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These are beautifully colored birds and are actually members of the parrot order. Some of their distinctive features are the tail, which can actually account for up to half of their body length and their crest, which they actually may use to show their mood. For example, they may hold it fully erect when they are startled or excited and it will usually be tilted slightly when they are relaxed.
While they are related to the parrots, they are actually better at imitating whistles and sounds, rather than speech. They have been known to learn sounds ranging from a beeping car alarm to a ringing telephone! Some can learn to repeat phrases and it is seen more in the males than in the females. In fact, it seems that the males are more inclined to whistle and talk, while the females are more loveable and cuddly. Please remember that either sex may learn, but it is up to the owner to work with the bird. Some owners find that the birds learn better and pick speech up quicker when it is taught by a higher pitched voice, like a female or a child.
If you own a single bird, they will normally become very attached to one person – their primary owner. In fact, these birds have been known to look at that one person as their primary companion and actually regurgitate on them, as this is how they feed each other in the wild! When you pet and stroke them, they may reciprocate their affection by helping you preen your eyebrows and hair.
Due to their high intelligence, these birds require stimulation. They need to be played with, touched and talked to often. They must be kept stimulated, both with toys and by their owner. It is recommended to offer a variety of toys in their cage and to actually change them, rotating them in and out of the cage, every few weeks. Bored birds may end up depressed and could start plucking out their own feathers. While they enjoy playing with their reflection with a small mirror in the cage, please remember that a large mirror in the room may confuse them when they are out and, if they fly into it, may cause an injury. Be sure to watch their chewing carefully, as they are very inquisitive and explore with their mouths.
The ideal room temperature for a cockatiel is 70-80 degrees. They do not care for change, even something as subtle as new curtains in a room. They prefer corners of rooms, as this makes them feel more secure and lets them feel as if they have a place to hide. They can even be prone to “night frights,” which may be helped by keeping a night light on in the room with the bird. To keep them healthy and happy, they actually need 10-12 hours of sleep per night. As with all birds, a varied diet is best for these birds. It can even include things like chicken, bread, eggs and cheese (in small amounts), in addition to their pellets, seeds, fruits and veggies, to help keep them healthy. And, if you keep them healthy, they can be your friend for quite some time, as these birds are known to live for 15-20 years!