Optimize your cockatiel's health! Explore the best diet with top-notch food options for optimal nutrition and well-being
Cockatiels are not demanding pets, even for first time pet bird owners. Neither is feeding them!
To attain the optimal health for your cockatiel only involves a balanced and nutritious diet. This includes high-quality pellets,like Harrisons, Roudybush and ZuPreem, for essential vitamins and minerals, supplemented by fresh vegetables and fruits like leafy greens, carrots, and bell peppers.
Treats such as millet sprays, whole grains, and Nutriberries pellets offer both enjoyment and enrichment, but moderation is key to prevent dietary imbalances and obesity.
Feed your cockatiel twice a day, adjusting portion sizes based on your Tiel’s size and activity level. Regular weight monitoring ensures you’re meeting their specific needs.
Avoid certain foods, including high-fat and high-sugar treats, chocolate, caffeinated beverages, and salty foods. Steer clear of avocado, fruit pits, and onion due to potential harm.
While seeds are a natural part of a cockatiel’s diet, an exclusive seed-based diet lacks all essential nutrients. So, incorporate pellets, vegetables, and fruits for a balanced and nutritious overall diet.
Cockatiels are primarily omnivores and will accept small amounts of cooked meat, but it should not be a significant part of their regular diet.
Read the entire article for better insight into cockatiel food and diet, including Incredible Chop Receipes, Food Charts and Schedules.
What Food Do Cockatiels Eat
Cockatiels need a balanced diet for health. Pellets, formulated for them, should be a major part. Seeds are okay but in moderation due to their high-fat content.
Dark leafy greens like kale and spinach, carrots, broccoli and bell peppers are good daily veggies. Apples, berries, and melons can be given occasionally. Other options include cooked grains, legumes, eggs, and small amounts of unsalted nuts and lean meat.
Avoid toxic foods like avocado, chocolate, caffeine, and alcohol.
For treats, consider millet sprays, small fruit pieces, or nut bits in moderation.
Cockatiel babies may start with a softer diet, but it gradually aligns with the adult diet. Keep treats and portions appropriate for their size.
Always have fresh water available and always aonsult with an avian vet for specific dietary advice based on age, health, and individual needs, especially if your Tiel is a picky eater or (under) overweight.
Below is an extensive list of safe food for cockatiels.
| Cooked Food | Vegetables | Fruits | Seeds | Herbs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chicken | Dark Leafy Greens (e.g., kale, spinach, Swiss chard) | Apples (remove seeds and core) | Healthy Seed Mix (sunflower, safflower, pumpkin, flaxseeds) | Safe Herbs (e.g., parsley, basil, cilantro) |
| Fish | Carrots | Berries (e.g., blueberries, strawberries, raspberries) | Sunflower Seeds (in moderation) | Mint (in moderation) |
| Lean Meat | Broccoli | Melons (e.g., cantaloupe, honeydew) | Pumpkin Seeds | Dill (in moderation) |
| Turkey | Bell Peppers (red, green, yellow) | Grapes (seedless, cut in small pieces) | Millet Seeds | Basil (in moderation) |
| Hard Boiled Eggs | Sweet Potatoes | Oranges (in moderation) | Flaxseeds | Sage (in moderation) |
| Scrambled, Unsalted Eggs | Zucchini | Mango | Chia Seeds | Oregano (in moderation) |
| Brown Rice | Cucumber | Papaya | Hemp Seeds | Thyme (in moderation) |
| Whole Bread | Celery | Pineapple | Sesame Seeds (in moderation) | Rosemary (in moderation) |
| Lentils | Pumpkin | Banana (in moderation) | Canary Seeds | Marjoram |
| Other Cereals | Cauliflower | Kiwi | Coriander Seeds | Ginger Roots |
| Dried Beans | Green Beans | Peach (remove pit) | Nigella Seeds (in moderation) | Fennel |
| Cooked Barley | Turnip Greens | Plum (remove pit) | Poppy Seeds (in moderation) | Lemon Balm |
| Oatmeal | Beets | Apricot (remove pit) | Radish Seeds (in moderation) | Cayenne |
| Bird Bread | Asparagus | Pomegranate | Safflower Seeds (in moderation) | Dandelion |
| Cooked Pasta | Brussel Sprouts | Guava | Quinoa (as a seed) | Chicory |
| Parsnips | Watermelon | Wheat Berries | Chamomile | |
| Chard | Star Fruit (remove seeds) | Canary Grass Seeds (in moderation) | ||
| Snow Peas | Passion Fruit | Millet Sprays | ||
| Radishes | Nectarines (remove pit) | Hulled Oats | ||
| Bok Choy | Papaya (remove seeds) | Pomegranate Seeds |
What Food is Not Good for Cockatiels
It’s essential for cockatiel owners to be aware of specific foods that can pose serious health risks to their feathered companions and a careful selection of their diet is crucial to maintain their well-being.
Here’s a closer look at some foods that should be avoided and the reasons behind it:
Avocado: Avocado contains a substance called persin, particularly concentrated in the pit, skin, and leaves. Ingesting persin can lead to severe health issues, including organ failure and death.
Chocolate, Coffee, Tea: These substances can be fatal to birds. Chocolate contains theobromine, which is toxic to them, while caffeine in coffee, Tea, and some juices can lead to central nervous system depression and other life-threatening complications.
Salty Foods: Cockatiels have a low tolerance for salt, and high-sodium foods can lead to dehydration and kidney problems. It’s crucial to avoid offering salty snacks or foods seasoned with excessive salt.
Sugary Foods: Cockatiels are sensitive to sugar, and excessive intake can result in obesity, diabetes, and other health issues. This includes sugary treats, candies, and overly sweetened fruits.
Onions and Garlic: Onions and garlic contain compounds that can cause damage to a bird’s red blood cells, leading to anemia. It’s best to avoid these ingredients in both raw and cooked forms.
Fruit Pits and Seeds: Certain seeds and pits, such as those found in apples, peaches, plums, and cherries, contain cyanogenic glycosides that can release cyanide when chewed or crushed, posing a serious toxic threat.
Junk Food and Processed Foods: Chips, sweets, and other processed human foods are not nutritionally suitable for cockatiels and can contribute to health problems such as obesity and nutritional deficiencies.
Dairy Products: Cockatiels are lactose intolerant, meaning they lack the enzyme needed to digest lactose in milk and other dairy products. Feeding them dairy can result in digestive issues.
Alcohol: Even small amounts of alcohol can be extremely toxic to birds, affecting their liver and central nervous system. It’s essential to keep any alcoholic beverages out of their reach.
High-Fat Foods: While some fats are necessary, excessive intake of high-fat foods like fried items and certain nuts can lead to obesity, liver problems, and other health issues.
Rhubarb: Contains oxalates, which can be harmful to birds and may lead to kidney damage.
Chives: Belong to the Allium family (like onions and garlic) and can cause damage to a bird’s red blood cells.
Potato Leaves and Stems: Contain solanine, a toxic substance that can be harmful to birds.
Tobacco: Nicotine is highly toxic to birds and can lead to rapid heartbeat, collapse, and even death.
Always consult with an avian veterinarian for specific dietary guidance and if you’re unsure about the safety of a particular food item for your cockatiel because providing a balanced, fresh, and bird-safe diet is key to their overall health and happiness and lifespan of your Tiel.