New potential owner - Looking for supplies and info.

[SDSU_Aztec]

Greetings all,

Just joined the forums today and have been reading a lot of the posts on here. There is a tremendous amount of information regarding proper care for cockatiels here.

I am looking into possibly getting a pet cockatiel sometime in the near future.

I have a little bit of experience with birds, although not very personal. My grandmother had several budgies and canaries about 6 years ago. They were nice to look at but I was never compelled to really interact with them. They seemed perfectly happy with their own company and a budgie just didn't seem like a very interesting bird for me to engage. I fed them and cleaned their cages occasionally but was never really interested in birds that small.

I always had an eye for Cockatiels and other large parrots. They seem to have much more of a personality than budgies and other small birds. I also find them much more aesthetically appealing and interesting.

I currently have a pet rabbit but am looking to add a more engaging and dynamic pet to my life. I know that I am not a dog person (from past experience with a shelter dog that had chronically severe anxiety issues — was an absolute nightmare and now I never want a dog again) and I am deathly allergic to cat dander so those pets just won't do for me.

With that said, I want to make sure that I am getting the right pet for me, my lifestyle, financial situation, and home.

I just ordered "Cockatiels for Dummies" from amazon and it should arrive in about 3-5 days. I will be giving that book a read during spring break to learn more about the particular characteristics and needs of cockatiels.


I am mainly here to ask 3 questions regarding cockatiel ownership that I am not sure the book will help me answer.


1. I am looking for a good cage for a cockatiel, I have learned through doing my research that it is ideal to have 1/2 inch bar spacing maximum and that the ideal cage will be longer than it is tall. What I have not been able to find through my research is where to purchase one at a good affordable price? I have found several cages on craigslist, some in even new condition that I have considered, but I would first like to see what other options are out there. I am willing to spend a fair bit of money on a cage, but nothing in the $250+ range if I can help it. Where is a good place to buy cages for cockatiels?

2. I am planning to only get 1 bird. I do not want to have 2 birds because I plan to engage the bird on a daily basis so long as it permits me to do so. I am a graduate student though, and am away from home 4 days a week about 8 hours a day. There are other people in my home during that time but no one that will engage the bird. I know that this kind of situation (with a dog that has anxiety problems) is an absolute nightmare...... how will a cockatiel handle this scenario? Will it be satisfied with me interacting with it more in the morning and at nights when I get home?

3. I do plan to have the birds wings clipped (I know this maybe a sensitive issue but I have done my homework on this and feel it is best for my living situation, I have also spoken to my vet about this so please no laundry list about how clipping a birds wings is undesirable) — My question is this: How hard is it to properly clip a cockatiel's wings? I used to do with to my grandmothers budgies when she wanted to interact with them outside the cage but I have never handled a cockatiel before. Should I just have my vet do it instead?


These are all my questions for now.

Thanks.

 

[Devann]

I'm not a cockatiel expert but you mentioned that you're allergic to dander. I'm not sure if you are aware that birds have dander also (some species more than others, my grey has tons, my alexandrine not as much. I don't know how much cockatiels have). So you may want to look into that in respect to your allergy.

Most people work so are away from home during the day, as long as you spend lots of time with them when you're home and make sure they have lots of toys for when you're not that should be ok

Both my girls are clipped. I have the vet do it simply because I don't have the heart to restrain them for the procedure. But I'm sure lots of people who clip do it themselves. Probably depends a lot on how cooperative your bird is

 

[Birdlover11]

As you mentioned, you are allergic to dander . Parrots execute a LOT of dander and dust. Especially cockatiels since they are the cousins of cockatoos, so I wouldn't reccomend one. Do you have any other species of birds on your mind ? Though I think your hours are right, lots of people on this forum have full day jobs. Though usually the larger the bird, the more attention it needs. I personally am not comfortable buying used cages for my birds. I have a list of links for you below that I buy cages from, which all has resonable prices. All birds feathers are cutted the same, just that they range in sizes. So if you could cut your grandmas budgies wings easily and without any problems, tiels won't be that different .

http://birdcages4less.com
http://www.drsfostersmith.com/bird-supplies/bird-cages-aviaries/ps/c/5059/10346

 

[SDSU_Aztec]

Oddly enough I have never gotten severe allergies from birds. A few sniffles here and there when I go to pet shops for a very long time but my allergies really only get bad around cats. I never had any allergy problems with budgies in the past. I have been around at least 6 at a time as well.

With that said, not really, I really am looking for an intelligent bird that I can interact with. I wouldn't really care for a finch or canary to much.

I think I will go to a pet store and see if they let me interact with their cockatiels for a few minutes to see if my allergies get worked up.

 

[starrynightxxi]

Regarding allergies, the ideal thing would be if you could go to a house that has a cockatiel and handle the bird, or be around during/help with a cage cleaning to know for sure on the dander situation, but that said, allergies can be very specific. My dad is deathly allergic to cats and guinea pigs, but not at all allergic to my rats. We used to have a boxer and he would get a contact rash from her saliva, but does not react at all to our current dog.

