Cockatiels and other birds are great pets. But dont give in and buy one when someone tells you that. Birds need a lot of attention and other needs. And requires a great deal of consideration, besides the initial of ongoing costs. You must also remember that keeping a cockatiel is a long-term commitment (unless you give it away); cockatiels over 12 years of age are by no means uncommon. I also would not recomend a large bird for a novice. They take a lot more time, attition and care.
Here are some questions you can ask your self. To see if you are ready to get a bird.
Cockatiels are messy. If you have a cage in the house, water will be splashed around, along with seed husks, loose feathers and similar detritus. Are you prepared to be confronted with this each day and clean it up?
Because cockatiels are not particularly "tidy" birds, the food and water dishes will have to be cleaned daily; the cage must be thoroughly cleaned at least once per week and the perches scraped and sanded a required. And every two weeks cage and utensils disinfected.
- Are you prepared to give your birds fresh food and drink every day (including Saturdays and Sundays), and preferably at the same time each day so that the bird will become accustomed to routine?
- Are you prepared to become a member of a bird club (where you will learn much that will become a benefit to you and your bird)?
- Is there someone that you can rely on to take care of your bird if you are sick or on vacation?
- Is there and avian veterinarian in your area whom you can consult if your bird becomes sick?
- If you intend to breed cockatiels, are you prepared to accommodate your birds in proper breeding cages and aviaries (and not some old box you may have picked up at a garage sale)?
- If you live in a rented house or apartment, what will your landlord say about your birds?
- Even well adjusted cockatiels sometimes screech (especially early in the morning and at dusk), so it is best to get the cooperation of your neighbors. If you live in an apartment or if you intend to build and aviaries in your garden, this must be done before you acquire any birds.
As you keep reading it might sound like I do not want you to get a bird because there are so many things to think about and do. But keep in mind that these are the most important things to consider or you will have an unhappy and unhealthy bird.
A improtant quesition is how many? One? A pair? If you decide to get one bird consider the fact that without another member of its own species, your bird will become more dependent on you. So you will have to give it a lot of your time and attention. I am not saying buying two is better, since you don't need to spend as much time with them. But one you need to spend more time with because they do not have someone to play with. And if you do get two you will have more responsibility. I would recomend that people who have not had birds get a beginner bird like a budgie, finch or cockatiel. And I would recomend getting one bird. And once you get more experienced with birds you can try two or get a larger bird.
Many people buy a bird just for the looks. Just to stick in a cage for pretty and never give it attention and that is not kind and healthy for the bird. Birds need to also get out of there cage and if they dont will become bored and stressed and if they become bored and stressed they will develop all sorts of bad habits like screeching and feather plucking. .
Another question is . . . . . . Are there pets in your home? Such as dogs or cats. Because they can create a serous problem. Dogs, especially hunting breeds, can be carried into fits of excitement by a tame free flying bird (even if they their wings are clipped they can try to fly and fall on the ground) and cats are definite "nonoes" (even if you heard stories of can and bird becoming friends. Some time or later the cats natural instincts will pop out and the bird then becomes and item on the menu).
