How to Care for a Cockatiel: Tips for a Happy Pet

The Charm of the Cockatiel

The cockatiel is one of those birds that has a way of sneaking into your life and then—before you know it—claiming a permanent place in your heart. They’re not the biggest, not the flashiest, not even the loudest parrots out there. But there’s something irresistibly warm and quirky about them. Their little crests bob up and down like feathery exclamation marks. Their whistles and chatter float around the room, filling it with life in a way no machine or gadget could ever manage. And when they lean against you with that trusting, sleepy look in their eyes—it’s enough to stop you in your tracks.

BIRD PROFILE
Bird	Cockatiel
Binomial Name	Nymphicus hollandicus
SCIENTIFIC CLASSIFICATION
Kingdom	Animalia
Phylum	Chordata
Class	Aves
Order	Psittaciformes
Family	Cacatuidae
Subfamily	N/A
Genus	Nymphicus
Species	hollandicus
Varieties	Color mutations including lutino, pied, pearl, cinnamon, albino
ENVIRONMENT
Living Environment	Terrestrial; indoor aviaries or cages
Found in	Native to Australia; bred worldwide as pets
Space Requirement	Large cage with horizontal bars for climbing; free-flight time daily
Average Lifespan	10–15 years
Exceptional Cases	Up to 20–25 years with excellent care
Length	12–14 inches (30–35 cm) including tail
Weight	80–120 grams
Temperature	65–80 °F (18–27 °C)
PERSONALITY
Temperament	Gentle, affectionate, curious, sometimes shy, playful
Social Behaviour	Highly social; thrives with human interaction; can bond strongly with owners
Diet	Omnivore
Food Type	Seeds, pellets, fresh vegetables, fruits, occasional cooked grains
KEY FACTORS AFFECTING LIFESPAN
Enclosure / Cage	Spacious cage essential; cramped enclosures lead to stress and poor health
Habitat / Water quality	Fresh water daily; cage hygiene critical to prevent disease
Diet	Diverse diet prevents malnutrition; seed-only diets cause deficiencies
Companions	Can live singly with human attention or in pairs/groups; monitor for aggression
Temperature / Environment stability	Sensitive to drafts and sudden temperature changes; stable indoor environment required
CARE DIFFICULTY
Difficulty Level	Moderate
Messiness	Moderate; produce feather dust, scatter food and droppings
Additional Requirements	– Large cage with horizontal bars and perches – Toys and enrichment for mental stimulation – Time outside cage for flight and exercise – Regular grooming and nail trimming
Special Notes	Known for their whistling and mimicry abilities; require socialization and attention to thrive

I’ve always thought cockatiels are like the “everyday poets” of the bird world. They don’t belt out symphonies like a canary or mimic full conversations like an African Grey, but the songs they do sing? Pure heart. If you’ve ever heard a cockatiel whistling the first few notes of a tune it picked up—sometimes hilariously off-key—you’ll know exactly what I mean. There’s a softness to their music, like a friend humming in the kitchen on a sunny morning.

Cockatiels are also wonderfully approachable birds. A lot of parrots demand a level of commitment and patience that can feel overwhelming, but cockatiels meet you halfway. They’re social without being needy, curious without being destructive (well, mostly), and playful in a way that makes you laugh more often than not. I’ve had more than one cockatiel climb down off its cage just to waddle across the floor like a tiny feathered explorer, determined to check out whatever crumbs or mystery object it spotted from across the room. They’ve got personalities, each one unique, and they’re not shy about letting you know who they are.

It’s funny—people sometimes expect exotic birds to be distant or difficult, but cockatiels are more like little roommates who want to be part of the action. They’ll sit on your shoulder while you’re cooking (though you’ll learn fast to keep them far from hot pans), or they’ll perch on your desk and chirp away while you work. And don’t get me started on how much they love mirrors. If you’ve never seen a cockatiel fall in love with its own reflection—crest up, wings out, singing its heart out to “the other bird”—you’ve missed one of the great small joys of pet keeping.

Of course, part of their charm is also their gentleness. They don’t have the same intimidating beak strength as bigger parrots, so when they nip, it’s usually more of a gentle pinch, a “hey, pay attention” rather than anything painful. And because of their size, they’re relatively easy to handle even if you’re new to birds. Families with kids often find cockatiels to be the perfect balance—friendly, interactive, and forgiving enough that small mistakes aren’t catastrophic.

