 NATURAL GRASS BRAID bird toy parts 4 parrots cages US $2.75 
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So you think you want to get a cockatiel?
A cockatiel is a commendable choice for a pet. As one of the more common pet parrots available, the cockatiel is an ideal first pet or "starter" bird for anyone who is thinking of getting a parrot. This small hookbill is closely related to the larger cockatoos of Australia and is the only parakeet in this particular family. They have the crest that stands up on their heads when excited and they also have what is called a "powdery down" or "dust" common to their larger cousins. This is where the similarities end though.
The cockatiel is a smaller bird, about 12 to 24 inches in length, depending on the length of its tail. The tail,
used for balance when perching and steering when flying, is about half the overall length of the bird. The color range for cockatiels is in the white to dark gray palette with a touch of yellow, orange, and light brown. The "wild type" or normal cockatiel, the most commonly available, is primarily gray, with some white mixed in, perhaps some yellow, and orange cheek patches. There are also other varieties of cockatiels, such as pied, pearled, lutino, albino, whiteface, cinnamon, and most recently, silver.
Cockatiels are not known as being sexually dimorphic, which means you can tell male from female just by looking at them. Males tend to have brighter "cheek patches" and usually have yellow within their facial feathers. However, since they are captive birds and bred for the different varieties, this is no longer always the case. Some people will say that a male will act differently as well. Some of the male characteristics include wolf-whistling, "heart wings", whistling tunes, and talking. But gain, since these are now domesticated pets, females have been known to display all of these behaviors as well. The only true way to tell a male from a female is to have a DNA blood test done.
When thinking about getting a cockatiel for a pet, there is a lot to consider. Cage requirements, toys, and diet are among the few things you must take into consideration. Most websites will say that an 18" width x 18" length x 24" height is suitable sized cage for a cockatiel. However, that would be like you living in the tiniest bachelor apartment around. Bigger is always better when it comes to cages. The best advice ever given was "buy as big as your budget will allow". Once the cage is bought, the next thing to consider is perches. Cockatiels tend to have sharp nails, so a cement perch is highly recommended. A cement perch is like a nail file for the bird's toes. Also recommended is a minimum of 4 different varieties of perches. Cockatiels like soft perches, like twisted cotton rope, for sleeping on. Also untreated wooden dowels and natural tree branches of various widths are also good. Online and local pet stores also offer a wide variety of perches, from natural manzanita branches, to lava rock, to rope perches, to cajeput wood platforms. Now for the fun stuff - the toys.
Cockatiels love toys! Toys come in all shapes and sizes and varieties, from hard plastic, to shreddable wicker, to stringy straws, to tinkling bells. The possibilities are endless. Many stores and websites even offer birdy toy making supplies. The scene is almost set for a cockatiel to be brought home.
A cocaktiel's diet is something that should be thoroughly researched. So many people believe that birds can live in seeds alone. That is the farthest thing from the truth. In the wild, birds eat what they can find; seeds, fruits, and vegetables. That should be the same even in captivity. By offering your pet cockatiel a wide variety of foods, you are ensuring the health of your pet. Many websites offer lists of what is acceptable, although most fruits and vegetables are safe. There are even websites and books that offer "birdy recipes" for bread and mashes made specifically for our feathered friends.
As long as these main basics have been obtained and provided, then your home is now ready for the addition of a great new pet cockatiel.
By Tanya BReau
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