Cockatiel


Pearl	Grey

The Cockatiel is immensely popular with breeders and pet-bird keepers. It is not a parrakeet, as its long tail leads many to believe, but is very closely related to the Cockatoos. This is apparent from its breeding behaviour (male and female take turns in incubating the eggs for example) and in the appearance of the chicks before they are feathered.

Origin:- Cockatiels (Nymphicus hollandicus) Length 12 inches (one third of the length is made up of the tail) - originate from Australia where they occur over most of the continent except coastal areas.

Cockatiel Mutations:- There are several mutations and countless combinations of mutations being bred, some of the more popular include:-

Normal Grey, Cinnamon, Pearl, Lutino, Pied, Silver, Fallow, Whitefaced. Cross Mutations :- Lutino-whiteface (Albino), Cinnamon-pearl-pied, Cinnamon-pearl-whiteface, Dominant-silver-whiteface.

In recent years the development of numerous attractive colour mutations has enormously increased the Cockatiel's popularity. Thousands of people are discovering that the Cockatiel is one of the most wonderful pets it is possible to find.

Pretty, intelligent, affectionate, easily tamed and a good mimic of words and whistled tunes, no pet bird gives more enjoyment to a family. Its small size makes it easy and safe for a child to handle, yet being twice the body size of a budgerigar, it is a step towards the larger parrots.

Simple to feed, hardy, sexable at a glance, easy to breed, low priced, long-lived (up to 30 years), what more could anyone ask in one bird? These small parrots are flat-out loving, and they live to snuggle and be petted.

Diet:- The dietary requirements of Cockatiels are easily satisfied. They need a seed mixture, which consists of canary seed, millet and oats or groats and a little sunflower, with the addition of a little hemp and niger during cold weather. Spray millet is relished at all times. Everyday a little green food should be offered: Chickweed, seeding grasses, kale, spinach and other greens, such as the leafy part of celery. Some Cockatiels will eat a little apple and carrot.