About this item
"songs" from the radio, tv, or even an original song you hum just for them! While some cockatiels can learn to "speak," it is more common for them to learn different songs to whistle and may even start mimicking songs they hear a lot like tv theme songs or music from your favorite playlist.
Learn more about your pet Cockatiel in our Complete Care Guide!
Species: Cockatiel
Normal Pet Size at Maturity: Cockatiels growup to 12" (15cm-18 cm) from head to end of tail.
Average Lifespan: cockatiels live on average 15-20yrs
Basic Diet: For detailed feeding information, check out the What Do Pet Birds Eat? article in our learning page! Pellet-seed blends will be the primary source of food and nutrition. Keep fresh food, rmoved and replaced daily about 3⁄4 full. Leafy green vegetables, fruits and grains every other day helps provide a well rounded diet for your bird. Once or twice a month, honey or millet spray can be offered as treats. Always provide fresh, clean water for your bird via water bottle or water bowl. Never feed your bird chocolate, sugar, fried foods, avocado, or human junk food.
Habitat Necessities: For full details, see the Setting up a Cockatiel Habitat section of our care guide!
- Place the cage at or below eye level
- Away from: kitchens and cooking fumes (especially non-stick cookware), smoke, strong odors, and drafts, direct sunlight and open windows
- Cover the cage at night to help your bird feel secure
- Provide at least three toys to encourage activity and mental stimulation
- Place a cuttlebone in the enclosure to support beak and bone health
- Include at least two perches of varying thickness and height to support foot health
- Offer a birdbath or shallow dish for splashing and bathing 2-3 times a week
Does this Pet Need a Roommate? Cockatiels can thrive alone with daily human interaction, but they also enjoy the company of other cockatiels.
Minimum Enclosure Size: Minimum size 20"x 20" x 30" Recommended size 27"x 24"x 30" or larger
Safety Tips for You and Your Pet: It is recommended to closely monitor any newpet for 30 days in their own enclosure to observe signs of illness, prevent the spread of potential diseases, and to limit stress while your pet acclimates to their new home. All new pets should be seen by a veterinarian within 14 days of purchase to establish care and discuss a health and wellness plan. All animals can potentially carry viral, bacterial, fungal, and parasitic diseases contagious to humans. Thoroughly wash your hands with warm, soapy water before and after contact with any pet or its habitat. Adults should assist children with hand washing after contact with a pet or its enclosure. Use caution when handling pets, and remember they may bite or scratch, especially when stressed.
Vet Assured: Pets purchased at PetSmart are part of our exclusive Vet Assured program, designed by PetSmart veterinarians to help improve the health and well-being of our pets. Our vendors meet a high standard in caring for pets and screening them for common illnesses, including Zoonotic diseases. This program also includes specific standards for in-store pet care.
When to Contact a Veterinarian: In addition to regularly scheduled appointments, contact your avian veterinarian if you notice the following signs:
- long periods sitting at the bottom of the enclosure
- decreased appetite or weight loss
- less activity and grooming
- feathers fluffed for long periods of time
- sneezing; discharge from eyes nose or mouth
- runny droppings for more than two days
- constantly plucking feathers or feathers are falling out
- beak over grown⁄ not closing normally
Go to "find a vet" on AAV.org for help finding an avian veterinarian in your area.
The PetSmart Promise: If your pet becomes ill during the initial 14-day period, or if you're not satisfied for any reason, PetSmart will gladly replace the pet or refund the purchase price.