Researching Cockatiels for possible adoption

[maherwoman]

Hey everyone!!

I'm interested in adopting one or two cockatiels to add to our family, but I want to be sure that (a) they would be able to have the life they deserve with the furkids we already have and (b) we can provide for them what they need as far as dietary, housing, care, and health needs.

A little about us: We are a family of four humans (my husband and I as well as our two kids...13yo daughter and 1.5yo son). Both of our kids are very sweet, kind, and loving. Our daughter is very knowledgeable regarding animals in general and knows how to treat/handle them. Our son, though quite young, is a very gentle, calm boy. He is excellent with the two kitties we have and isn't your typical crazy, noisy boy. We have seven furkids. Two 9yo kitties that are VERY lacking in hunting/predatory instincts. They've been around our five rabbits since they were quite young, and don't try anything with them. Our rabbits have been part of our family since 2006 and range in age from 3yrs to 8yrs. They're all very calm and sweet.

We do have abundant hay in our household, but we're careful to buy it as fresh as possible, as dust can be an issue with rabbits. The bunnies' bedding is in their litterboxes, but it's wood stove pellets (basically compressed wood) and it's made of non-aromatic wood. (Bunnies have sensitive respiratory systems, so no wood shavings that are cedar or pine.)

So...knowing all of that, what are your thoughts/suggestions/cautions??

As far as dietary needs, I would like to give them as natural a diet as possible...as true to what they would eat in the wild as possible. I would be sure to do whatever is needed as far as care. I've read that larger parrots need showers...and I would be willing if it's something cockatiels need, too.

What kind and how big of housing would they need? Would they be willing to be in a cage in our bedroom at night and then a larger cage in the living room during the day? I really don't know how this goes, but I would be more comfortable if they were able to be in a room shut off from the cats at night...just in case. Though I don't expect our kitties to get predatory toward them...I don't want to take any chances. But I don't know if the birds would require just staying in one cage all the time or not.

I just want to be SURE they would have a great life with us and that we could give them what they need.

Thank you so much for your time!!!

Rosie

So, that's about it!

[marie83]

The rabbits will be fine but obviously dont let the birds go jumping in their cages/litter boxes.

You can never be too careful with the cats, ideally they need to be in seperate rooms at all times, but 100% definitely when the birds are out the cages or in the cages unsupervised. You will need a big sturdy cage to prevent the cats knocking it over, the bigger and sturdier the better (minimum of 20x22 or thereabouts for 1 'tiel with plenty of out time but bigger is better) and you need small bar spacing.
Keep the cockatiels flighted, its safer anyway but definiely safer when you have the cats too.

As for diet its pretty impossible to replicate what 'tiels eat in the wild, they have developed as seed eaters though so a good quality cockatiel mix that doesn't have many sunflower seeds and a pelleted diet seems to be recommended at the moment. I give mine 50/50 of each and remove the sunflowers from the mix and use them for treats only. There is alot of debate on how much of the diet should be seed and pellets. Sprouted seeds a few times a week are also excellent for our 'tiels plus fresh vegs and a smaller amount of fresh fruits.

If your planning on a sleep cage size doesn't matter too much as long as the bird has room to stretch out, be warned if your planning on letting them sleep in your room as 'tiels give off alot of dust so if you have asthma or allergies this may not be ideal.

[KimberlyAnn]

I think you would give a great home to a bird/s! You sound very thoughtful and I can tell you care for your animals.

It's been a long time since I've had a cockatiel, so I will let others weigh in on that...but I just wanted to give you support!

Do you breed the rabbits? Or are they pets? My mother used to breed and my aunt still does, but cutting back a lot now days. I miss the days of socializing baby bunnies! But I also acquired allergies so now I have to admire bunnies from a few feet away. :/ lol

[pennyandrocky]

i am with marie on keeping them flighted especially with children and other pets. my son was raised from birth with my but when we got penny he was clipped. my son was 3 and i had to rescue penny twice 1. he stepped on his tail pulling out all the feathers 2. he tried to smush him into a wall. i was so relieved when his flights grew in so he could escape little hands. my son wasn't being cruel he was being a 3 year old that i took for granted that he played so well with my flighted who was able to fly off when he was done playing.

[pionus]

I think you would be a great bird owner. you sound like you really care about giving your future pet the best possible life. good on you.

I agree with marie about the cats and flight. no matter how docile and un-predatory a cat may be, it takes only the smallest scratch to kill a bird, as their saliva is deadly to them. but as long as they don't come into contact and the cats are in a place where they can't get to the bird when it is out, you should be fine.

also, about fully flighting your bird (if/when you get one), I just want to give you a few notes about it so you know some of the benefits. first of all, like marie and others have said, being able to fly is safer as they can escape from dangerous situations. also, flight is healthy for them, both physically and mentally, as it helps their muscles be stronger and gives them the stimulation of what they would naturally do in the wild.

anyway, good luck with your decision and if you do get a bird I think you would a great parront.