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birds-galore · 1 month

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A scritch in four parts

#the scritch saga #birblr #cockatiel #tiel

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birds-galore · 2 months

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birds-galore · 2 months

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I started fostering Pixel exactly 2 years ago today. Happy anniversary to my little beauty queen!

#birblr #birb #bird #cockatiel #tiel #pixel #pet bird

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birds-galore · 3 months

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#birblr #birb #bird #cockatiel #tiel #pixel #pet bird

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birds-galore · 3 months

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Do you have any advice for a complete novice wanting to take on a rescue cockatiel (adult but unknown age)? The zoo I work at has a cockatiel I've bonded with. He was originally surrendered by his owner and one of the keepers decided they wanted him so they took him home but then they got a larger parrot and didn't want him anymore so they gave him back to the zoo. He's VERY affectionate and clingy and loves head scritches but everyone is so busy working he doesn't get the attention he's so clearly craving. I'm debating asking them if I could take him home myself but I've never cared for any form of bird in a domestic setting so I have no idea what I'm getting myself into in terms of cost and care requirements. I do also have a cat but I have a big enough home to keep them separate and still give both enough space. I wouldn't normally consider taking an animal from a zoo but the enclosure he's in isn't heated and a lot of the birds in there have died from the cold recently (management is shit here, privately owned American zoo, go figure 🙄) so I'm a bit worried about him.

I'm sorry to hear that the zoo is mistreating and neglecting their birds! While most animals can acclimate to a range of temperatures, the general rule for cockatiels is to stay within the 65-75 degree range (roughly 18-23 degrees Celsius). Dropping too far below that can lead to weakness, decreased appetite, illness, and death. If you think the cockatiel is in immediate danger from cold exposure, then please relocate them to a warmer habitat ASAP. Even if you decide you cannot care for the bird long-term, it is much better for them to be safe than dead as you search for a suitable home, whether that home is with you or someone else.

Here are the basics for cockatiel care:

Make sure you have a flight cage. My local avian rescue lists the absolute minimum requirements as: 24″L x 20"W x 24″H with ½” bar spacing. Pixel's cage is: 31.1"L x 20.4"W x 52.0"H.

Cockatiels need a minimum of 3 hours a day outside their cage, or with their cage door open. They need more than 3 hours in the company of people, which can mean staying in the same room with them whenever you are home, or relocating their cage so they can be near you.

Make sure you eliminate common household hazards: never run a ceiling fan with your bird out of the cage, cover up windows with blinds or add stickers, make sure there are no open water sources, bowls, toilets, etc, cover up exposed wires, monitor your bird when it is outside the cage. NEVER use teflon cookware, candles, air fresheners, perfumes, and aerosol sprays.

Make sure you have a variety of perches. The general rule is to add 2 or 3 action perches (boings, hammocks, and swings) as well as multiple different textured perches (a flat perch, rope, wood, etc.). Offering only plain dowel rods can cause discomfort and arthritis. Always monitor your bird's interactions with action perches before leaving them alone. DO NOT put fleece blankets or cozy huts in the cage. These are a safety issue.

Add a variety of toys including confetti shredders, woodblocks, cardboard, etc. Make sure all are safe for birds and monitor your bird's interactions with toys before leaving them alone.

Fresh water daily. Sometimes multiple times per day if your bird soils it with food, poop, etc.

Spot clean the cage daily, switch out the cage material (newspaper, liners) weekly.

If you are transitioning your bird's diet, you need to do it slowly. Introduce your bird to new food by incrementally mixing it in with the old food. The healthiest diet is to transition your cockatiel from seeds to pellets. Feel free to message me if you need advice on recommended diets/brands.

Cockatiels enjoy fresh leafy greens. Try to feed spinach, broccoli, kale in addition to the normal diet of seeds/pellets.

Cockatiels need about 10 hours of darkness every night to regulate their hormonal cycles. Consider buying a cage cover. Set a schedule for sleep.

You already mentioned it, but never introduce the bird to your cat or any other predatory animal.

More info on budgeting and disclaimers under the cut!

As for costs, they vary. I can itemize what I pay for Pixel's care (not including boarding expenses or the cost of her travel cage):

$80-100: flight cage & $20 for a cage cover (one time expense)

$30 for perches (one time expense)

$30: for food (roughly every 2-3 months, so ~$120 a year)

$30 for nail trims at the vet every 3 months (again ~$120 a year)

$60 for her annual vet exam

$10 a month for additional toys and perches (it varies, but probably totals around $100 a year).

This breaks down to a one-time expense of roughly $130 for the cage setup, and an annual cost of about $400 per year. You also need extra funds saved in the case of illness or emergency.

Now that basic care is out of the way, I have some additional disclaimers about life with a cockatiel:

Cockatiels can live up to 30 years.

Will you be able to spend several hours per day with the cockatiel?

If the cockatiel's needs are still unmet even with your full attention, would you be willing to adopt another cockatiel to keep it company?

Are you sensitive to loud noises? Keep in mind that cockatiels will scream for attention. They also make "contact calls" to locate members of their flock when they are out of sight (in this case, you). If you spend most of your time in the house outside of your cockatiel's sightlines, then you will have a very noisy, frustrated bird!

Is there a nearby avian vet? Can you afford expensive vet bills?

What will you do during the holidays or if you are traveling?

I hope this was helpful. You have a good heart, and I hope the cockatiel finds somewhere warm where they can receive all of the scratches their heart desires! Please don't hesitate to message me if you want more detailed educational materials or explanations.

#birblr #ask #cockatiels

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birds-galore · 3 months

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