Another thing I love is how expressive they are. That crest isn’t just decoration—it’s a mood barometer. Straight up? They’re curious or startled. Relaxed and slightly leaning back? They’re content, maybe even in the mood for a cuddle. Flattened against their head? Okay, that’s bird language for “give me a little space.” Once you start paying attention, it feels like learning a secret code, and it deepens the bond between you and your cockatiel.

Now, don’t let their easygoing nature fool you. Cockatiels are still parrots, and parrots are smart. They need stimulation, variety, and plenty of attention to stay happy. A bored cockatiel can turn into a noisy one, or worse, a plucker—pulling out feathers in frustration. But here’s the good news: they don’t ask for extravagance. A few toys, a safe cage setup, some out-of-cage time, and your company—that’s what makes them thrive.

I’ll never forget my first cockatiel, a gray male named Pepper. He was a whistler, a shoulder-sitter, and occasionally, a kitchen thief. One evening, while I was chopping parsley, he swooped down and grabbed a whole leaf before I even realized what had happened. There he was, proud as anything, beak stuffed with green. And while I wouldn’t recommend letting them raid your dinner prep (trust me, some foods are dangerous), that moment summed up the spirit of cockatiels for me: bold, cheeky, but always somehow endearing.

So if you’ve found yourself drawn to these birds, you’re not alone. Cockatiels are among the most popular pet parrots in the world, and for good reason. They’re not just pretty faces with jaunty yellow crests—they’re companions, mood lifters, and tiny comedians rolled into one. In this guide, we’ll talk about everything you need to know to give your cockatiel the kind of life it deserves—from housing and diet to social needs and health. But let’s keep one thing clear from the start: caring for a cockatiel isn’t just about rules and checklists. It’s about connection. It’s about creating a rhythm of life where both you and your bird feel at home together.

And that’s really the magic of the cockatiel. It’s not just a pet in a cage—it’s a presence in your home, a little winged heartbeat that reminds you daily how joy can come in small, feathered packages.

Creating the Perfect Home for Your Cockatiel

When you bring a cockatiel into your life, you’re not just giving it a cage—you’re creating its little universe. Think about it. This bird, with wings designed for the open skies of Australia, will be spending a good chunk of its life in whatever space you set up. That makes the “home” part of cockatiel care more important than people often realize. The right setup doesn’t just keep them safe; it shapes their daily mood, their playfulness, even their overall health.

Choosing the Right Cage

Let’s start with the cage. People make the mistake of going too small—thinking, “It’s just a little bird, it doesn’t need much room.” Wrong. Cockatiels may not be macaws, but they need space to stretch, flap, climb, and explore. If your bird can’t fully extend its wings inside the cage without bumping the bars, the cage is too small. A good rule of thumb? At least 20 inches wide, 20 inches deep, and 24 inches tall—but honestly, bigger is always better.

I’ve seen cockatiels transform when upgraded from a cramped setup to a spacious one. Suddenly they’re more active, more curious. Imagine living in a studio apartment your whole life compared to a roomy loft—you’d feel the difference, too. And don’t forget bar spacing: about half an inch is ideal. Too wide and your bird risks getting its head stuck; too narrow and it feels more like a prison.

Placement of the cage matters just as much as size. You don’t want your cockatiel shoved into a lonely corner of the house, but you also don’t want them in the middle of constant chaos. A living room or family room, where people naturally gather, is often perfect. High traffic enough for social interaction, but not so noisy that your bird feels overwhelmed. Keep them away from the kitchen, though—cooking fumes, especially nonstick pans, can be deadly to birds.

Perches, Toys, and Enrichment

A bare cage with a single wooden perch is no home. Cockatiels thrive when they have variety. Think about their feet: they’re meant to grip different textures and thicknesses, so offer natural wood perches, rope perches, maybe even a cement perch for nail health. Skip the sandpaper ones—they do more harm than good.

Toys are not optional, they’re essential. A cockatiel without toys is like a child without books or games—it gets bored, fast. And boredom in cockatiels can spiral into excessive screaming or feather plucking. Rotate toys every week or two to keep things fresh. They especially love toys they can chew (safe soft woods or shreddable paper), toys they can rattle, and toys that let them forage for hidden treats. One of mine had a favorite bell that he’d ring every morning like clockwork, almost as if to announce, “The day has begun!”