 

[SDSU_Aztec]

Regarding allergies, the ideal thing would be if you could go to a house that has a cockatiel and handle the bird, or be around during/help with a cage cleaning to know for sure on the dander situation, but that said, allergies can be very specific. My dad is deathly allergic to cats and guinea pigs, but not at all allergic to my rats. We used to have a boxer and he would get a contact rash from her saliva, but does not react at all to our current dog.

I can sniff my rabbit all day.... (she would look at me like I'm out of my damn mind) but I wouldn't sneeze once...

I think my allergies are really very specific to cats.

I will try to find a way to interact with a cockatiel soon to find out. If my allergies are minor sniffles or not there I should be alright.

 

[Kiwibird]

I am deathly allergic to cats, but have never had any issues with birds. They are entirely different animals and produce entirely different allergens. That said, it would be wise to see if you are also allergic to birds before getting one, many people are.

1. If bet if you look around online, you can find a VERY nice, cockatiel-appropriate cage for under $200. Our amazons cage only cost $270 new and it's huge. If I were you, I would search for conure size cages, since you want it to have as large of a space as reasonable since it will spend a good deal of time in there.

2. As already mentioned, plenty of people work and leave their birds at home all day. So long as the bird has a roomy cage, lots of toys+foraging, and a few solid hours with you every day, they will be fine. Although your roommates may not actually play with your bird during the day, simply observing them provides some mental stimulation for a bird. It's kind of what they do in nature, they don't have constant play time with their flock, they more do their own thing, just within eyesight of each other. They also nap a surprising amount during the day (the lazy things!). The important thing when your away is to make sure the bird has a lot of intriguing toys and foraging to keep it occupied when it gets bored. Make the time you spend together fun and rewarding for the bird.

3. The same methodology is used on birds of all sizes when clipping. If you've done it before, you can do it again. We clip Kiwi at home, my husband restrains him (he's much bigger than a tiel', so it takes 2 people) and I trim him up. Talons, wings and beak take us about 10 minutes. I think the main reason a lot of people take their bird to the vet is so the bird doesn't associate their owner with the procedure of grooming. It can be a very traumatic experience for a bird, and people don't want their birds to associate negative things with them. Kiwi is towel trained, and while not thrilled to be restrained, he actually fights a lot less with my husband than he does the vet. For our bird, it is less traumatic to clip at home. This is kind of a wait and see thing, as every bird responds differently to it. A VERY important thing to know when clipping at home is you must always have styptic on hand to stop bleeding if you accidentally clip something you shouldn't.

 

[Birdlover11]

Oddly enough I have never gotten severe allergies from birds. A few sniffles here and there when I go to pet shops for a very long time but my allergies really only get bad around cats. I never had any allergy problems with budgies in the past. I have been around at least 6 at a time as well.

With that said, not really, I really am looking for an intelligent bird that I can interact with. I wouldn't really care for a finch or canary to much.

I think I will go to a pet store and see if they let me interact with their cockatiels for a few minutes to see if my allergies get worked up.

Well , if you aren't really that allergic, no other problems then. I agree with you on handling cockatiels, hope you find one you like

 

[SDSU_Aztec]

Is this big enough for 1 cockatiel?

[ame=http://www.amazon.com/Brand-Parrot-Cages-Stand-20x20x58/dp/B002NI43BY/ref=cm_cr_pr_product_top]Amazon.com: Brand New Parrot Bird Cage Cages Play w/Stand 20x20x58 "Black": Pet Supplies[/ame]

 

[Kiwibird]

I think that would be a great cage for a cockatiel! Kiwi has a similar designed cage (with the play top) and he loves that his cage open up and he can crawl in and out at his own free will (when we are supervising, of course). And since that cage comes in quite a bit under what you could spend on a cage, you'll be able to "furnish" it nicely with various branches and toys.

 

[SDSU_Aztec]

I think that would be a great cage for a cockatiel! Kiwi has a similar designed cage (with the play top) and he loves that his cage open up and he can crawl in and out at his own free will (when we are supervising, of course). And since that cage comes in quite a bit under what you could spend on a cage, you'll be able to "furnish" it nicely with various branches and toys.

I am quite handy with tools so I will probably end up making my own bird stand perch and toys

 

[Niner10Tango]

Like others, I am allergic to cats. I have had cockatiels for over 30 years and the dander never bothered me. Also, to help contain the bird dander, bathing your bird by misting it with a water bottle or taking it in the shower with you will help cut down on the dander. Tango goes into the shower with my husband and he loves it. My little guy gets bathed at least once a week.

As for the cage, the one you picked should be fine. Having toys will help with the birds boredom. I usually change the toys around the cage about every two weeks. Foraging toys are great too. While I am at work, I usually leave a radio on for my tiel with easy listening at a low volume.

One other thing you should look into is locating an avian vet. You never know when an emergency should arise. Also, you should consider having an annual avian exam for your future cockatiel.

