Pet Bird Info:
Introducing the Cockatiel

Cockatiels are a type of Cockatoo that are native to almost all of Australia. They are typically considered good pets that have a sweet demeanor. This is not always true but, when the bird is raised, handled, and kept well, it is known to have a good temperament. Like all animals, each bird has its own personality. Some are gregarious and social creatures while others have a tendency to be shy.

Many cockatiel owners will allow their birds to roam the house freely. This is ok as long as the owner takes certain safety precautions. Any bird allowed to roam freely should have its wings clipped if there are any rooms that have ceiling fans or other items that could be seen as a danger to the bird. Birds kept in cages should be placed in an area by a window during the day. They should be placed in a secluded area or at least have the cage covered at night. A cockatiel needs twelve hours of sleep in order not to be a grumpy bird the next door. These birds have been known to take a nap or a quick snooze on their owner's chest or shoulders if the owner is stationary for a long period of time.

Well-socialized birds are likely to be gentle and friendly. Some enjoy physical contact which lends them well to taming. A number of owners develop regular bonding rituals with their animals, frequently engaging in preening, scratching, and even petting. Some birds have been known to emit a hiss when they are irritated. This is frequently accompanied by retreating rapidly to the back of the cage or defending with pecking bites. The hiss is a type of mimicry. It is used in nature to confuse the cockatiel's main predatory: the snake. In addition to a hiss, an irritated bird may tap its beak on a hard surface to generate additional attention. The head is frequently lowered and wings spread to show aggression.

Cockatiels have a reputation for being demanding of attention. They can be quite noisy but they lack the screeching voice of other parrots. This is not to say that they cannot emit any loud noises, theirs are more piercing cries. Some birds are known to enjoy watching sporting events on TV. This is not to say that they love football or basketball so much as the whistles and squeaky shoes on the floor.

by Joseph Devine - 9/11/08

Back to Top

###

Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Joseph_Devine