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kasia
Bappie
Joined: 25 Jun 2007
Posts: 97
Location: Canada |
| cockateil info |
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I am thinking of getting a cockateil, and I was hopping if someone would be able to give me info about them such as:
1.Are they a good 1 time bird
2.cost
3.feeding
4.maintince
5.housing
6.excersice
7.deemanding level
8.vet cost
9.toys and handaling
If you have anything more to say about them then please do!
And fill in the most you can Thank You  |
Tuesday June 26, 2007 7:19 pm |
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Vexilen
Bappie
Joined: 11 Aug 2006
Posts: 61
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1. I have two cockatiels and they are my first birds. (I started with one and then got another) but don't think that doesn't mean they don't require a lot of care.
2. Depending on the color you get, and where you purchase your bird, they can cost anywhere from $100-$200 starting, not including food, etc. Berto (my grey) was $85 and then we spent another $50 or $60 on his cage and toys and things.
3. I feed my cockatiels Harrison's pellets, seed, vegetables, and sometimes fruit even though they don't like it as much. You should research captive foraging (there's a DVD about it too, but it's a little expensive) and try and implement if you buy a cockatiel because it uses their natural instincts and I believe that it keeps my birds healthier.
4. The only real maintenance I have is cleaning their cage/around their cage. I usually try and vacuum once a week and clean their cage about once a month. The birds also need bathing too (especially when they're molting) and I do this with a squirt bottle around once a week. They also need their papers changed every 24-48 hours, however this doesn't take very long.
5. Currently I have my birds in two 20x17 (I think that's the dimensions) cages pushes together with the doors held open. Basically the rule of thumb with cockatiels is that the cage should be longer than it is taller, they're not helicopters. Try and buy perches that vary in diameter, any pet store should have natural wood perches, which are usually twisty enough to prevent arthritis.
6. I take my birds out once a day for 30-40 minutes. I would have them out longer except I have two dogs and to take the birds out I have to put the dogs in another room.
7. One of my birds has a behavior problem and is therefore very demanding-we've spent a lot of time trying to keep him busy, but that's not the norm. My female however, is not half as demanding and her only fault is that she really likes to have someone in the room or in her general vicinity at all times or she gets quite noisy, and we're still in the process of teaching her that noise doesn't mean that people come to her side. The biggest demand in having cockatiels is the morning feeding and making time for them everyday.
8. The vet cost is not that bad, the last time I took them both to the vet it cost $175 for a wing clip and a short exam for both of them, but I think I go to a more expensive vet.
9. Most pet stores will have a toy section grouped by size, cockatiels of course like the smaller sized toys. There's lots of information on toy safety on the internet.
As for handling, both my birds are very good at being touched, and they're both very bonded to me and my mom. How to tame your bird (if you get an untame 'tiel) is also another popular subject if you google cockatiel.
Hope I helped!
-Sara |
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Friday July 6, 2007 6:23 pm |
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kasia
Bappie
Joined: 25 Jun 2007
Posts: 97
Location: Canada |
WOW thx alot for the info I need it, neither thoe I done preaty much most of my research, but its always nice for extra help!!!
And I heard that they are really noisy at times, but it doesn't stop my from buying one 
And I did think that the vet cost would be more, but its not that expensive then 
Also I'm very glad to hear you have a dog, because I have one too!
And the reason why I keep holding on buying a cockatiel is that I wouldn't know how to keep the safety of it when I have a dog!
Well toodles and again, thx you sooo much for the information |
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Friday July 6, 2007 7:35 pm |
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