Don’t underestimate how much your bird’s cage layout influences its behavior. Place perches at different heights, give them ladders or ropes to climb, and make sure there’s a balance of open space for wing-flapping. The cage should feel like a playground, not a holding cell.

Safe Environment Outside the Cage

Now, here’s the part that makes cockatiel ownership really shine: out-of-cage time. These birds need to stretch their wings, explore, and spend time with you. A cockatiel kept locked up all day is going to lose its sparkle. But—and it’s a big but—your house has to be bird-proofed for this to work.

Windows and mirrors? Potential hazards. A bird might think it’s flying into open sky and smack straight into glass. Curtains or stickers can help break up the illusion. Ceiling fans? Turn them off. Open water—bathtubs, sinks, fish tanks? Cover them. And electrical cords, oh boy, cockatiels love chewing those. Not only is it dangerous, but you’ll be replacing phone chargers weekly if you don’t supervise.

Set up a bird-safe play area outside the cage. A play stand, a tabletop gym, or even just a designated corner with perches and toys can give your cockatiel the freedom to explore without wandering into danger. And don’t forget supervision—leaving a cockatiel unsupervised out of the cage is like leaving a toddler in the living room with a box of crayons and white walls. You just never know what will happen.

Some cockatiels also enjoy having a little “perch zone” in different parts of the house. I had a female cockatiel who loved sitting on a perch by the window, watching the world outside. She’d sit there for hours, chirping softly to the sparrows that flitted past. It gave her a sense of variety, and I swear she looked happier for it.

Why Environment Shapes Personality

I’ll say it plainly: a cockatiel’s environment can make or break its personality. Birds that are confined, unstimulated, and lonely often become withdrawn or develop bad habits. Birds that live in well-thought-out, engaging homes become confident, playful, and affectionate. You really do see the difference.

Creating the perfect home isn’t about spending a fortune on the fanciest cage or mountains of toys. It’s about thinking from the bird’s perspective. If you were small, feathered, intelligent, and curious, what kind of space would make you feel safe, entertained, and loved? When you answer that, you’re already on the right track.

Feeding Your Cockatiel Right

If there’s one topic that gets more misunderstood than anything else in cockatiel care, it’s food. People think, “Oh, it’s a bird, so seeds should do the trick.” And yes, cockatiels love seeds the way kids love candy. They’ll happily eat nothing else if you let them. But living off seeds alone? That’s like feeding a kid nothing but potato chips. Sure, they’ll survive for a while, but they won’t thrive. And when it comes to a bird that can live fifteen, even twenty years, diet is what shapes the difference between a bright-eyed, energetic cockatiel and one that ages too quickly, feathers dull, energy drained.

Balanced Diet Basics

So, what does a balanced cockatiel diet look like? Think variety. Think color. Think about the wild cockatiels of Australia, foraging across open grasslands. They don’t just sit in one spot munching the same seeds—they’re on the move, nibbling a mix of seeds, grasses, greens, maybe even the occasional insect or berry. That variety is key.

In captivity, the foundation of their diet should be a high-quality pellet. Pellets are like the multivitamin of the bird world. They’re formulated to provide the vitamins, minerals, and protein cockatiels need, without all the fat that comes from seed-heavy diets. Of course, try telling your cockatiel that pellets are better than seeds and you’ll probably get the bird version of an eye-roll. Transitioning from seeds to pellets can be a test of patience—you may have to mix pellets into their regular food gradually, or even play around with different brands until you find one they’ll actually accept.

Alongside pellets, fresh vegetables should be a daily staple. Leafy greens like kale, spinach, and romaine are wonderful. Carrots, broccoli, bell peppers, zucchini—those, too. You’ll know you’re on the right track when you see your cockatiel happily shredding a broccoli floret into tiny, satisfying bits. Fruits are fine in moderation—apples, berries, melon—but go easy, since sugar adds up quickly for small birds.

And yes, seeds still have a place, but more as a treat than a main course. I like to use them strategically, for training or bonding. When your cockatiel steps up onto your hand willingly or nails that new whistle you’ve been practicing together, a sunflower seed or two makes the perfect little “job well done.”

Foods to Avoid

This is the part where being a responsible cockatiel owner really kicks in. Birds don’t always know what’s bad for them, and they’ll try to eat just about anything if given the chance. Some foods are outright toxic. Chocolate, avocado, caffeine, alcohol—absolutely never. Even tiny amounts can be deadly.

