Just given a cockatiel... advice please - Page 2

07-12-2008, 06:58 PM

As others have said, if possible, a vet check up should be done.
A bath will be greatly appreciated, either a bowl of water or a good misting.
Offer millet, A cockatiel seed mix, fresh water daily.
Fresh fruits and veggies, as others have said try chopping it up fine.
Things are upsetting right now for your new little friend, be patient and keep a close eye on him/her.
Males are good talkers, females talk rarely.
Weigh your new friend and keep track of his/her progress.
Talk to your little friend, whisper, but please show much attention.
As long as the weight goes up, baths go well, the birds over all condition should improve.

07-13-2008, 06:15 AM

I don't have much more to add except, bless you for taking this precious little one in. I too own a Lutino Cockatiel that's 2 now, and he's been such a sweet and loving little one. I've enjoyed him ever so much. Let us know how he/she is getting along.

07-13-2008, 08:12 AM

Great advice from everyone, patience is so important. Your new addition will eat better and feel more comfortable on his/her own time, just showing quiet attention and adding new toys and food slowly.

07-13-2008, 08:56 AM

Ivy spent last night in his/her new cage. When I got Ivy up this morning I found him/her on the calcium perch. Woohoo..... some progress! The new cage is 20x20x28 with a 3/4" bar spacing. I was told that bar spacing was acceptable but it looks a little big. Ivy won't get her head stuck in there will he/she?

07-13-2008, 09:23 AM

Ivy's cage looks lovely and you have it set up very nice for her! I don't know about bar spacing so I looked up a few sites.

This site lists
Cockatiels
Minimum Cage Size - 20"x20"x24"
Bar Spacing - 1/2" to 5/8"
LINK: Pet Birds - Cage Sizes and Bar Spacing

This site says;
Cages for Cockatiels
Cockatiels are active and playful and should have a large cage. Opinions on the minimum size varies, but a good rule of thumb is at least 20 inches by 20 inches wide, and 26 inches tall as a bare minimum. The spacing on the cage bars should be no more than 3/4 inches (any larger is a safety hazard). Horizontal cage bars offer the best opportunity for climbing and exercise. There should be space to place at least a couple of perches at different levels with enough space to comfortably move between them. Many cockatiel cages come with a removable bottom tray for easy cleaning.
LINK: Cockatiels as Pets - Choosing a Cockatiel, Cages and Feeding

07-14-2008, 05:54 AM

The spacing is a bit too wide and be careful with those metal bells, even though they are ubiquitous in bird toys, they are actually quite dangerous to them because they can swallow the clapper and either choke or get impacted.