Cockatiel Care: What Foods to Avoid

Raising cockatiels requires careful attention to warmth, fresh food and water, and a clean environment to prevent illness.

Young cockatiels are especially sensitive to cold. From birth, they should be kept in a brooder with the temperature maintained at 86°F (30°C) until they are 30 days old. If you do not have a brooder, it's best to start raising chicks in the summer. At night, ensure they are kept warm and the birdcage is placed in a well-ventilated, dry area, away from direct sunlight and air conditioning vents. Fresh water and food are essential. Discard uneaten formula for chicks and prepare a fresh batch each time. Ensure pelleted food for adult birds is also fresh. Replace water regularly if it becomes dirty, and clean the birdcage frequently, at least every two days, to maintain a hygienic environment which helps prevent illness.

Foods That Cockatiels Should Not Eat

While cockatiels can eat a variety of fruits and vegetables, it's important to avoid feeding them high-water content fruits like watermelon, as this can easily lead to diarrhea. Always remove pits and seeds from fruits before feeding them to your cockatiel because they contain small amounts of hydrogen cyanide, which can be toxic if accumulated. Avoid feeding your cockatiel fatty foods, as well as food containing alcohol or caffeine. Avocado, chocolate, salt, and rhubarb leaves are all potentially harmful and should be avoided. In addition, it's crucial to steer clear of anything that might cause an upset stomach, or are known to be toxic to birds, such as onions or garlic.Bonus resource:Pet Knowledge