Cockatiels are popular pet birds that originate from Australia. They are known for their colorful plumage, playful personalities, and ability to mimic speech. Cockatiels are granivores, meaning they eat seeds, grains, and vegetation in the wild. When kept as pets, cockatiels require a balanced diet to remain healthy and active. Here is an overview of what cockatiels eat and how to feed them properly.
Wild Cockatiel Diet
In the wild, cockatiels are found in arid environments across much of inland Australia. They feed on native grasses, berries, fruits, flowers, and tree seeds. The availability of food and water often fluctuates with the seasons in these dry habitats. During times of drought, cockatiels may fly long distances in search of sustenance.
Some key components of a wild cockatiel’s diet include:
- Seeds and grains from native grasses and shrubs
- Berries from bushes like saltbush and bluebush
- Fruits from trees such as eucalyptus and acacia
- Nectar and pollen from flowering plants
- Insects for protein
This varied diet provides cockatiels with carbohydrates, protein, fat, vitamins, and minerals. It also requires them to forage and exercise extensively while feeding.
Captive Cockatiel Diet
The main components of a balanced diet for pet cockatiels are:
- High-quality seed mix
- Pellets formulated for cockatiels
- Fresh vegetables and fruits
- Clean water
Seed Mix
A quality seed mix should make up 50-60% of a cockatiel’s diet. Look for a mix specifically formulated for cockatiels, with a variety of seeds, grains, and legumes like:
- Millet
- Oats
- Wheat
- Safflower
- Sunflower
- Canary grass seed
- Buckwheat
- Legumes like lentils, peas, beans
Avoid seed mixes with a lot of fatty seeds, artificial colors, and preservatives. Also, ration millet since cockatiels love it and may fill up on it instead of eating a balanced diet. Provide just 1-2 teaspoons of it separately as a treat.
Pellets
High-quality pellets should also make up 30-40% of a cockatiel’s food. Look for pellets formulated specifically for cockatiels that contain:
- Complete nutrition profile with proteins, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals
- Vegetable matter and grains
- A minimum of artificial colors and preservatives
Some good pellet brands are Zupreem, Roudybush, and Harrison’s. Slowly transition your cockatiel to pellets by mixing them with seeds over 2-3 weeks.
Fruits and Vegetables
Fresh fruits and veggies provide beneficial nutrients, vitamins, and variety to a cockatiel’s diet. Some good options are:
- Chopped kale, spinach, broccoli
- Sliced apple, melon, berries
- Cooked sweet potato, yam, pumpkin
- Corn kernels
- Sprouted seeds
Introduce new foods slowly and watch for any diarrhea or allergic reactions. Chop produce into cockatiel-sized pieces. Offer a variety of fruits and veggies regularly, aiming for around 10% of total diet.
Water
Provide fresh, clean drinking water in your cockatiel’s cage at all times. Change the water daily. Some birds enjoy running water, so a bird fountain can encourage drinking.
Feeding Schedule
Adult cockatiels should be fed twice daily. Here is a sample feeding schedule:
Time | Food | Amount |
---|---|---|
Morning | Seed mix | 1-2 tsp |
Morning | Pellets | 1-2 tsp |
Morning | Chopped veggies | 1-2 tsp |
Afternoon | Seed mix or pellets | 1-2 tsp |
Afternoon | Sliced fruits | Couple pieces |
Remove any uneaten fresh foods within a few hours to prevent spoilage. Adjust amounts based on your cockatiel’s appetite and weight. Weigh your bird weekly to monitor health.
Treats
In moderation, cockatiels enjoy treats like:
- Millet spray
- Nutriberries
- Cockatiel pellets-based treats
- Whole grain breakfast cereal
- Whole grain crackers or bread
- Shredded cheese
- Hard boiled egg
Aim to limit treats to once or twice a week. They should make up no more than 5-10% of total diet. Avoid high fat and salt treats.
Foraging and Exercise
In addition to a balanced diet, cockatiels need activities to engage their minds and bodies. Set up bird-safe foraging opportunities by:
- Hiding food in cardboard tubes
- Putting food under mats or boxes to find
- Using foraging toys
- Lightly clipping greens around the cage
Make sure your cockatiel gets plenty of supervised out-of-cage time to fly and climb daily as well.
Potential Problems
Watch for these common cockatiel feeding issues:
- Obesity: From too many fatty seeds, treats, or lack of exercise
- Malnutrition: From not eating a balanced diet
- Blocked crop: From eating too much millet or other dense foods
- Psittacine beak and feather disease (PBFD): Viral disease that can inhibit eating
Take your cockatiel to an avian vet if you notice signs of illness or dietary issues. Providing a varied, wholesome diet while limiting treats and junk food is key to keeping cockatiels healthy and happy.
Conclusion
Cockatiels thrive on a balanced diet with quality seeds, nutrient-dense pellets, fresh produce, and clean water. Feed your cockatiel twice daily, provide fresh veggies and fruits, and incorporate foraging activities. Monitor portions to prevent obesity and malnutrition. With proper nutrition and exercise, cockatiels make lively, affectionate companions.