Cockatiel

Breed: Cockatiel
Scientific name: Nymphicus hollandicus
Place of Origin: Australia
Classification: Cockatoo Family
Average Price: R300 - R600

Size Category: small
Avg. Height: 30 cm.
Avg. Weight: 0.08 to 0.1 Kg.
Avg. Lifespan: 15 to 25 years.

Colours:
Grey, white, yellow (various mutations like Lutino, Pearl, Pied)

Covering:
feathers

Vocalisation level:
moderate

Temprament:
Gentle, affectionate, and sociable. Less demanding than larger parrots and can be great for beginners.

Trainability:
moderate

Diet type: herbivore
Feeding frequency: Constant access to pellets/seeds, with daily fresh vegetables.

Foods to avoid:
Avocado, chocolate, caffeine.

Health Concerns:
Generally hardy; can be prone to respiratory issues and fatty liver disease if fed a high-seed diet.

Recommended Supplements:
Cuttlebone and a mineral block for calcium and beak maintenance.

Grooming:
Enjoys being misted with water. Prone to ‘night frights’ where they can damage feathers.

Exercise:
Requires daily time out of the cage for interaction and exercise.

Handling:
Gentle and easy to handle. An excellent family pet.
Ideal Location:
Kept indoors nationwide. Hardy birds, but should be protected from extreme cold or direct summer sun.

Space Requirements:
Requires a spacious cage that allows for movement and toy placement.

Climate Suitability: variable

Temperature Range: Controlled indoor (18-25°C)

Humidity Range: Adaptable