Copyright 2007 Cockatiel Foundation, Inc.
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ARTICLE
| Require High Standards When purchasing a pet cockatiel, or foundation breeding stock, be certain to make your selection from a facility that is clean and cares for its birds adequately. Some retail pet stores maintain very high standards, keeping birds isolated behind glass or in a separate room and provide a varied diet that includes fresh food and other extras. Similarly, there are professional and hobby breeders who go to great pains to feed, house and maintain their breeding stock with utmost care. Unfortunately, these are stores and breeders who do a poor job of maintaining healthy conditions. Visit the Premises For that reason it is a good idea to visit the premises where you are considering a purchase. Most reputable breeders welcome the opportunity to show their aviary. Aviary visits are usually scheduled by appointment, so the breeder has time to discuss the diet and care you plan to give any bird you may buy. Literature, such as general diet and care handouts and other important information will be given to you at this time. If a purchase is made, breeders who close band their birds with traceable aluminum leg bands usually provide a pedigree or birth certificate record that will include the bird’s date of birth, gender (if known), color variety and parental background. Advertisements and References Care needs to be exercised when turning to printed advertisements to purchase cockatiels. For example, ads listing a “pair” for sale merely guarantee two birds are available, not necessarily that the pair consists of a male and a female. To purchase a bona fide male and female, look for advertisements listing a proven pair, which indicates the pair has already produced fertile eggs. It is a good idea to secure references before purchasing a bird from an unknown source. Ask for references that you can check yourself, not simply ones provided by the breeder. First rate references come from well-known breeders; local and national bird clubs; and trusted pet and retail outlets, zoos and private aviaries. Gender Identification Determining the sex of cockatiels is relatively easy, compared to other birds. In the majority of color mutations, including the nominate Normal Grey, adult males can be identified by their solid yellow faces with bright orange cheek patches. Males of the Whiteface series carry a pure white mask. However, there are exceptions to this simple definition, depending upon the color mutations involved. In these instances, the cock’s behavior of strutting, bowing and whistling serenades helps distinguish it from the hen. Sometimes, the purchaser must rely upon the breeder’s word for gender information, all the more reason to find a reputable breeder. Young Birds Another factor to consider before purchasing a bird, or a pair of birds, is age. Always attempt to secure young birds. If the bird is to be sold as a pet, a young bird will be more receptive and impressionable. This applies not only to taming and teaching the bird to talk, but also in teaching correct eating habits. Older birds are more stubborn and resistant to change, so the younger the bird, the better for you both. Breeders Those seeking an established, proven pair of cockatiels for breeding will also want to obtain young birds. Young, proven pairs can be quite productive, safely throwing two clutches of four to six babies each year. More mature pairs – 10 years of age or older – may still be able to breed, but such activity can be more taxing, or even dangerous to older birds. Some of the warning signs that a pair should be retired include poor breeding results; soft-shelled eggs, denoting a loss of calcium that can lead to osteoporosis, especially in hens; and other stress markers. Although it would be ideal to obtain a proven pair that is still young, breeders often will not part with such birds. The next best option is to purchase a young, unproven pair, providing the breeder will guarantee their genders as one male and one female. A young pair can be set up to breed as soon as they enter the (adult) breeding cycle, which is usually by 12 to 18 months of age. Weaned Youngsters One caution about buying young birds; always buy cockatiels that are fully weaned, especially if you have never handled hand-feeding before. Most breeders consider birds weaned once they are fully eating on their own and filling their crops every night for about a week. Many a saddened pet owner has been devastated by the loss of a new pet because they did not receive adequate information on how to wean a baby that is not yet independent. |
| "Providing Resources to the Cockatiel Community" The Cockatiel Foundation, founded in June 2007, began out of a growing need in the avicultural community to offer its members programs for pet owners, breeders and exhibitors, in addition to services never before addressed in the cockatiel community. CF is establishing a Cockatiel Adoption & Placement Program to hrlp in the placement and rehoming of cockatiels to new, permanent "forever" homes. CF offers a wealth of information on color genetics, mutations, and breeding research. CF is addressing the needs of our Youth Members in the CF Youth & Education Program developed for tomorrows' next generation of cockatiel afficionados. Please visit our unique LOST & FOUND Center to report and reunite birds with their owners! Joining the Foundation When you join the Foundation as a Member, you will receive many benefits, including the Cockatiel Chronicle and have access to the Members' Only Yahoo Group for chat, PHOTO CONTEST, Members' Articles & more! Please read about our Membership benefits and peruse the website. COME JOIN US! |
| Linda S. Rubin is an aviculturist, lecturer and avian educator of 30 years, with an international byline in avicultural magazines around the world and author of several books at www.CockatielsPlusParrots.com. She is the cockatiel expert columnist for Bird Talk’s website, BirdChannel.com, writes as an overseas columnist for Cage & Aviary Birds (United kingdom), and she serves on the board of directors as National Specialty Vice President for the American Federation of Aviculture, Inc. She is the founding president and genetics consultant of the Cockatiel Foundation, Inc. Linda is a certified panel judge for the Cockatiel Foundation, and the Society of Parrot Breeders & Exhibitors, judging shows throughout the US, Puerto Rico, and Canada since 1984. |
| Disclaimer Articles on this website are not meant to take the place of proper veterinary and other medical care. If your bird appears ill or shows symptoms of illness, please contact your avian veterinarian as quickly as possible. Birds are prey animals and hide their symptoms in order to survive; by the time owners see symptoms, a bird may have become extremely ill. Owners are advised to seek medical attention immediately. To find an avian veterinarian in your area, contact the Association of Avian Veterinarians at www.aav.org. |
Cockatiel Foundation, Inc.
| PURCHASING COCKATIELS © 2000 LINDA S. RUBIN Cockatiel Foundation President Originally published in the April 2000 issue of BIRD TIMES Magazine December 2002 issue of UK BIRDKEEPER "All Rights Reserved" |
c. 2007 Sandra Trottier