[Kai]

So in two weeks (keeping fingers crossed on that) I should be the proud owner of a cockatiel. I have a few questions to get myself all prepared. Some of these questions I will address to the breeder when she gets back to me but I don't see the harm in asking you too.

So I'm wondering what cockatiels eat? and is it much different from parakeets. I feed my parakeets a seed mix and the Zupreem fruity pellets (I think that's what they're called) plus whatever veggies I can get them to eat (Kale is a hit so far). Are cockatiel pellets and seeds that much different from parakeets?

I guess that's the major question I have right now. I've been reading what everyone else has posted on the site and I'm gaining a ton of information. lol Two weeks feels SOOO far away.

 

[nic bike]

the diet is quite similar but usually I get a budgie seed mix and mix it with a parrot mix you can feed the same fruit and vegetables that you give your budgie and I dont know much about pellets lol..

 

[Bea]

My guys get all the same fresh foods and cooked foods, and just a slightly different seed mix. If you get budgie sized pellets they'll be fine for the tiel too, the only difference with pellets is usually the size.

 

[xxxSpikexxx]

I have my Cockatiel Spike and my budgie Icarus on different seed mixes. But they both eat the cockatiel zupreem fruity pellets and vegetables ect. Here are some links that might help with your research http://www.cockatielcottage.net/ and http://www.birdchannel.com/bird-species/profiles/pied-mutation-cockatiel-2.aspx Hope they help

 

[Aly]

Two weeks! My budgies and tiels eat the same seed mix. Sometimes, I get one bag of tiel and one bag of budgie and mix them but ussually just the tiel one. It's really the same thing except the tiel's mix has more sunflowers and fruits bits (atleast in ours). With pellets the only difference between the two is really the size. I don't feed mine pellets regularly, they have a good seed mix and PLENTY of different veggies, fruits and legumes. Just start offering him/her veggies from early and keep it up daily.

 

[Kai]

Good to know. The breeder did say that the baby was already eating corn and other veggies so that shouldn't be too hard to keep up. I guess what else I want to know is.... What are some of the major differences between owning a tiel and owning 2 parakeets? I'm 95% sure I'm ready for this (hehe) but is there anything at all you feel a first time tiel owner should know? (lol is that open-ended enough for you?)

 

[Bea]

I find there's very little difference in the care they need. Tiels are more cuddly though, which is fun after having hyper budgies who don't necessarily cuddle. I love both species, they're awesome pets.

 

[Aly]

Bea's right- that's really the main difference is how much time they really want to cuddle. My budgies are all super tame but would rather have nothing to do with me..they're in their own little world..hehe _My tiels are rather spoiled and would spend the whole day and night with me. They love cuddles and head scritches.

 

[xxxSpikexxx]

Spike is super cuddley most of the time, lol I was shocked at how different tiels are. I think their great

 

[allen]

i would ask her what she feeds her birdies and ask if they are hand fed as hand fed are more tame then mother fed

 

[Kai]

I know that the bird was hand fed. I spent a great deal of time just holding and snuggling with the little girl and talking to the breeder. I asked some of the important questions but since I had convinced myself not to buy her that day I didn't ask all the questions. I'm really starting to wish I had taken her home right away (knowing full well I didn't have a cage prepared). I can't stop thinking about her and I'm just way too excited. I emailed the breeder today but haven't heard back from her. I hope this little girl is still there for me to take.

 

[Bea]

Did you put a deposit on her or something?

 

[Kai]

Unfortunately I wasn't that smart. There was an hour left in the bird show when I left. I told the lady that I would email her to let her know whether I wanted the bird (took me about an hour to realize I absolutely did). I did that first thing yesterday but I haven't heard back yet. I'm going to call later today when I get a chance. REALLY keeping my fingers crossed.

 

[Aly]

I hope you can reach her!

 

[nic bike]

Good luck! I hope you do get a Tiel!

 

[Laura]

good luck I hope your able to get in touch with her

 

[Sophia]

Hope you do get in touch with the breeder, it would be a shame if you didn't!
Like other people have said, the main difference is how cuddly cockatiels are, there are only a few members on here who have got cockatiels who don't like a tickle!

 

[Rosie]

Aww...hope you do get the tiel. Cockatiels are the best! Cuddly, sweet (well sometimes *ahem, Willow*), and such characters. Keep us updated, can't wait to see your new baby.

 

[Kai]

Well I called and left a message with the lady's husband. I should hear back from her tonight. If she doesn't have the tiel anymore than I think I'll hit you guys up to help me find one. =) The teacher in me just loves handing out homework.

 

[nic bike]

How exiting:excited:! feel free to hit us with all your questions. (I think I would enjoy homework about Tiels rather than algebra homework )