As with Lovebirds, parent-raised Cockatiels are not recommended as pets due to their sometimes aggressive nature. On the other hand, Cockatiels that have been hand-fed are quite possibly the most popular "first bird." With the cheerful orange cheek patches of most mutations and their friendly personalities, it is no surprise that cockatiels are so popular.
Male Cockatiels can learn to imitate speech, though their voices are often robotic and difficult to understand. They are far more apt to learn songs, which they whistle proudly with their chest puffed out and their wings held back for everyone to see. Female Cockatiels are typically very quiet, making only small chirping noises. However, this makes them excellent apartment birds and their lovable personalities easily make up for what they lack in vocal ability.
Cockatiels of both sexes are small birds - perfect for children over 8 years of age and senior citizens. A healthy, well-cared for Cockatiel can easily live 15-20 years. If you are considering purchasing a cockatiel, but are unsure of the amount of time you will be able to dedicate to your bird then we suggest getting more than one. Cockatiels are social birds by nature, often traveling in large flocks. As long as the birds are of the same sex and you spend time with them each day, they will remain friendly to you. Just like people, a Cockatiel's personality really shines through when he or she has friends to play with!
Physical Description: Cockatiels come in a variety of colors – from the original Grey to yellow, white, or “cinnamon” colored. They are easily recognized by their cheerful orange cheek patches, except on some rarer mutations that lack the orange pigment. Their crests are generally yellow, except for the rarer mutations which, again, lack this pigment.
Average Lifespan: 10 – 20 years
Sexing: You cannot determine the sex just by looking at a baby Cockatiel. After 8 weeks sometimes the males will vocalize more than females, but they do not become sexually dimorphic until they have their first full molt. So, if you are looking for a certain sex, then they must be sexed with a DNA test.
Origin: Australia
Train-ability: Hand-fed Cockatiels make exceptional pets. They are friendly and outgoing little birds that love to be with their caretakers. They can be taught to fly to you on command, and carry out simple tricks such as “turn around.” They are very calm birds that enjoy sitting and watching TV or doing paperwork with you.
Loudness: Cockatiels are fairly quiet birds. They have a different noise for when they are happy, angry, or excited, etc. which you will come to recognize with time. The males will sing elaborate songs which they seem to make up in the spur of the moment. They make great apartment birds.
Health Guarantee of Our Birds
We have the strongest bird guarantee in the country, and more importantly, we stand behind our guarantee. The guarantee is simple: We guarantee that we are selling you a perfectly healthy bird. To verify that guarantee, within five days you need to go to an Avian Vet and get any and all testing you prefer to do on your bird, at your expense. We can guide you as to the tests we suggest. If the results are not perfect but the bird can be easily treated, then we pay for all medications and all treatment. If the results are unacceptable then we either replace your bird or refund 100% of the purchase price of your bird, at our option.
Bird Guarantee only lasts for the first five days
Since we have 100% control over the bird's environment at our store, but have no control over the bird once it leaves, we can only guarantee the bird for the first five days. We guarantee that when the bird leaves the store that it has been properly socialized, and that it is 100% healthy. Your new bird has been given an excellent start here at Golden Cockatoo, and it is now your responsibility to properly care for your bird. We are always here to help you take the best care of your bird with the biggest variety and best quality bird products available in the world.
Lifetime Guarantee on our Birds
We guarantee that if during your lifetime, you are no longer able to properly care for your bird, or give your bird the attention it need's, we will accept the bird back on consignment and will find another great home for your bird. We do take a 40% commission and charge a nominal daily fee to feed and clean, but you can rest assured that you always have a place for your bird should the need arise. We are the only store in Florida to offer this guarantee as of the year 2000.
