Egg-binding and excessive egg-laying are two big concerns for female tiels. Also they will destroy your valuables if they can get to them. Which they will try. And look absolutely adorable doing it.
Cons:
- Messy
- Loud, shrill voices
- Can become clingy
- Can have separation anxiety
- Can be skittish
- Egg-binding and excessive egg laying are a concern
- People they think they are a extremely easy bird (which is not the bird's fault)
- They are a long-term committment
- Two words: temper tantrums
This is by no means a comprehensive list and what I say is not true for ALL cockatiels. This is just a general overview.
Data is my chatterbox (although he has not been talking much recently).
