Cockatiels make excellent pet birds, but are they a good first-time species? Here is why they are ideal for beginners and why they stand out from the rest
Cockatiels are small, affectionate birds that make good first-time pets for bird lovers. They are affordable and are less tasking, without the strict social requirements of large parrots, albeit needing a decent level of attention from their owners. Tiels are also amiable and easy to handle for younger owners.
They are only second in popularity to budgies and require relatively small cages (compared to other birds) and an accessible diet.
Tiels are native to Australia, but most of those sold in the hobby are captive-bred hand-raised. They come in several colors, some not present in wild forms, but all are reasonably priced.
Perhaps, the only glaring downside of cockatiels is they are often irresponsibly bred and are prone to impulse buying due to the misconception that they are easy, starter birds that do not require too much care and attention.
For more insight on cockatiels and their suitability as first-time birds, please read the rest of this post.
What Makes A Cockatile A Good First Time Bird
There is a lot that makes cockatiels ideal first-time pets. They have a subtle temperament and rarely bite, are inexpensive and popular (in pet stores), and are widely kept, so information on their care and maintenance is available. Tiels also don’t require too much space, so they can be kept by owners living in apartments.
Below are details on cockatiels to help you evaluate their suitability as your first bird.
Cockatiel Temperament and Behavior
Cockatiels are pretty mellow. They are more snuggly than playful and like preening and shredding items. They get cuddlier closer to bedtime but become cranky and grumpy if you keep them up too late.
Tiels are not a handful or need too much attention but can be loud and demanding when you are outside his room (or sight). They can also be vocal if they have no food or are startled by another loud noise.
They love head and neck scratches.
The little birds are affectionate and perfect if you want a small companion pet. However, most parrots, including cockatiels, are sometimes moody, self-centered, and not consistently affectionate, so they might not be the best for emotional support.
Parrots can help with depression, anxiety, etc, but more often than not, you want an animal like a dog. Having a creature that screams, bites, holds grudges, and that can (and maybe will) reject you is not typically the “go-to” for someone looking for a companion to help relieve depression; Loopsides, r/parrots, Reddit.
Cockatiels are prone to night flights, so always cover their cage with a bedsheet at night. They love head and neck scratches, and that should help as well.
* Care requirements (socialization)
* Diet and Nutrition
* Price and expenses
* Noise level
* Cage size and space consideration
* Talking ability (tricks and training)
* Health issues and Conditions (In-breeding, Irresponsible breeding)
* Lifespan
Best thing about owning A Cockatiels as a First Bird
- Reasonably priced 2. Relatively easy to care for 3. Relatively quiet
Worst thing About Owning A Cockatiel as a First Bird
1. Night Terrors 2. Dusty 3. Non Talkers 4. Not as active (Couch potatoes)
Who is an Ideal Owner of a Cockatiel as A First Bird
- Beginners 2. Kids 3. Families 4. Apartment Living
What are Other Good first Pet Birds Besides Cockatiels
Is it Better to Get A Cockatiel or Budgie
They differ mostly in:
Behavior and temperament * Color varities * Intelligence