Cockatiel, Diet
The Cockatiel's diet in the wild usually consists of various elements that amount to roughly:
50% grains and cereals
45% fresh vegetables
5% fresh fruit
There are a few fortified seed and pellet mixes available to buy which incorporate all of the above requirement plus the required vitamins and minerals, a complete feed you might say. They may save a lot of time and effort (well, all you need to do is plonk the mix into the bird's bowl, don't you?), but I do not feed these as I believe Cockatiels should have a variety of foods and textures, something to look forward to so they don't become bored - would you like to eat the same boring food everyday? A seed mix supplemented with fresh food encourages foraging which keeps the bird's mind active.
Seed
I feed my birds a Cockatiel seed mix. It contains:
white millet, red millet, hemp, naked oats, clipped oats, linseed, buckwheat, nigerseed, safflower, canaryseed and sunflower seed.
I also supply a small pot of fruity parrot mix which my birds like to pick over.
Freshfood
The Cockatiel's seed diet must be supplemented daily with greenfood, fruit and vegetables. Examples of greenfood include: dandelion, chickweed, lettuce, cabbage, kale, spinach, endive, plantain. Vegetables your Cockatiel will enjoy: celary, sweetcorn, carrot, peas, green beans, brocalli, sweet potato, beetroot (may stain the plumage), cucumber, cauliflower, peppers, dried chilli peppers. ...and finally, fruits: apple, pear, grapes, banana, pomegranite, tomato.
All uneaten fresh foods should be removed within 12 hours or it will spoil and could be potentially harmful to your bird
Eggfood
A valuble source of protein, omega fats, trace vitamins and minerals. Should be given every day during the breeding season and whilst moulting. Then every other day for the rest of the year.
To make your own eggfood, hardboil some eggs, crush and crumble with the shell still attached and mix with wholemeal bread or digestive biscuit crumbs and grated carrot. Either just make enough for one day or freeze in seperate bags and thaw overnight for use the next day.
Water
1Cockatiels must have a constant supply of clean fresh water which should be replaced daily.
Supplements
Cuttlefish bone must be available constantly as it is an invaluble source of calcium and helps keep the beak worn down as the bird chews.
A mineral/iodine block must also be available constantly.
Probiotic, herb, vitamin and mineral supplements can also be used, though always follow the manufacturers instructions.
Rearing Foods
Before you set up Cockatiels to breed, their calcium level must be increased so the hens can produce eggs without depleating their bone calcium. Use calcium supplements such as Calcivet or Calciform.
Whilst the Cockatiels are breeding and have young in the nest the parents require rearing foods. This can be in the form of commercially or home-prepared softfoods or egg-food.
Treats
Millet sprays are a great option- nutrition plus entertainment, aswell as bread (preferably wholemeal), digestive biscuits and maderia cake. You can also soak the cake in honey or milk - but be careful of souring. In the Winter especially, my birds recieve daily bread and cake rations to bulk our their feed and keep them warm - eating creates body heat as the food is digested.
It is quite acceptable for you to allow your pet Cockatiel to try some of your foods, though you must never, ever feed them chocolate, alcohol, caffeine, avocado, potato, pop or fizzy drinks, or foods containing excessive salt, sugar or fat. Also grit has been known to cause crop impactions. Charcoal is a better option.
Introducing New Foods
This should be done gradually over a period of time. You must watch for any adverse reactions and if any of the following symptoms are seen, the new food must be removed immediately:
·
looser than normal droppings;
· drinking too much water;
· irregular or abnormal breathing;
· any other unusual behaviour which was not present previously.
If symptoms persist, consult your vet.
