Cockatiels are affectionate, gentle birds and a favourite first parrot. They are not difficult to keep, but they do have a few specific needs that keep them happy and healthy.
Housing and diet
Give a cockatiel a wide cage with room to stretch and flap, natural-wood perches, and plenty of toys. Feed a base of pellets plus fresh vegetables and greens, with seed as a smaller part of the diet rather than the whole of it, plus a cuttlebone for calcium. Not sure about a food? Use our bird food checker.
Company and sleep
Cockatiels are social and need daily interaction and out-of-cage time to stay tame and content. They also need 10–12 hours of dark, quiet sleep, which helps prevent night frights — sudden panics in the dark that can cause injury. A cage cover or quiet sleep spot helps.
Health and lifespan
Cockatiels live around 15 to 20 years, so they are a long commitment. Watch for the usual warning signs of illness (fluffed up, quiet, not eating), since they hide sickness. They also make a fine feather dust that can affect people with allergies. See how long they live in our cockatiel lifespan guide.