Frequently Asked Questions
If you have a question that you don't see answered below, please feel free to ask us at: elitetiels@cox.net.
Q: How do I know if a cockatiel is a male?
A: Most male cockatiels will begin vocalizing by 10 weeks of age. This includes imitating whistles and sounds such as a telephone ring or microwave beep. Female cockatiels will not usually whistle, but they do have a flock call which is a high-pitch, shrill sound of greeting.
Q: My child has allergies, is a cockatiel a good potential pet?
A: Our answer to this question is usually "no". Cockatiels produce a lot of white, flakey substance known as dander. This resembles what people have as dandruff. In addition, the foods fed to cockatiels contain a certain amount of dust particles, so I normally tell parents that cockatiels will not work with an allergic child.
Q: Are cockatiels messy?
A: Yes, cockatiels do sling their food from time to time, throwing it out into the floor. In addition, cockatiels will make "poop soup" with their water dish, so our recommendation is to either buy a bird that is water bottle trained, or quickly train your new bird to drink from a water bottle.
Q: How about getting more than one bird?
A: We usually recommend starting with one bird, developing a bond with that bird. Once you have bonded with the first bird, you can then bring a second bird into the family.
Q: Can I get a round cage for my cockatiel?
A: Round cages are not recommended as they do not provide enough room for a cockatiel to stretch out their wings. Provide a nice sized cage big enough for your bird to stretch out both wings and flap.
Q: Will cockatiels work with other pets and small children?
A: As always, you must consideration to the natural instincts of the existing animals in your household. It is natural for a cat to hunt birds and a cockatiel's flapping will attract a cat's natural instinct for curiosity. The bottom line is that birds will fit into all households, but never leave a bird unsupervised out of the cage with other pets or small children.
Q: What's the best way to learn more about birds, in general?
A: Join a local club! Get to know other bird people in your area. Most birds clubs have a very family-oriented environment.