A Cockatiel is a very clever bird that possesses a number of skills. They are regarded as good house pets and a companion bird that is easy to breed. They are good climbers and use their toes to hang upside down.
These birds can mimic simple words they hear and whistle tunes with precision. If you own a Cockatiel when it is young it is easier to tame. You can train the Cockatiel to talk but it requires a lot of patience.
Audio tapes are available that help in the training process. It is best to do this in a quiet environment with a few distractions.
When buying a Cockatiel keep in mind that the bird does not have any missing digits, a dirty beak, crusty skin or nasal discharge. Also make sure that it is not underweight and the breathing is normal. Try and get a Cockatiel that is still young rather than buying an old one. It is easier to teach young bird new tricks. It can be very tricky to tell how old the bird is. The tail feathers are slightly duller and shorter in younger birds. The life span of Cockatiel on an average is 12 to 15 years. However there are some that live till the age of 30.
There are many diseases a Cockatiel can contract and some of these can be fatal. Some of the common problems are Diarrhea, Molting, Obesity, Vomiting, Respiratory Disease, Conjunctivitis and Crop Disorders. By observing your Cockatiel everyday you will be able to tell if there is any unusual behavior that should draw your attention. Some signs of illness to watch out are abnormal breathing, bleeding, discharge from the eyes, beak or the nostrils, drinking a lot more water than usual, swollen or dull eyes, loss of appetite, fluffed up appearance, weight loss and abnormal sleep patterns. If you detect any of these signs then you should take the bird to an Avian VET immediately.
To ensure your Cockatiel lives a long, healthy and happy life always keeps the cage clean. The news paper kept at the bottom of the cage should be changed everyday and the cage should be disinfected at least once a week. The diet should include Vegetables such as Broccoli, Celery, Lettuce, Spinach, Zucchini, Sweet Corn, Peas and Silver Beet. Fruits such as Kiwi, Orange, Pear, Apple, Plum, Grape, Mango, Watermelon, Guava and Pomegranate are also good for the bird. Always ensure that the bird has a lot of activity and companionship.
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