[Aileen&NarniG2]

Hi there Cockatiel lovers, enthusiasts and owners!
I will be getting a fully weaned cockatiel and I need your help:wf grey:
So it is getting used to a seed and fresh veg and fruit diet, so should I lay off the pellets (Vetefarm) and introduce them until later? Also what temperature should a cockatiel be in? (It gets pretty hot up here) and should I remove the she'll grit from the trill seed mix that I got?
I am completely new to owning a cockatiel, but I have had budgies before. I would be extremely happy if you can give me some tips as well.
Thank you so much, and I look forward to hearing from you

 

[Louismum]

Hi there. I got my Louis almost 3 months ago - store bought and not hand tamed! He’s the most delightful pet - I’ve only had cats before now. I found the best way to introduce new food is to mix it with his seeds. He now likes broccoli, cabbage and silver beet. I mix pellets with his seed but he always leaves the pellets. We also have toast together in the mornings (wholegrain). He will now hop on my arm, sit on my head and crawl over me! Won’t let me touch him yet. Good luck! Mixing other foods with his seed has helped me.

 

[Vickitiel]

Hello there and welcome to the forum!

Definitely introduce pellets as soon as you can. I've had much better luck with my flock eating pellets if they are kept in separate bowls. You can hand feed your 'tiel a pellet or two as a treat if he/she isn't accepting of them to get him/her interested.

Since cockatiels are native to Australia I wouldn't worry about temperature too much. Just don't put the cage in direct sun. If you see your 'tiel with feathers sleek, holding wings away from the body and beak open/panting, this indicates overheating, which can be relieved with a mist shower from a spray bottle.

Cockatiels don't need grit as they are hookbills. Hookbills hull their seed and grains so they don't need grit to aid in digestion.

Here is an article on food bribery which is a great way to get the bonding process started with your new 'tiel.

Best of luck with your new 'tiel and please let us know how everything goes when you get him/her!

 

[Aileen&NarniG2]

Thanks!

Thank you all so much! You're replies are all extremely helpful and valuable! Thank you, thank you, thank you, so, so so much! I plan on giving my bird the best life ever!

 

[Aileen&NarniG2]

Hi guys! Sorry I hadn't updated yet as I was very busy�� I got my baby 3 days ago and it immediately got used to me and the house but I did let him/her get used to it for at least 1 day. I did notice though that he hadn't been going to the seed and water which are in bowls placed on the sides, so I placed them on the ground and removed the wire cage floor. How could I show my baby how to go the food and water from the sides? Also, while he was preening, I noticed a "bubble" of transparent skin around its neck. Is that normal? Can't wait to hear from you all☺