Cockatiel
Scientific Name: Nymphicus hollandicus
Origin: Australia
The Cockatiel is very easy to house, feed and breed. It is also a very gentle bird and may be kept with other compatible species including small finches. While breeding, however, it should have its accommodation, preferably with a large wooden nest box hung in a quiet corner of the flight. The Cockatiel needs a long flight since it is a strong flyer and needs ample space to exercise its wings.
Description:
Size: 33 cm (13 in)
COCK:
Several different color forms exist. Upper parts: dark grey. Under surfaces: light grey and yellowish bluff. Front of head and crest, cheeks and throat: bright yellow. Ear coverts: orange. A striking white band runs down the center of the wings. Beak and legs: dark grey.
HEN:
Similar, but the underside of the tail is barred with yellow and grey. The yellow on the face is duller than on the cock.
Diet: (Seedeater)
Plain canary seed, mixed millets, and a little sunflower and hemp seed form the basic diet. Fresh green food and fruit such as apples and pears should be provided. Plentiful supplies of grit and cuttlefish bone are also essential.
Cockatiel Breeding:
The Cockatiel is a prolific breeder and goes to the nest three times in a season. Six or more eggs may be laid in one clutch. Breeding pairs should be fed on soaked seeds and bread and milk to produce top-quality chicks. Both parents share the incubation of the eggs which takes from 19 to 21 days. The young fledge between four and five weeks.
Cockatiels are second only to budgerigars as popular pet birds. Cockatiels are loving creatures that are very active and can mimic human speech. The bird is exceptionally jolly and rather becomes depressed when it is kept alone in a cage. It likes to interact with its owners outside their cage and can develop good bonding as well.
Cockatiels are found in large numbers in Australia. Genetically the bird specie belongs to the group of intelligent parrots. The variance of colors and their size attracts children. Almost 35% of bird owners in America have cockatiels as their pets. In most cases, cockatiels are bought as pets by parents to entertain their children. Though the personality and the charm of the bird are fascinating for children as a parent, you must make sure of supervising your child while he or she is up to interact with the bird. The following are some steps that you may take up to ensure the safety of your child when he or she is around the cage or perch of the bird.
- Instruct your child to approach the cage quietly as birds do not like to be surprised.
- Teach your, child, not to yell and shout at the bird.
- Let not your child shake or hit the cage.
- Your, child, must not also poke the bird with a finger, stick, or pencil.
Handle the bird carefully and you are recommended not to change the position or the location of the cage as the bird may become confused and would try to scope to escape outside.
See more: Cut Throat Finch