Cockatiel

RVC calls the cockatiel "generally friendly and gentle," and says that although its powers of mimicry are good, it is better at imitating whistles and other sounds than human speech. Animal Diversity Web likewise says they can't imitate human speech well but can learn and sing melodies; they use high-pitched chirps to signal stress, and their calls carry over long distances. Merck says they are lively and vocal but quieter than macaws or cockatoos.

Social structure matters: in the wild they form flocks that can number in the thousands, and pairs stay together year-round (ADW). At home you are its flock; if you can't give it enough time, take the idea of a companion seriously.

A cockatiel suits people who can spend time with it every day, set aside a safe room for flight and commit to 15 to 20 years. RSPCA Australia reminds readers that birds are not "low maintenance," may need specialized avian veterinary care and require a long-term commitment.

The cockatiel is native to Australia. Animal Diversity Web writes that it lives across the mainland, especially inland, in open woodlands and savannas next to fresh water. Northern populations are nomadic, following water and food, while southern ones migrate with the seasons; flocks can number from hundreds to thousands. Pairs are monogamous and bond early.

RVC says the bird has been domesticated and widely bred since the 1840s. In the wild it eats mostly grass, shrub and acacia seeds, along with fruit, berries and the occasional small insect.

RVC writes that it is the smallest member of the cockatoo family. The wild type has a gray body, yellow face and orange cheek patches, with an upright crest. Pet forms include white, yellow and several patterned varieties.

Telling the sexes apart by sight isn't always easy: RSPCA Australia writes that in many Australian parrots the two sexes look alike and that surgical or DNA sexing may be needed for a valid sexing certificate. If you want to know your bird's sex for sure, ask a bird vet.

• Daily flight: RVC calls free flight an essential requirement; the room must have windows, doors and chimneys blocked off, fans and heaters off and poisonous plants removed.
• Perches: RVC recommends natural branch perches and says sanded perch covers don't shorten nails.
• Toys: RVC suggests rotating toys, choosing sturdy ones and picking zinc-free products.
• Bathing: Water for drinking and bathing in a shallow dish, changed daily (RVC).
• Sleep and light: RVC notes that ultraviolet lighting is important for natural behavior and calcium metabolism, and that bird lamps exist; it suggests mounting the lamp above the cage. See how much do birds sleep for more.
• Bonding: If started young, teaching a bird to step onto a finger and go back to the cage is easy (RVC); see bonding with your bird.

For a fuller guide, see cockatiel care.

RVC writes that cockatiels naturally live in large flocks, so they are happiest in a spacious outdoor aviary. A cage should be as large as possible, let the bird stretch its wings in every direction, ideally allow flight, and be used only at night or when the bird is unsupervised.

RSPCA Australia suggests a cage that is long rather than tall (birds fly horizontally), with width for two birds at least three times their combined wingspan and at least two wingbeats between perches. Merck suggests a space at least 1.5 times the wingspan in every direction.

• Materials: RVC recommends zinc-free, non-toxic materials; RSPCA suggests powder-coated or stainless steel.
• Location: Out of direct sun and drafts, and away from the kitchen, smoke and anything that gives off toxic fumes (RVC). See the cage placement guide.
• Cleaning: RVC recommends a full clean at least weekly.
• Companion: RVC recommends at least one companion of the same species. RSPCA says to choose compatible individuals when introducing a new bird.

RVC writes that in the wild cockatiels mostly eat fruit, berries, grass seed and grain on the ground, and that seed mixes at home often leave nutrient gaps; it recommends a complete formulated pellet diet. RVC describes a mostly pellet diet (with the rest vegetables and a small amount of sprouted seed) and says quality seed should be used as a treat or training reward.

Merck says diets based on seeds and nuts are high in fat and lacking in many vitamins and minerals, that vitamin A deficiency is common and often goes unnoticed and that obesity is widespread. Work out your bird's diet with an avian vet. Water should be fresh every day. See foods that are harmful to birds.

Birds hide illness; Merck writes that they hide sickness so they don't look weak to other animals. The information below is for general knowledge; see a vet who treats birds for diagnosis and treatment.

• Fume and gas poisoning: RVC says nonstick pans (Teflon), air fresheners, deodorants and cigarette smoke can irritate the respiratory tract and sometimes be fatal. Merck notes that overheated nonstick coatings and some heating appliances release gases that can kill birds very quickly.
• Obesity: Linked to seed-heavy diets and inactivity; Merck lists arthritis, fatty liver and heart disease as risks.
• Psittacosis (chlamydia): Merck says species such as budgies and cockatiels resist infection but can be carriers, and that some cockatiels develop eye problems. The bacteria are spread through nasal discharge and droppings of sick, recovering and carrier birds, can survive for months in dried droppings and can spread through dust and feather dander. It can pass to people; when handling a sick bird, wear gloves, wash your hands and disinfect cages and dishes daily. If you get flu-like symptoms, tell your doctor you keep birds.
• Nail and foot problems: Natural branch perches help prevent foot injuries and nail overgrowth (RVC).

RVC recommends an annual health check; problems caught early are easier to manage.

RVC says 10 to 15 years in captivity, and Merck up to 20. Animal Diversity Web says wild birds typically live 10 to 14 years, captive birds 15 to 25 years, and the oldest recorded bird reached 36. Diet, air quality, out-of-cage flight and regular vet checks matter most.

• Check rescue groups: Look for bird rescue groups too.
• Check the seller: RSPCA Australia recommends sellers who are honest, share the bird's parentage, history and diet and offer a refund or replacement for health problems.
• Vet check: Have the bird examined by a bird vet right after purchase.
• No wild-caught birds: The cockatiel is a captive-bred species. In Türkiye, Article 18 of the Land Hunting Law (No. 4915) restricts the sale and transport of wildlife taken against the rules, and catching and selling native wild birds (such as the goldfinch) is prohibited.
• Count the cost: RSPCA reminds readers that a bird may be cheap to buy but setup and ongoing care costs can be considerable.