Nymphicus hollandicus Cockatiel Review

 

     This is one of the friendliest birds, and has one of the sweetest demeanor.  Therefore I think they are a great choice for older children.  A few other good points they are a lot of fun, and can be entertained, and entertaining by the simplest things.  For instance when I have ours at my desk,  I'll dump the paper clips and she'll run around picking each of them up and putting them back into the basket.  It's one of the many little games we play.     

     Another great factor with a cockatiel is they are one of the quieter birds.  Don't get me wrong, ours still whistles and is rather very good at it, but it's a lot softer then say a parrot.    She does get louder if we leave the room and she doesn't want us to.        If you are thinking about getting a cockatiel here are a few things you should know.

1. They need to be played with & have personal contact a few hours a day.  You can have them on your shoulder while reading, working on your computer or watching TV. This will still count as time to your cocktiel just as long as you talk & rub them a little every so often. 
2. They need fresh food and water daily, they especially need their water changed a lot.  "They tend to poop in it even when it has a cover."
3. They don't always do well with other birds.  "Many times bigger birds are mean to cockatiels, which can cause them to be hurt."
4. You will need to socialize your bird to all the family members or they will pick one person and not want to go to the others. "Which can be bad is that person gets sick or has to leave, say for college. Birds live a long life."
5. You should know that birds are messy, so there will be lots of bird seed under the cage.  Live with it or don't get a bird. "It's easy to clean up"
6. They will need to have their wings clipped often or they may get out or either hurt, possible even both. "This is one part, I don't like."
7.  They need at least 10 hours or more of sleep, therefore you'll need a quieter area for them.
8. You'll either need to clip their clays or have sand perch covers, which I prefer its less traumatic for your bird and a lot easier. 
9. Make sure you feed them a good diet and offer them fruit and vegetables often. 

     As long as you give your bird the above items, he/she will give you companionship and entertainment for many years to come.  The average lifespan of a cockatiel is 15 to 20 years.