My Personal Joy of Having a Cockatiel for a Pet Bird

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Cockatiels are the Perfect Pet

Cockatiels are small parrots that are a delight to have as a pet. They make great companions and I am very happy to have been able to experience the affection and entertainment that they provide.

Eddy(130385) Eddy, my first cockatiel came into my life when we received her as a trade for my husband’s old golf bag. I did not know what to expect with her as she was my first pet bird. I did not realize that such a little bird could give out so much love. When she passed away eighteen years later, that was one of the saddest days of my life.

Cockatiels are very affectionate and Eddy loved to sit on my shoulder. I would kiss her face and she would gently pick at my face, neck and eye area. She would beep in excitement whenever she heard my car pull up in the driveway. I usually kept her cage door open while I was at home and she had a habit of flying to me while I was watching tv or working on the computer.

One day while I was at work, my mom called to say that Eddy passed away. I did not anticipate her death as she was her normal self the night before. Cockatiels typically have a lifespan of 15 to 20 years, so it was Eddy’s time to go. I am thankful that she did not die from an injury or sickness.

A few months after Eddy’s death, I decided to get another cockatiel as I knew there were many that needed a good home. Patty was just a few months old when I brought him home. I was told that Patty was a female bird, but a few weeks later when he started giving his pink toy some special attention, I knew that Patty is a male.

The male cockatiels are more likely to talk than females. This holds true with Patty and he makes me smile whenever he says “Hi Patty”, “Hi Mama” or “Bye”. He loves making kissing noises and he will often just start whistling, chirping and talking in his own language. I don’t know what he is saying, but he sounds very happy.

If you are interested in experiencing the same love and joy that I have received from Eddy and Patty, please keep in mind that cockatiels do require daily care and attention. Before purchasing a cockatiel, please ask yourself:

Do you have time to care for the cockatiel? Cockatiels need to be fed every day and have their cages cleaned frequently. They are social animals and they will need someone to spend time with them each day so that they do not get lonely.

Will you be able to provide a safe home? Cockatiels will get scared when they hear sudden noises or even see new objects. If they are outside of their cage, they will fly and can get injured if they crash into a window or wall. With Eddy, we had to disable our doorbell as its sound always spooked her. Keeping their wings clipped will reduce their flying ability.

Are you able to clip their wings and trim their nails? My husband and I do this together. I hold the bird down and he does the clipping and the trimming. Do you have someone to help you? Otherwise, is there a place nearby that provides these services and can you afford it?

Do you have the finances to support a cockatiel for the next 15 to 20 years? Besides the initial cost of the cockatiel and bird cage, there are ongoing costs for bird food, bird treats and toys. Will you be able afford a trip to the veterinarian if your cockatiel gets injured?

Do you mind bird messes? Cockatiels are messy animals and they do not hesitate to make little messes where ever they are at (including your shoulder). When they eat, they get bird seed on the bottom of their cage and on the floor. A few times a year, they molt which is a normal process when they shed their old feathers. This leaves many feathers on the floor to be vacuumed up.

There are many resources available on the Internet and at your local pet store, book store and library that will go further into detail on what is involved in raising a cockatiel. Cockatiels are great pets, but please take the time to do your research before bringing one into your home.