Activities for a cockatiel

[Aussie]

Hi everyone, just joined this site so thought id pick your brains
I have a cockatiel named Aussie, who will be 2 years in February, bought from her breeder in April 2010. Just wondering really, about her colour? her brother was the same colouration as her, but all of his head was completely white, where as she only has a small white patch on the back of her head. Is she a pearl, even though she is only white and grey with no yellow? Its not a brilliant photo, but just wondering your thoughts as she is my first cockatiel, only ever had finches and budgies before

Another question! - Any ideas on ways to keep her active and entertained when she is out of her cage? She has a large cage with plenty of toys, swings and occasional treats to keep her busy, but i struggle to find ways to keep her active when shes out and shes starting to get a bit tubby!

 

[IcyWolf]

I can't help you with the color although I'm sure there a few folks here who can. She sure is pretty though!

As far as exercise, she looks like she is flighted but it's hard to tell from that picture, does she fly at all? That's always a good way to burn some calories, also, try limiting the amount of high fat treats she gets like sunflower and peanuts.

 

[Aussie]

yep, she can fly and she has the run of our living room, so she can fly whenever she wants (when shes let out and supervised of course). However, she seems more content to run around and sit on you rather than fly, probably because she was hand reared, but its difficult finding ways for her to move about more and fly!
Thank you! she is very pretty and has a huge personality!

 

[IcyWolf]

I would suggest buying or making a tall t-stand for her. You can easily and cheaply make one out of pvc from any hardware or home supply store, and then just wrap the perch part with vet wrap. You can then place her on the t stand and encourage her to fly to you for a treat, and then fly back for another. We do this with our conure and he loves it, although it was a bit easier with him since he would rather fly than walk. If you have trouble getting her to come to you for the treat, you can always start on the floor and get her to do walking recalls first. Once she learns she has to come to you for the treat you can then start getting her to try and fly to you for it. If you're still having problems, try switching treats and find something that she really likes but only gets during this activity. I don't think she looks overweight but have you weighed her recently? That's the only real way to tell.

 

[Aussie]

thank you! great idea ill get my dad to make one, as hes good at all the handy man stuff! Shes only a tiny bit over weight, but i dont really want her putting any more on, which i think she may do if i dont find something for her to do thanks so much