Cockatiels?

Question

I had a pet cockatiel when I was a teenager, but I can't remember how much I really enjoyed having it as a pet. Do they make good pets? pros/cons? (She died young from an illness, so I didnt have her around for very long)

Answer 1

They are pretty easy to train and as long as you have a hand tame one, they make excellent pets. I have a male and female- the female will fly to me from across the room and the male will sing every morning. They have their own little personalities, but are not intelligent enough that you need to treat them like a person (such as with the larger birds), so they are still a pet.

Cons- they are messy- there will be seeds and feathers everywhere. They poop every 15 min, so you must not mind cleaning that up. They also sing and chirp -- if you like sleeping in, make sure they are far from your room.

A lot depends on the specific bird- my female is neat and loud. My male is quiet and extremely messy. He is more independent and does not like to get scratched, my female will bang her head into your fingers until you scratch her.

Make sure you research a bit first about the pelleted diet and providing fresh veggies for your birds. Seeds are considered a treat while high quality pellets and veggies are the staple of the diet.

Answer 2

They make great pets. The most we had at one time was 6. Plus we had 2 parakeets, a love bird and a medium sulfur cockatoo. My mom has 2 and the oldest is about 14 yrs. old.

Pros: a) If you let them hang out with you on your shoulder or on your desk while you work, they can be very devoted to you. b) They are very personable. c) Their diet is simple. Some cockatiel seed, and fresh fruits and veggies and most healthful human food. d) Cages are more manageable than litter box, or poo all over the place.

Cons: The only con I can think of, is that really roomy cages cost a lot. We have those cages that are on wheels and thick steel bars.

I love cockatiels. As far as pet birds go, they're not too big and they are not too small.

Good luck!

P.S. Buy a young one from a breeder. Stay away from the pet stores.

Answer 3

I had a cockatiel for 10 years. I got him when I was a pre-teen and had him until after I got married. They are very good tempermented birds as long as you get one that is hand tamed. I had the privilege of having grandparents who raised several breeds of birds growing up. I was exposed to several species. The cockatiel can learn to talk, although it is not as clear as some larger birds. If you compare it to a human, it is like having a 2 yr old child and you know what he is saying, but others who are not around him a lot do not understand what he is saying. Mine could whistle and talk. They are loyal birds. My parents used to feed him popcorn and have him sit on the couch while we watched movies and sometimes sleep on the top of the pillow at night. He did not handle me going to college well and was mean to my family when I was missing. His demeanor changed when I returned home. He did not handle it well when I moved out of the house though and not having the rest of the family stressed him out and he eventually died. I have always enjoyed those type birds.

Answer 4

I had a cocketeil and have encountered some in past experiences at zoos, and I find them rather enjoyable. Mine was sweet and I trained her easily. She was fairly quiet. When they bite it doesn't hurt that bad, so they're better then some other birds in that aspect. Some that I have come across have been extremely untrusting of people and would do anything in their power to get away from you, but these were ones from zoos that had no constant attention from one specific human, so it's understandable that they acted the way they did. I would say go for it. I would get another if I could.

Answer 5

i like all varieties of cockatiels. I very own the traditional gray ones, albino ones and pied one and a few pied yellow chop up ones. they're all attractive of their very own way. I very own 12 cockatiels and have precise now 10 eggs and 3 babies.

Answer 6

Cockatiels are great little birds. They are pretty. and relatively easy to train.

Cockatiels have been known to live 27-40 years providing they do not get an illness or injured.

Answer 7

They make great pets if you if you mess with them alot. Also if you get one hand raised & young enough that you can teach before it gets wild. Also try not to give to many sunflower seeds before you have it tame.

Answer 8

they make the best pets, they dont always need attention but do love when they get it. they can talk, sing, and whistle. I truely enjoyed the ones i've had.

Answer 9

Oh, I thought that said "Cocktails," and I was going to recommend putting it in a shaker with lots of ice... Ignore that advice. I don't think it would work out particularly well in this case...