Cockatiels belong to the parrot family and are one of the most loved parrots. Cockatiels, closely related to cockatoos are small parrots that make great pets.
There are many varieties of these birds, but the pied cockatiel is one of the most sought-after and readily available. The pied variety was also the first cockatiel variation to be established, so they have had the time to grow and become more popular.
Species Overview
- Common names: Pied Tiel. Variegated Cockatiel. Harlequin Cockatiel.
- Scientific Name: Nymphicus Hollandicus
- Adult Size: 10-12″
- Life expectancy is between 10-14 years
Origin and History
Cockatiels can be found in Australia. Although they are considered to be the fastest flying birds on the island, they lack the wing strength necessary to reach Tasmania like other birds from Australia.
The pied variation is a mutation in a standard grey cockatiel. This is the first cockatiel variety and was created in San Diego, California. They were developed by Mr. D. Putman in 1951. Today, they are one of the most popular and well-loved cockatiel varieties. After Putman’s passing, Mr. Hubbell continued the breeding program. Mrs. R. Kersh was also busy breeding another type of pied cockatiel.
Temperament
Cockatiels are very popular for many reasons. These adorable birds are filled with love and affection. Most birds love to be petted and held, as long as they are gentle. Most dogs are not fond of cuddling. They are happy to just be with you.
You will need to be a good pet owner and a good cockatiel trainer. They can become aggressive if you don’t take care of them well enough. To correct their bad behavior, you should not scold them. You can make them withdraw from you, and they may become timid. Instead, encourage positive reinforcement and replace the negative behaviors with positive ones.
These little birds also have a lot of personalities. They are able to sing and whistle, and they don’t hesitate to share their emotions. They are intelligent and can be taught tricks. They enjoy a challenge that keeps them busy.
- They are hardy birds and not vulnerable to many health issues
- There are no two feet exactly the same.
- These birds are very easy to care for
- They can be quite loud
- It’s difficult to housetrain them.
Speech and Vocalizations
Cockatiels can mimic your sounds quite well. Although they can “talk” a few words it is really only mimicking what you have said. You will almost certainly hear your cockatiel singing and whistling.
Males can often imitate your sounds better than females. Both sexes can mimic any sound around the house, even words or TV programs.
Pied Cockatiel Colors & Markings
You can find these birds in every color you would find solid cockatiels. However, pieds can display a variety of colors in seemingly random patterns, such as splotches and blotches. Grey-colored pied cockatiels could be gray with white patches. A cinnamon pied, on the other hand, would have a variety of yellows or cinnamons.
Cockatiels that have a single pied gene are more likely to have yellow or white feathers at a few locations like the toenail and wing feathers. Two of the pied genes can result in birds with larger and more varied color patches.
Pipit cockatiels are the most sought-after and have symmetrical patterns that match from one side to the other. It is extremely rare, however, as it is impossible to predict when breeding.
There are three types of pied cockatiels.
- Clear pied
- Heavy pied
- Light pied
Caring for the Pied Cockatiel
Cockatiels are a popular pet because they are much easier to take care of than other parrots. They are very resilient birds and don’t need special care.
Two cockatiels can be kept together. They will bond less closely with you if they do. If they have a partner, it’s less likely that they will mimic your words or other sounds.
You can also keep one cockatiel. As long as they are given daily attention, they won’t have any problems. They require a lot of attention. If you fail to provide enough attention, it could lead to a bird who is displaying self-harming behaviors. If your bird is not receiving enough attention, it may be displaying self-harming behavior.
Cockatiels will poop every 10-20 minutes. It is normal to spend a lot of time cleaning up after them. Regular bathing is necessary to keep them healthy and clean.
They are active and playful birds. They require a lot of space. A cage should be at least 2 feet high and approximately the same width and length. To prevent escape, ensure that the spacing between bars is not more than 3/4 inch.
Common Health Problems
Cockatiels are generally considered to be healthy and robust birds. They are however susceptible to a variety of avian health issues. Although none of these can be ruled out, it is important to be aware of them.
