With sunny personalities that match their natural orange cheek patches, cockatiels are the perfect addition as a first bird, or as a new member to an existing flock.

 

Beautiful in appearance, with an expressive crest, and long tail feathers typical of grass parakeets, the cockatiel is commonly seen in aviculture and the pet trade. The cockatiel, or Nymphicus hollandicus is named "little nymph of New Holland", and is a small member of the cockatoo family. Once you've spent any time with these happy, active birds, you won't wonder for one second where the name is derived from. Active, playful, and full of antics, a socialized cockatiel is a delight, and its interactive nature can rival that of many of the bigger parrots.

 

Cockatiels, like all birds, thrive in an environment where they can be part of the fray. Adequate toys in and out of the cage, as well as one-on-one human time, help provide these curious birds with adequate stimulation, and will help your cockatiel stay in the best health, physically and mentally.

 

Cocaktiels are often recognized for their superior whistling ability. While males are more apt to become excellent whistlers, and even learn to mimic a few words, some females become wonderful songstresses as well. It must be kept in mind that even a single cockatiel can make a lot of noise, and more than one can make quite a racket! While not as loud or "shrieky" as large parrots, potential owners need to be aware that these relatively quiet birds are not silent by any means!

 

By far one of the most common concerns regarding keeping of cockatiels is their dust. Along with several other avian species, including the large cockatoos and African Greys, cockatiels produce a protective feather dust that can be bothersome to some people, especially to those predisposed to allergies or who have existing respiratory problems. Regular misting and good cage hygeine are important in keeping the dust under control, and using an air purifier is an excellent idea. In any case, cockatiel owners can still expect to find a thin layer of white dust on surfaces in the room.

 

Another care concern for cockatiels is their propensity for having night frights. Frights occur in darkened rooms when something startles the bird from their sleep. In the wild, a cockatiel would fly away when startled; in the confines of the cage, the bird will thrash about wildly, potentially causing injury. Due to this, owners of cockatiels should be prepared to provide a nightlight or dimly lit room for the cockatiel to sleep in.

 

 

.