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When you begin your search for a hand reared cockatiel baby there are a few things to be aware of. Here is a little check list to help you.
1. Do a little research on the net to see the range of colours available and give yourself at least 5 colours or colour combinations that you like. The reason for this is that if you only want one particular colour you may be waiting for some time before a breeder has one available.
2. Decide if you want a girl or boy. Both make great pets. If you really want one or the other you have to find a breeder that supplies a tested bird with a certificate to show what they are.
3. When thinking about the cage think BIG. Remember that in nature birds fly hundreds of k a day. Remember that birds fly horizontal not verticle. So don't buy a tubular verticle cage. Buy a wide cage with good height and depth. 1mtr wide 1mtr high 70cm or so deep is best. It is also good to get a matching stand on wheels with a shelf under to store feed etc.
4. Time out of cage is of vital importance to your bird's health and well being. Get your cockatiel out of the cage as often as possible and make sure it is every day.
5. Wing clipping is necessary if you don't have good control of your house doors and windows e.g. if you have small children in the house that will not be aware and your bird flies out.
6. Feed pellets and vegetables. Fresh veges like corn on the cob, broccoli, celery tops, as well as fresh seeding grass and bottle brush.
7. Provide a calcium source. The bird should have 3 calcium sources in the cage: a calcium bell, a cuttlefish, fine shellgrit. These are all served separately in their own dish, not with other food.
8. Finger train your bird by first holding him gently to your chest and stroking him. Then put him on your finger and talk to him gently.
9. Toilet train your bird by holding him out on your finger when you first get him from the cage area. Wait until he goes before allowing him to go to his favourite place: your shoulder! That is his reward. Hold him out every 15 minutes and chat to him.
10. When you take your bird outside put a little light bird harness and lead on him. You can get these from Pet Homes Direct on the internet.
Resources:
Clever Birds' recommended bird cage for Cockatiels is on the Pet Homes Direct website at a low cost of $85.00. The reason it is recommended is that it meets the natural needs of a cockatiel for space and shape of cage. |
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Clever Birds
The Pet Bird Specialist
http://www.cleverbirds.com.au |
