anyone have a cockatiel

[agent4]

I was givern one today he/she looks quite old and a bit out of shape i was wondering what else can i give it apart from seeds is fruit ok

[snook]

I haven't owned a parrot but I did used to look after one for an old neighbour, and yes, he loved fruit. And crackers (I know, it's a bit of a clich�). And old Jack (when he had to spend time in hospital) insisted he had to have an apple charlotte every day, 'cos he was used to it! Sadly, he outlived his owner, who'd brought him back from South America when he was in the Merch.

[clair3934]

I've had 2 males and 1 female the males have bright yellow heads and brighter red cheeks than the females the females have bars across the width of the underside of there tails it is slightly more difficult to sex pied or lutino colours but it is possible.

We used to feed loads of stuff to ours fruit, veg and dandilions,chickweedMilk thistle etc but they would also eat crisps & pasta and they would also paddle in the remains of my veg gravey or cheese sauce and drink them. do not feed them avocado though this is not good for them you must also make sure you have a cuttlefish bone for vits and mins and grit to help them break there food down. hope this helps :-)

[gessoo]

They love to have a shower. If you get one of those plant misters and spray them gently with luke warm water they adore it and it encourages them to preen themselves (which will help the condition of his feathers). Just a short burst at first until he gets used to it. I used to take the bottom of the cage and shower them in the cage every time I cleaned them out. They used to hang upside down on their perches with their wings outstretched.

Lovely, intelligent and amusing birds. Unfortunately, I get to rehome my four due to a dangerous allergy! (rare!)

[gessoo]

Apart from Dandelion leaves, they adore the actual flowers! Make sure however, that they are picked from areas that have had no chemical spray or road fumes nearby.

Good luck. I envy you.

[agent4]

Thanks all for your answers i just did what you said about the spraying him with warm water and yes he opened up his wings i thought he was going to take off. Thanks again all for your answers

[gessoo]

I am so glad he enjoyed his shower. They also love to be kept amused so provide him with a few toys and change them over on a fairly regular basis. They love to unravel string. Try tying a piece on his cage. Is he hand tame?

I don't know what you intend, but if you can let him fly somewhere safe several times a day it would be great.

[agent4]

yes he can fly but even when i go near him his beak opens and he makes a sort of a hissing sound. so i opened up the cage and he just sat on top of it for a hour or so and then went back in??

[rio116]

avacado is not just not good for them,it is poisonus for birds,as is human chocolate. Also,they should not be eating crisps or pasta. They should be eating a quality cockatiel feed,you could try boiled pulses,apple,sweetcorn,carrot,banana,pear. Also make sure you have a cuttlefish,an iodine and mineral block and you can also add vitamins and calcium supplements to their food,on the fruit is best as it sticks to it. Don't feed too many sunflower seeds as they are addictive and very fattening!

[gessoo]

Agent4. I am glad you let him out. He will eventually get used to us. The hissing sound and opened beak means he is frightened. Just talk to him a lot and keep letting him out. When he becomes confident try putting aq perch under his tummy just above his feet. He will in time stand on it. From there you can slowly introduce your finger. We will get used to you before too long when he trusts you. Don't forget he has had a big change in his life and is not a young bird.

Do please post again in a few weeks and let us know how he is doing and if he has started flying around. You will get heaps of pleasure from him - just persevere. They are generally very good natured and affectionate birds. I am so jealous!!

[gessoo]

'He' will not 'We' will!!!

[gessoo]

I am having a bad morning and should check my posts!! 'He will get used to you'!!!

[clair3934]

Rio 116 We only used to give these things as a little treat not a daily feed! they all were fed on a propper cockatiel mix which included dry fruit, veg and seeds.

If you let him out to fly he will eventually stop hissing at you because he has made the choice to come to you when out flying it may take time but it is worth it. My female used to undo the clasp on any necklace that anyone was wearing she was such a character!

[agent4]

well he bit me today never realised how strong them beaks are

[gessoo]

Well, the ungrateful little humbug!

[agent4]

Just a little update he loves the water bottle now goes crazy when he sees it and the wings open up. Can i do this everyday to him or just once a week.