Having a comfortable cage will help your cockatiel adjust to your home. Make sure the cage is large enough for him to spread his wings without touching the sides of the cage. Also, a square or rectangular cage is preferable, since a round cages tend to make birds feel nervous. [6] X Research source Put his cage in a busy part of your home. Since cockatiels thrive on interaction, getting him used to human activity will help him acclimate to your home. [7] X Research source Place wood perches of variable diameters in his cage to give his feet good exercise. His food and water dishes should go at the height of the perches to prevent them from getting contaminated by his droppings. [8] X Research source When you first bring him home, consider sitting with him for about 20 minutes in the room where you have placed his cage— without putting him in his cage. By doing this, he will learn that the space outside of his cage is safe, making it easier for you to take him out of his cage later on.
Pay attention to what your cockatiel likes to do. This can give you ideas on how to interact with him. For example, if he likes to toss a toy with his beak, roll a toy towards him and let him toss it back to you. [11] X Research source Interacting with him in a way that he enjoys will deepen your bond with him and let you have even more fun with him.
You can also say ‘good morning’ when you get greet him in the morning and say ‘bye bye’ as you walk out the door. [13] X Research source Your cockatiel is more likely to learn words or phrases that are spoken enthusiastically. Whichever words or phrases you want your cockatiel to learn, say with them energy and enthusiasm. [14] X Research source With repetition, your cockatiel will start saying the words back to you, even if it sounds more like a whistle initially. Keep in mind that male cockatiels are more likely to talk than female cockatiels. [15] X Research source
Portable perches are available at your local pet store. Wood play pens are also available that you could set up outside of your cockatiel’s cage. If you have a skittish or nervous cockatiel, he may prefer to stay inside his cage. Do not force him to come out of his cage for the sake of interacting with you.
Make sure to wash your hands after feeding him and before eating your own meal. [18] X Research source www. petland. ca/pages/caring-for-your-cockatiel
Keep in mind that treats should be only a small part of your cockatiel’s diet. Feeding him too many treats could lead to health problems such as obesity. Make you hold the treat by its sides to prevent your bird from biting your fingers. [20] X Research source
Channels that your bird might enjoy are the Travel Channel and Discovery Channel. [22] X Research source Animal Planet is another good channel for your bird to watch. Other than the television or radio, you could also play a CD with bird or nature sounds. [23] X Research source
Cockatiels especially like toys they can shred and destroy. A balled-up piece of newspaper or notebook paper is perfect for your cockatiel and will save you money. Cockatiels have a natural instinct to chew. Select chew toys made of either wood or leather. [24] X Research source Chew toys have the added benefit of keeping your cockatiel’s beak trimmed down. Foraging toys encourage your cockatiel to exhibit his natural foraging behavior. By requiring him to put in extra effort to get his food, foraging toys also provide good mental stimulation and physical exercise. [25] X Research source Rope preening toys are also available that will satisfy your cockatiel’s natural urge to preen and prevent him from feather picking and self-mutilation. [26] X Research source Comfort toys (e. g. , snuggle perches) are toys that your cockatiel could snuggle up against, especially if he does not have a cage mate. [27] X Research source Exercise toys, such as swings and bungees, will provide your cockatiel with plenty of physical exercise. [28] X Research source
Determine if your bird will be able to tolerate a change of scenery. If your bird is older or timid, a change in location could cause him to start feather picking. [30] X Research source
Make sure that the new bird is well socialized and friendly. [32] X Research source Be mindful that you will need to have frequent interaction with both birds. [33] X Research source Having two birds in the same cage could have its downsides. For example, the birds could start to exhibit aggressive behavior. Also, when the birds reach reproductive maturity, they may begin to start feather picking because of hormonal stress. [34] X Research source If your bird is older and has become accustomed to the solitary life, giving him a cage mate may not be ideal. [35] X Research source Consult with your avian veterinarian if you are considering getting a cage mate for your cockatiel.
