Questions before buying a cockatiel.?

Question by George: Questions before buying a cockatiel.?
Now, I’ve read quite a lot about owning a cockatiel and I believe that I am ready to buy one.
I only have a couple of questions regarding care and habits.

I know that they need a cage, cuttlebone, toys and perches. And I know they need fresh fruit. But I’m not sure exactly what kind of pellets or seeds they eat. Can anyone recommend a type or brand?

I also couldn’t find what to do to prepare them at night.
Do I cover them? or do I just leave them as they are?
My room is right next to a light post so it always has some light. Mind you it’s not extremely bright, nor as if my bedroom light was on, but there is still a light source. Should I shield the cockatiel from the light source or is it irrelevant?

And I’m starting college in a week. I’ve organized my classes so that I can have an hour with him/her in the morning (9), and hour during lunch(12) and the rest of the day after 3.
Is this enough time for me to be spending with him/her or is it insufficient?

Thanks.
Thank you both for those comments.
I don’t know who to pick because both of them were so helpful.
But I sincerely thank both of you.

Best answer:

Answer by Dave Womach
Here is all the info you need on what to feed them, organic pellets are best and there are two on the market;

http://jamiesparrothelp.wordpress.com/2008/06/03/the-diet-your-parrot-should-be-on/

As for cage covers, most people cover them when they are being too noisy which should not be done so I never recommend people to get cage covers. Also, I’ve read birds need a constant circulation of air flow but you could always cover the side that faces the light post and leave the remaining sides of the cage open and uncovered.

The best toys are those WITHOUT reflections. Cockatiels can become very hormonal… and my brother’s tiel quickly got defensive over mirrors or anything reflective. It’s not a fun behavior to have to reverse! Here are the best toys (also natural/organic); http://www.birdtricks.com/parrot-toys Too many other toys on the market use bad metal, toxic dyes, etc. So be careful about all that.

Also, millet is a great treat for tiels for training but not as an everyday part of their diet.

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How long should I wait before training my new cockatiel?

Question by Chip: How long should I wait before training my new cockatiel?
I recently bought a 14 week old hand fed cockatiel who was very nice when I was at the breeders house. He didn’t hesitate stepping onto my hand when I held it out. When I took him home he was very quiet and didn’t eat much. I had read that it was best to give them time to adjust to their new environment before training them. I have left him to alone most of the time. It has been three days and he seems a bit more comfortable. He is eating much better and seems much more relaxed, so I decided to see if I could get him to perch on my finger. He hissed at me and nipped my finger. Definately not the same cute bird he was at the breeders house. Should I leave him alone for a while longer, or should I just talk to him a lot so he can become used to me. Any information is appreciated, thanks.

Best answer:

Answer by Nosmartcomments
Talk to him, hold treats in your hand for him to get FROM YOUR HAND to realize that you DONT want to eat him do this and do not physically take him our after one week of having him. He should be fine and ifs he’s simply not ready yet, hold treats again but only allowing him to eat it if he perches onto your hand.

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How Can I Tame a Year Old Cockatiel, That Was NEVER Tamed Before?

Question by Bananna: How Can I Tame a Year Old Cockatiel, That Was NEVER Tamed Before?
I have a year old cockatiel that i adopted from a local animal shelter. He never had any human interaction before and hisses and lunges at me whenever i try to get close to him. He also screams a lot. He’s willing to come out of his cage and *sometimes* takes treats from our fingers. im afraid that one of my family members might get hurt in the future from one of his bites.

Best answer:

Answer by BMTHESPIAN
A family member isn’t going to get hurt by him biting. Cockatiels don’t have the bite force to cause injury like larger parrots do.

Time and patients is what he needs. If his winds are not already clipped have them clipped, keep is cage below your head level (being high up can cause aggression issues in some birds)

What do you think? Answer below!

Why does my 4month old male cockatiel VIGOROUSLY flap his wings before I put his cover over his cage at night?

Question by horseys: Why does my 4month old male cockatiel VIGOROUSLY flap his wings before I put his cover over his cage at night?

Best answer:

Answer by James P
You cockatiel my be afraid of the cover so don’t put it on if it is not cold outside. It is okay for the cockatiel to flap his wing because he need exeises his wings let him fly around the house so he can get know where he can fly and not to fly.

Give your answer to this question below!

Cockatiel Bird. Santa, & Twas The Night Before Christmas

Actually this is for anyone who wants to have their kids hear the story of Twas The Night Before Christmas—TURN UP YOUR SOUND. I can’t believe that this little Santa reads the WHOLE STORY. CuppaCake loves all the animated toys that talk so she sat on Santa’s head through the whole story. THIS IS FOR YOU – MY MOMMA
Video Rating: 5 / 5

Do cockatiels have superior hearing and smell? Before i open the door she starts to hollar.?

When my wife comes home or strangers come not a sound,She gets up tite when i leave the room but quiet if tell its nap time.

Cockatiel Breeders – Must To Watch Before Cockatiel Breeding

www.CockatielCareSecrets.com How to prepare yourself before cockatiel breeding. This video will show you how to be a good cockatiel breeder. www.CockatielCareSecrets.com Learn How To Train, Breed And Proper Care Of Your Cockatiel, Visit Now www.CockatielCareSecrets.com

How many days should I wait before trying to take my Cockatiel out of it’s cage?

Brought him home from a pet store, he is either 1 or 2 years old not sure.
It’s not handfed, he came form a really bad petstore
poor buddy

How long before a baby cockatiel can be given to a new owner?

A friend of mine just had 2 cockatiel eggs hatch and wants to give the babies to me when they’re ready. We’re not sure how long they need to stay with there parents. Any suggestions on when they are ready?

how many days does it take before a cockateil egg hatches?

i have a male and a female cockateil they both sit on the eggs. i was wondering how long does it take for them to hatch.

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