Are you looking to buy a new pet bird and not sure how to make the right decision? This article will try to educate you about everything you need to know before you buy a cockatiel.
When choosing a pet bird, as in choosing any pet, it's important to know if this is the right bird for you. If you are thinking of buying a cockatiel, there are many questions you must ask yourself.
First and foremost, do you have enough time in your life to devote to a pet cockatiel? Cockatiels are socialized birds. They like to see and interact with their human companions. This may include daily flights around the house ultimately landing on your shoulder to watch television. They love attention. Will you be able to spend time talking and whistling to and with your bird?
Are you ready for a long term commitment? If well kept, a cockatiel can live up to fifteen years or more. These birds become very attached to their humans so it may not be the best gift for a young child who may lose interest in their bird. A cockatiel who is ignored can become loud and obnoxious, demanding some contact.
Are you or anyone in your household allergic to bird feathers and feather dust? Birds may not be for you then but especially cockatiels who create more feather dust than most other birds. As new feathers grow, the tips of the feathers turn into a fine dust that stays on the bird, cage and area cage is kept in. It's a good idea to keep a vacuum handy. They will also try to spit their pellets at you if they think you're not paying attention to them.
Do you have any other animals in your house? Since your bird will be kept in a cage approximately at eye level, you probably don't have to worry about a dog terrorizing your bird, but a cat will not be deterred from this height and may see your new family member as dinner. Remember, never let your bird out of the cage if any other pet is in the room. Even the best trained dog can pose a threat to your bird, intentionally or not. They are animals and you cannot read their minds or change their instincts.
Is there a permanent place in your house, preferably in your living room or den, to keep a large cage? It should not be near a heating device, air conditioner, air vent, etc? The area must be draft free, as even the slightest draft can make your cockatiel sick. Your bird might like to look out the window but most windows let in too much cold air in the winter and hot air in the summer. A child's room is not the best place either because if the child isn't home all day, your cockatiel will be lonely. Never put the cage too near the kitchen as the vapors of some non-stick pans, cleansers, etc., is deadly to your bird.
If you are considering buying two birds at once, do you have room for two separate cages in case your cockatiels don't get along. I had to separate my first two cockatiels when the male became aggressive to the female in the first few weeks I bought them. As they grew older, side by side in separate cages, they established a can't live with you, can't live without you relationship. If I had to move either cage for cleaning, they both screamed and made a fuss until the cages were both side by side again. I guess absence does make the heart grow fonder!
Considering all the above, if you are ready for this full time commitment and all that comes with it, you will have years of fun and fulfillment caring for your cockatiels.
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