Cockatiels are one of the most popular pet birds after budgies, and they are wonderful companions — gentle, affectionate and famous for their whistling. For many people they are the ideal first parrot.
Why cockatiels make great pets
Cockatiels are gentle, sociable and genuinely affectionate, often enjoying head scratches and sitting with their owner. Males in particular love to whistle tunes and mimic sounds. They are a little bigger and longer-lived than budgies, making them a rewarding step up while still being beginner-friendly.
What cockatiels need
They need a roomy cage, daily interaction, a balanced diet of pellets and fresh vegetables, out-of-cage time, and consistent dark, quiet sleep to avoid night frights. Like all parrots they are social and can become unhappy if ignored for long stretches.
Things to be aware of
Cockatiels live around 15 to 20 years, so they are a long commitment. They also produce a fine feather dust that can bother people with allergies or asthma. And while gentle, they still need patient taming and daily attention to stay sweet and tame.