Cockatiels require a combination of seeds and pellets. Unlike pellets, seeds do not contain all the necessary nutrients, but stimulate some activity of the bird to be able to break open the shells. If the bird was previously on a seed diet, and you wish to switch to a pellet diet, gradually introduce pellets. This change may take some time (months). A sudden switch could cause the bird to starve. A bird on an all seed diet requires a vitamin powder sprinkled over fresh foods several times per week. Vitamins sprinkled in water can cause bacterial growth. Fresh water should be offered daily.

Fresh vegetables, greens and fruits should also be offered daily: romaine, spinach, carrot tops, dandelion greens, corn, peas, broccoli, apple, pear, melons, and berries.

Unsweetened cereals, such as Cheerios, breads, unsalted nuts, cheese, and scrambled or hardboiled eggs make great treats.

Supply a mineral block and cuttle bone, to ensure that the cockatiel has calcium and mineral supplementation.

Health

Some cockatiels are purchased with their wings clipped, and some veterinarians can clip wings if necessary. Clipping prevents the birds from flying and is somewhat controversial. However, depending on the personality of the bird, clipping prevents injury and escape, and makes the birds easier to tame, since the bird is more dependent on the owner. In addition, nails may need to be clipped. A pair of small nail clippers and styptic powder are needed for this. It is easier to restrain the bird in a towel to cut the nails. Always have someone assist. More information can be obtained through consultation with a veterinarian.

Molting occurs naturally at 6 months, 1 year of age and then once every year. A molt generally lasts 4-6 weeks and should not be mistaken for feather picking. Environmental temperatures influence the pattern of a molt.

Occasionally, some female cockatiels will become persistent egg-layers, without the presence of a mate. Obesity is common in older birds; however, diet modifications and exercise generally help to control the weight gain.

Signs of disease or illness in a cockatiel may be indicated by a variety of clinical symptoms: inactivity, closed eyes (most of the time), droopy wings, ruffled feathers, stops eating and vocalizing, noisy breathing and sneezing, bleeding, weight loss, soiled or pasted vent, changes in the droppings, decreased preening, sits at the bottom of the cage for long periods of time, and self mutilation (feather picking). These symptoms require urgent veterinary attention.

An annual veterinary visit is advisable to ensure that your cockatiel is in optimal health.