Salt and fatty junk food are also dangerous. No sharing chips or French fries, tempting as it may be when they give you that look (and believe me, they will). Dairy isn’t natural to their systems either, so skip the cheese. And onions or garlic? Those belong on your plate, not theirs.

Another hidden hazard: pits and seeds from fruits like apples, cherries, or peaches. While the flesh is fine, the seeds contain cyanide compounds. Better safe than sorry—cut out the cores before offering fruit.

Fresh Treats and Foraging

One of the best parts of feeding cockatiels is how interactive it can be. They’re not passive eaters—they’re foragers, explorers. Turning mealtime into playtime not only satisfies their appetite but also their brain.

Foraging toys are a fantastic way to do this. Hide little bits of millet in a paper cup, or tuck pellets into a cardboard tube. You’ll watch your cockatiel go at it with determination, tearing and picking like a tiny archaeologist uncovering treasure. Even something as simple as scattering veggies across the bottom of the cage instead of neatly serving them in a dish can make a big difference.

Fresh herbs can also be a treat—parsley, basil, dill. I had one cockatiel who would demolish a sprig of dill like it was the greatest delicacy in the world, her beak covered in green bits. There’s something satisfying about watching a bird get so much joy out of such a simple offering.

And don’t underestimate water. Fresh, clean water every single day—twice a day if needed. Cockatiels will sometimes dunk their food in their water dish, turning it into a murky soup. It’s messy, yes, but it’s their way of softening hard food. Just be prepared to change it often.

Why Food Shapes Behavior

What you feed your cockatiel doesn’t just impact its body—it affects its behavior, too. Birds on a poor diet often become sluggish, cranky, or prone to health issues that sap their personality. A cockatiel eating well? You’ll see it in their feathers—bright, sleek, and smooth. You’ll hear it in their voice—loud, cheerful whistles instead of weak chirps. And you’ll feel it in their energy when they hop onto your shoulder, eager to interact.

I’ll be honest: feeding cockatiels right isn’t always effortless. They can be picky. You might spend time chopping vegetables only to watch them fling it across the cage like a toddler refusing broccoli. But stick with it. Offer variety. Try different textures—steamed, raw, grated. Sometimes it’s persistence that wins, sometimes it’s catching them in a curious mood. And every small victory, every nibble of something new, adds up to a healthier, happier bird.

At the end of the day, feeding your cockatiel right is about respect. Respecting that they’re not just decorative little seed-eaters but complex, living creatures with needs that mirror, in their own way, our own. A good meal makes us feel alive and cared for. For cockatiels, it’s no different.

Social Life and Training

Here’s the thing about cockatiels: they’re flock birds. In the wild, they live in groups, flying together, foraging together, chattering all day long. That means when you bring one into your home, you’re not just giving it food and a cage—you’re stepping into the role of its flock. And believe me, cockatiels take that role seriously. They look to you for companionship, for reassurance, for entertainment. If you ignore that part of their nature, you’ll end up with a lonely bird. And a lonely cockatiel is not a happy one.

Building Trust and Bonding

Bonding with a cockatiel isn’t something that happens overnight. Some birds step into your life and seem ready to perch on your finger within a week, while others take months of patience. Either way, the key is consistency. Sit by their cage, talk to them, whistle a little tune. Don’t rush. Let them come to you at their pace.

I remember with one of my males, Jasper, I spent weeks just sitting beside his cage, reading aloud in a calm voice. At first, he’d stay on the farthest perch, watching me with those bright, cautious eyes. But over time, curiosity chipped away at fear. The day he hopped onto my finger of his own accord felt like winning the lottery. That moment of trust—it changes the relationship forever.

Little things build trust. Offering millet through the bars, moving slowly, never grabbing. Cockatiels remember how you make them feel. If they associate your presence with calmness, treats, and safety, they’ll seek you out more and more.

Teaching Tricks and Talking

Now, here’s where things get fun. Cockatiels may not have the huge vocabulary of larger parrots, but they’re excellent whistlers. Some pick up short phrases, but more often, they’ll mimic sounds—microwave beeps, phone ringtones, even the squeak of a chair. I once had one that perfectly imitated the sound of the doorbell. Confused me every single time.