 

[Birdlover11]

I agree . Can you give us which state your in ? I live in long island and I have a WONDERFUL vet, she is AAV certified and member. Maybe I could reccomend her to you ? For furnishing the cage, try to avoid dowels that come with the cage. They often are uncomfortable for the bird . Try rope perches, everybody on this forum has one. They bend to your own unique shape and is comfortable for the bird, the bird also enjoys the texture.Do you know how to make bird safe wood ? It is great for making perches though you have to follow the cleaning procedures like heating, disinfecting , ect.. Though in pet stores they usually have ready made ones. I bought a mantiza perch for only 2$ at petco. It's also important to have a pedicure perch, it helps wear down the nails, so usually after you buy one you dont have to trim their nails that often.

http://www.mysafebirdstore.com/PERCHES-COMFY_PERCHES.html
http://www.drsfostersmith.com/bird-...-accessories/rope-perches/ps/c/5059/5771/9365

 

[Birdlover11]

I forgot, here's the link and the info on Pepsi and sprites avian vet

Patchogue & Medford NY Area Veterinarians | Paumanok Veterinary Hospital, Serving Medford & Patchogue NY Area

Here is a pic of her on the about page. She is the wife of the owner mr David Henson
Medford & Patchogue NY Veterinarians | Paumanok Veterinary Hospital, Serving Medford & Patchogue NY Area


Dr Dreidre M. Henson
631-475-1312
639 route 112, Patchouge NY
11772

 

[Featheredsamurai]

Have you seen flight cages? They are awesome, large, and inexpinsive. If I ever adopt a cockatiel that would be the cage I'd want

I agree with bird lover, throw out those wooden dowels, they do more harm than good. If the majority of branches used are wooden dowels your bird will have feet problems as it ages, such as atheritus. basically imagine your hands in one position for most of your life, that would destroy your hands over time. Make/buy perches that will change your birds foot shape, I love grape wood perches.

Rope perches are fantastic and soft, but the cotton ropes can't be processed by a birds system and can create a blockage. Because of this always cut off any loose strings and be aware of how your bird chews it. SISAL rope is a great safe alternative, it is a natural plant fiber that CAN be processed and comes in all the same forms as the cotton rope perches.

Find a certified avian vet, get your cockatiel checked out when you get him/her and have the vet do the first wing clipping, or explain to you how. Blood feathers are something you should be aware of and always be on a look out for. With smaller birds like cockatiels I like to leave the last feather to protect new feathers growing in, but it will give them one lift feather.

Cockatiels are wonderful birds. From my experiance the females tend to be more cuddly with little to no talking ability, and the males are less cuddly and can be little brats lol but they are capable of being fairly good talkers and whistlers.

 

[Niner10Tango]

.

Cockatiels are wonderful birds. From my experiance the females tend to be more cuddly with little to no talking ability, and the males are less cuddly and can be little brats lol but they are capable of being fairly good talkers and whistlers.

Your statement is true. Piper, my previous hen I had for almost 16 years acted more like a human being than a bird. She was very agreeable, loving and constantly demanded scritches. The only issue I had with her was during spring when her hormones were enraged. After research, I learned to control her hormones by covering her earlier when the daytime hours were longer and I put her in a different room of the house.

My male that I have now, Tango, is quite the character. He whistles "If Your Happy If You Know, wolf whistles, barks like a dog and his tag line is "Whatcha Doin". He loves sitting on the shoulder, but he doesn't like scrtiches. I can kiss him on the belly and rub my nose behind his neck. I've been very lucky and for the most part is a very agreeable bird.

 

[SDSU_Aztec]

I am looking into getting a male bird. My book "Cockatiels for Dummies" just arrived in the mail today. I should be done reading it in a week or so if time allows it. I am in the middle of Midterm exams at the moment. I plan to get the bird sometime around May — so that I can have the 3 months of summer to spend a lot of time with it — rather than right now. At the moment I am just doing my research, checking out prices, etc. I would really prefer a male bird. I would be somewhat disappointed if the bird didn't do a fair amount of whistling. I may have to buy an older 10 month + bird.

 

[Abigal7]

Welcome to the board. You will find helpful information here and alot of informed people. I have to agree with what everyone has stated. If possible see if you can handle a cockatiel to see if you are allergic. Your allergies may just be to cats but you will want to know if you are allergic to birds before you get one. I got my green cheek conure's cage from a pet store under 200.00 and it is a flight cage that has big enough dimensions. It could not fit into my car so we put it in my mom's station wagon. We opened the back and put the backs seats down flat. My cage is similar looking (not the exact one) to this one A&E Forte Flight Cage-Lets Your Finch Or Medium Bird Fly. Anyways, I see no reason for you not to be able to find a cage in your budget. I think if you let your cockatiel out daily, put some toys in the cage it will be fine when you are not there. I had a cockatiel as a child. It did not pluck or get real distressed when I was in school. But it was fine getting out of it's cage when I came home.

 

[haleybird]

Welcome to the boards! I just joined a few weeks ago, and everybody here is so nice, and all the different viewpoints on living with/caring for birds are very informative and interesting. From my experiences, Cockateils are feisty little birds, but very loveable. And of course, they are so darn cute too!

P.S.,
My best friend went to USD. (which is practically neighbors to SDSU lol)

 

[SDSU_Aztec]

Is it generally much harder to hand tame a cockatiel once it is older say... 6 months + ? I really want to make sure that I get a male.