Copyright 2007 Cockatiel Foundation, Inc.
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ARTICLE
| COCKATIEL QUICK FACTS © 2001 LINDA S. RUBIN Originally published in December 2001 issue of BIRD TALK magazine "All Rights Reserved" |
| SIDE BAR Species Name: Nymphicus hollandicus Body Length: Pet cockatiels are 12 inches long, half of which is a long, tapering tail. Exhibition cockatiels are larger, the ideal is 14 inches with a three inch crest. Body weight: Pet cockatiels average 90 grams. Exhibition cockatiels average 120 to 180 grams. Origin: Interior of Australia; the entire country except for the exterior coastline. Maximum Lifespan: 15 to 40 years, depending upon genetics and care provided. Distinguishing eye color: dark red to ruby eyes in Lutinos, Albinos (Whiteface-Lutinos), Fallows, and Silvers. Black eyes in other varieties. Baldness is inherited in Lutinos and Fallows. Cage Size: Cockatiels are strong flyers. Provide as large a cage as possible with cockatiel bar spacing. More length than height is necessary to encourage flight. Provide daily exercise outside the cage unless long flights (e.g., six foot or longer) are utilized. Perch Size: fresh tree branches of varying diameter are preferred (e.g., eucalyptus, willow, maple, apple, birch, oak, etc. Avoid cherry wood, which is toxic!). The toes should wrap around without completely touching. Wash thoroughly before installing! Species Interactions: Cockatiels seldom defend themselves against other birds, especially other species in pairs that can endanger them by attacking or monopolizing food or water vessels. Safest birds to mix: Doves. Best to maintain cockatiels separately. Best diet: low fat commercial diets, plus provide plenty of dark green vegetables. Health Concerns: fatty livers, inbred kidney disease, tumors Ideal Owner: first time bird owner, children, senior citizens, families, aviculturists, and cockatiel enthusiasts who appreciate color mutations and parrots that are easier to breed. Greatest Challenge: Keeping “bird dust” to a minimum from the naturally occurring powder-down. People with allergies to dust may be bothered by cockatiel dander. Frequent spray misting can help control bird dust. Air cleaners are very helpful and highly recommended. |
| "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! |
Cockatiel Foundation, Inc.
| 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. |
c. 2008 Jane Gillespie