Purchasing your Cockatiel
Purchasing your first bird is a big commitment and many people will choose a cockatiel as their first. Bird ownership is rewarding. There is no doubt cockatiels make great companions. It is important to remember there is no such thing as a starter bird, all species have individual characteristics and needs. Before purchasing its essential that you do your home work, and make the correct choices to ensure a happy healthy relationship with your feathered companion. There are several considerations to be assessed before deciding to become a bird parront.
Careful consideration needs to be given to not only the species and sex of the bird but the number and type. There is a whole range of issues that need to be sorted through depending on your individual needs and family circumstances. Birds bite. Larger birds and small children may not be the ideal combination. Birds and other pets may also cause issues depending upon circumstance. Birds can be noisy particularly the larger cockatoos. Birds are flock animals they need companionship. A bird left alone may develop behavioural issues. Please do your research and make the correct choices before these issues develop.
This site is dedicated to the education of parrot lovers everywhere. The subsequent pages cover some of the key issues faced by parrot owners. They are written to help beginners make the correct decisions and as a reference for experienced owners. Many of the choices you make will have a profound impact on you and your birds life. We are not here to lecture but I feel its important to state our beliefs as to what is involved in correct parronting.
- Birds should be rehomed or adopted rather than purchased.
- Breeding and egg laying should be discouraged.
- Birds should be allowed to be birds first. Steps should be taken to discourage sexual and hormonal behavious. Your bird should not view you as a mate.
- Birds should be part of a flock. If you have a single bird then it should not be left alone for extended periods of time.
- Birds wings should not be clipped. If you do clip your birds remember clipped birds can and do fly, allowing them outside without a harness is not recommended.
- Birds should not be given unsupervised access to your home.
- Birds should not be allowed to interact with other family pets.
- Birds need a nurturing environment that includes access to clean water, fresh foods, proper hygiene, fresh air and sunshine.
- Birds live a very long time, owners are responsible for feeding, housing, and providing them with veterinary care throughout their lives.
Its our belief that:
6 Steps to buying
When re-homing an initial vet check is recommended if purchasing then selecting
a reputable breeder becomes important in either case knowing the
signs of illness is an important skill.
Quarantine
When re-homing an initial vet check is recommended followed by a quarantine period
no shorter than 6 weeks.