Whistling is their real strength, though. They can learn tunes with surprising accuracy. Start simple. Whistle a short phrase, like a two- or three-note melody, over and over when you interact with them. Before long, they’ll start trying to repeat it back. And sometimes, hilariously, they’ll “remix” it into their own version.

Trick training is another way to enrich their lives. “Step up” is the foundation—it’s not just a trick, it’s a practical way to move your bird safely. From there, you can teach them to wave, spin, or fly to your hand on cue. Keep sessions short, just a few minutes, and always reward with praise or a tiny treat. Cockatiels learn best when it feels like a game, not a chore.

And don’t underestimate how much training deepens your bond. It’s not about having a performing bird; it’s about communication. When your cockatiel understands a cue and responds, you’re literally speaking a shared language.

Handling Loneliness and Noise

Of course, social needs come with challenges. Cockatiels don’t like being ignored. If left alone for long stretches, they can become depressed or turn to screaming as a way to demand attention. And let me tell you, a cockatiel scream is not subtle—it cuts right through a quiet room.

So how do you balance their need for company with real life? For starters, place their cage where they can see and hear household activity. If you work long hours, consider leaving a radio or TV playing softly—it’s not the same as real interaction, but it fills the silence. Some people choose to get a second cockatiel as a companion, and that can work beautifully, though it also shifts the dynamic: sometimes two birds bond more with each other than with their human.

Noise is part of the package, too. Cockatiels are not silent birds. They greet the morning with whistles, they call out when you leave the room, they chatter during the day. But in my opinion, that’s part of their charm. A home with a cockatiel in it feels alive. Still, if screaming becomes excessive, it’s often a sign of boredom or unmet needs. More toys, more out-of-cage time, or more training usually help.

Why Social Life Matters So Much

When you invest in your cockatiel’s social life, you’re shaping its personality. A bird that’s included, talked to, played with—it becomes confident, affectionate, even silly. I had a hen who would come running across the couch to climb into my hand the moment I sat down. She wasn’t “trained” to do it—it was just her way of saying, “I want to be with you.”

That’s the payoff. You don’t just get a pet; you get a companion who shares your daily rhythms, who reacts to your moods, who whistles back when you whistle first. And in those moments, it doesn’t feel like you’re caring for a caged bird at all—it feels like you’ve gained a feathered friend who decided you’re worth their trust.

Health and Well-Being

If you’ve ever had a cockatiel curl up against your neck, feathers warm, eyes half-shut in that drowsy, trusting way, you know how fragile and precious they feel. That’s why paying attention to their health isn’t just some checklist—it’s an act of respect. These little birds don’t always shout when something’s wrong. In fact, cockatiels are masters of hiding illness. Out in the wild, looking weak means predators notice you, so they’ve evolved to mask their struggles. As a keeper, you’ve got to learn to read the subtle signs, to catch the whispers before they turn into emergencies.

Signs of a Healthy Cockatiel

A healthy cockatiel is a sight you don’t forget—bright, sleek feathers that almost glow, clear eyes full of curiosity, and that constant stream of gentle chirps or whistles. You’ll notice they’re active, climbing perches, flapping, playing with toys. Their droppings (yes, you’ll become familiar with those quickly) should be firm with a white cap. And they should have a healthy appetite, nibbling at pellets, veggies, and seeds with enthusiasm.

One of my favorite indicators of well-being is preening. A cockatiel that spends time carefully arranging its feathers, puffing up and shaking itself off, is usually feeling good. It’s like a little bird spa session. And when you see that crest standing tall with curiosity, or relaxed in that slightly leaning-back way—they’re telling you all is well in their world.

Common Health Issues

Still, things can go wrong, and it pays to know what to look for. Respiratory problems are a big one. If you hear wheezing, see tail-bobbing while breathing, or notice discharge from the nostrils, don’t wait—it’s vet time. Birds go downhill fast if you leave infections untreated.

Feather plucking is another issue, usually rooted in stress, boredom, or diet rather than disease. A bird kept in a dull environment, with no toys or social time, may start pulling out its own feathers just to cope. It’s heartbreaking, but often reversible once you figure out the cause and fix it.

Obesity is surprisingly common, too, especially in seed-fed cockatiels. All that fat without enough exercise leads to lethargy, fatty liver disease, and a shorter lifespan. This is why diet and out-of-cage time aren’t just “nice extras”—they’re life-saving.

Then there are mites and parasites, which sometimes sneak in if your bird comes from a less reputable source. Signs include constant scratching, scaly-looking beaks or legs, or irritated skin.