The following are some of the most common health issues that affect pied cockatiels:
- Bacterial infections
- Coccidiosis
- Diarrhea
- Egg binding
- Feather cysts
- Feather picking
- Goiter
- Heatstroke
- Beaks that are too big
- Nails that are too long
- Psittacosis
- Rheumatism
- Watery eyes
- Weight loss
Diet and nutrition
Cockatiels can have a variety of foods, including fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, and nuts. Because pellets already have all the nutrition your bird needs, they are one of the best food options for your cockatiel.
Cockatiels love seeds. Because they are high in fat, it is best to limit their intake to 30%.
A wide range of fruits and vegetables can be fed to your cockatiel, such as:
- Apples
- Apricots
- Bananas
- Beans
- Broccoli
- Cantaloupe
- Carrots
- Cucumbers
- Grapes
- Leafy Greens
- Lettuce
- Mangos
- Mashed potatoes
- Nectarines
- Oranges
- Papayas
- Peaches
- Pineapples
- Sprouts
- Tomatoes
Exercise
A cockatiel should be able to spread its wings, as with all birds. As long as the cage is large enough to allow them to fly in, they can be kept in the cage for most of their time. It is best to allow your cockatiel at least an hour outside each day.
It’s a smart idea to give your cockatiel many toys. This will prevent boredom and keep them happy. You can provide mental stimulation and exercise by playing with them. While you can have many toys in your cage, make sure they still have enough room to move around.
Places to Adopt or Purchase a Pied Cockatiel
You won’t have any trouble finding one because pied cockatiels is one of the most common cockatiel breeds. Most pet shops have a good selection. Even large chain pet shops can carry a good selection of pied cockatiels, but you will find more exotic pets at a specialty store. You can find pet shops that specialize in parrots and other birds.
Your pied cockatiel should cost between $150 and $250. Prices will vary depending on the location you buy your bird, as well as how unique and intricate their patterning and coloration are.
Conclusion
The pied cockatiel is a friendly, colorful bird with lots of personalities. These birds come in many different colors and patterns. They are as individual as their personalities. They are able to mimic your sounds, and can even understand your words. You’ll soon see why they’re so popular.
What does the word pied mean in cockatiels?
With mostly grey to light-yellow and white feathers and orange cheek patches, the Pied cockatiel is the first mutation of cockatiel color genetics.
How long does it take a pied cockatiel to mature?
The cockatiel’s life span in captivity is generally given as 16 to 25 years, though it has been reported that it can live as long as 32 years, with the oldest confirmed specimen being 36 years old.
In their cage, what do cockatiels prefer?
A cockatiel requires a cage that is large enough to accommodate multiple perches, toys, and food bowls, as well as enough space to flap its wings without hitting anything.
Do cockatiels have emotions?
Cockatiels express 7 emotions through their feathers. The following are the primary emotions/feelings: curiosity, anger, and sleepiness.
Cockatiels require how much attention?
Hold or play with your cockatiel for at least one hour per day. Cockatiels enjoy escaping from their cages and perching on a T-stand. Keep your cockatiel entertained inside the cage with two or three toys, including puzzles that conceal treats. Give your cockatiel a shallow bowl of warm water to bathe in twice a week.
How do you tell if a cockatiel is male or female?
10 to 12 months Immature birds may not exhibit many behaviors that indicate gender, so you’ll have to wait until they’re 10-12 months old. Some males, on the other hand, are precocious and exhibit song and courtship behavior as early as their first year.
What is the distinction between a pied and a pearl cockatiel?
Also, instead of yellow patches, a white face pied will have white speckles, and a white face pearl will have white speckles. Because the white-face mutation removes all yellow pigmentation, a white-face chick hatches with white fuzz, whereas any other mutation results in a yellow-fuzzy chick.
Is it possible for a cockatiel to breed without a male?
In order for there to be babies, eggs must be fertilized by a male before laying.) And the other bird could be a female as well. If you see these birds mating in their cages, the other bird is most likely a male, and the eggs may be fertile. The egg with the hole, on the other hand, will almost certainly not hatch.
Are pied cockatiels sociable?
If you’re looking for a colorful and friendly bird with a lot of personalities, look no further than the pied cockatiel. These birds, which come in a variety of colors and patterns, are as individual as their personalities.