Question by Nuclear Mongoose: I got a Cockatiel and it’s my first time having one. Cockatiel owners, help please?
Hi, I got a cockatiel on Dec 28, 2008 (Happy New Year guys! ^_^) and its my first time having one. S/hes all yellow with orange checks and I named herm Pikachu XD. His/her previous owners neglected it. Bottom of the cage was full of poop, water bowls were green (I just had to throw them away), nest box had mold growing in it (it was so thick >_>), and they had no perches AT ALL in there! I have no idea how long this poor bird has been like this. They used to have three cockatiels, one just died, and the other flew away, so the poor bird became depressed and started plucking, they let herm free, it came back and kinda got attack by the owner’s dogs T_T I’m just so glad they decided to give it to me (its great everybody in my family know me as the bird lady, so when ever they have a unwanted bird, they think of me). Now s/hes in a better home with a loving parent (me) that cares about him/her. I was going to put herm in the cage it came with, but it was soooo dirty, seriously I couldn’t clean it, had to throw it away. So the bird is in the same cage with my nine budgies and house finch. I trust the cockatiel with them, s/he doesn’t bite them or anything. How long will it take for budgies to get used to such a “big” bird in the cage? How can you tell the gender between male and female on cockatiels by looks, aggression, personality, or vocalizations (males louder than females? you know… that kinda stuff). I’m just curious on what it is, male or female, its a really nice bird, but the little guy is still scared and confused. Since the fact s/he had no perches in the cage, s/he has a very weak grip, but s/he can be on a perch, but a few wobbles here and there. How long will it take for the bird to have a strong grip? Its hard to finger train herm… Do you think its to early to be finger training right now? How can you tell if the cockatiel is young or old? Can you teach cockatiels to talk? How long do they live if given great care? I gave herm broccoli yesterday, and he pecked at it. Any tips. extras, you can say on these awesome birds? Sorry that its so long, but you gatta remember, its my first time having a cockatiel o_O… I’m so happy to have one ^_^
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Best answer:
Answer by N!cole. <3
Male cockatiels have brighter colors (like cheek color or head color) and males are also more vocal. Females have dull colors and dont sing
Cockatiels can talk if you put a lot of training into it
cockatiels can live up to 25 years with great care
I dont think its too young at all to start finger training. I’ve had chicks that I handfeed myself and I start training them at 3 weeks old!
I dont think you can tell how old they are
Know better? Leave your own answer in the comments!