One health scare I’ll never forget: I once had a cockatiel that suddenly started sitting fluffed up, eyes closed, not making a sound. Normally, he was a chatterbox. Something in my gut said, “This isn’t right.” I rushed him to the vet, and sure enough, he had a bacterial infection that needed treatment. If I’d waited even a day, the story might’ve ended differently. That’s how fast birds can turn.

Grooming and Hygiene

Thankfully, a lot of day-to-day health comes down to simple routines. Bathing, for one. Cockatiels adore a good splash—some will hop right into a shallow dish of water, wings flapping wildly until your kitchen looks like a rainstorm just hit. Others prefer a mist from a spray bottle, lifting their wings as if to say, “Yes, right there!” Regular baths keep feathers clean and skin healthy.

Nail trimming is another part of hygiene. Overgrown nails make perching awkward and uncomfortable. Some cockatiels wear them down naturally on rough perches, but others need a gentle trim now and then. If you’re nervous about it (and I don’t blame you—the quick inside the nail can bleed if cut too short), a vet or groomer can handle it.

Beak care is mostly self-managed through chewing, but offering safe wood or cuttlebones helps. A healthy beak should look smooth, not overgrown or flaky.

And let’s not forget the cage itself. A dirty cage breeds bacteria. Droppings, old food, spilled water—it piles up fast. A quick daily tidy and a deeper clean once a week keeps things sanitary. Think of it this way: would you want to eat and sleep in a room where old leftovers sat rotting in the corner? Neither does your bird.

Preventive Care

One thing too many bird owners skip is the annual vet check-up. Even if your cockatiel looks fine, a good avian vet can catch issues you’d never notice. Bloodwork, weight checks, beak and nail exams—these small things add up to years more life.

And speaking of life span—cockatiels can live 15 to 20 years with proper care. That’s a long time for a little creature, and it means prevention matters more than you think. Every bit of fresh food you offer, every minute of exercise, every bath or clean-up—it’s not just “maintenance.” It’s a small deposit into the bank of their long-term health.

The Reward of a Healthy Cockatiel

There’s nothing quite like living with a healthy, vibrant cockatiel. They greet you in the morning with a whistle, stretch their wings, maybe do a little “happy hop” on the perch. Their feathers shine, their eyes sparkle, and their personalities bloom. You can tell they feel good because they’re playful, mischievous even, testing boundaries in the funniest ways.

And when they climb onto your hand, light as air, leaning in with complete trust—you know it’s worth every effort. A healthy cockatiel isn’t just surviving; it’s thriving. And that, at the end of the day, is the whole point of keeping these feathered companions: giving them the chance to live fully, joyfully, alongside you.

Living with a Cockatiel

At the end of the day, a cockatiel isn’t just another pet bird—it’s a little feathered roommate with quirks, moods, and a lot of love to give. Living with one means adjusting your home and your habits, but it also means gaining a constant source of gentle joy. They’ll whistle you awake in the morning, demand your attention while you’re sipping coffee, and sometimes scold you if you come home late. They’re opinionated in their own quiet way.

The funny thing about cockatiels is that they’re both independent and clingy. They’ll happily perch on their play stand, fluffing their feathers in the sun, but the moment you leave the room, you’ll hear that sharp contact call: “Hey, where’d you go?” You get used to it—it becomes part of the rhythm of your home, like a clock ticking in the background.

And honestly, they keep you honest. You can’t ignore a cockatiel that’s craving interaction. They’ll sidle up to you, nibble at your hair, or climb down your arm to get in your face until you respond. It’s their way of saying: “Life’s too short to be busy all the time. Sit down, whistle with me.” Maybe we should all listen a little more often.

Sure, there are frustrations. The seed hulls that scatter like confetti, the occasional stubborn molt, the way they sometimes bite a little harder than they mean to. But in the balance, those are nothing compared to the warmth they bring into a household. They’re entertainers, companions, and—if you let them be—friends for life.

If you decide to share your space with a cockatiel, do it with the commitment that they deserve. Give them space, give them patience, and give them your time. In return, you’ll get a bird that greets you with whistles, fills your afternoons with chatter, and perches on your shoulder like you’re a team of two against the world.

Because the truth is, you don’t just keep a cockatiel—you share a life with one. And that’s a pretty wonderful deal.