Life Stage	Age Range	Main Care Focus
🐣 Chick	0 – 6 months	Hand-feeding, weaning, warmth, taming
🪶 Adult	6 months – 8 years	Balanced diet, socialization, training, breeding care
❤️ Senior	8+ years	Gentle exercise, joint support, health monitoring

Cockatiel Chick Care (0–6 Months)

The first few months of a cockatiel’s life are critical for survival, bonding, and development. Baby cockatiels (often called chicks or hatchlings) need warmth, specialized food, and socialization to grow into healthy, tame adults.

Feeding & Nutrition

• Hand-feeding formula: If hand-rearing, use a commercial hand-feeding formula specifically designed for cockatiels.
• Weaning stage: Around 6–8 weeks, introduce soft foods like millet spray, soaked pellets, and finely chopped vegetables.
• Hydration: Ensure fresh water is available once the chick begins pecking at solid food.

Environment & Warmth

Chicks cannot regulate their body temperature. A brooder or heated environment at 95°F (35°C initially, reducing gradually) is essential until fully feathered.

Socialization & Taming

Begin gentle handling early to raise a tame bird. Talk softly, use slow movements, and avoid overwhelming the chick. Early interaction helps create a friendly and social pet.

Adult Cockatiel Care (6 Months – 8 Years)

Adult cockatiels are at their most active and social stage. They thrive with proper diet, enrichment, and human interaction. This is also when breeding may occur, requiring extra care.

Diet & Nutrition

• Provide a base of high-quality cockatiel pellets (60–70% of the diet).
• Add fresh vegetables and leafy greens daily.
• Offer small portions of seeds as treats only, not as the main diet.
• Calcium-rich foods (like cuttlebone) are vital, especially for breeding hens.

Exercise & Enrichment

Adult cockatiels require at least 2–3 hours of out-of-cage playtime daily. Provide toys that encourage climbing, chewing, and problem-solving.

Breeding Considerations

If breeding, ensure a safe nesting box, balanced diet, and veterinary guidance. Avoid excessive egg-laying in females by limiting daylight hours and rearranging the cage setup.

Socialization

Cockatiels are flock animals. They thrive on attention from their human family or another cockatiel companion. Loneliness can cause stress, feather plucking, or depression.

Senior Cockatiel Care (8+ Years)

Cockatiels can live 15–20 years with proper care. As they age, their needs shift towards comfort, gentle activity, and proactive health monitoring.

Health & Veterinary Care

• Schedule annual vet check-ups with an avian veterinarian.
• Watch for arthritis, respiratory issues, or weight changes.
• Provide soft perches to reduce foot strain.

Comfort & Environment

Older cockatiels may need lower perches, softer bedding, and easy access to food and water dishes. Avoid sudden changes in cage setup to reduce stress.

Gentle Exercise

Encourage light wing flapping, short flights (if healthy), and puzzle toys that engage the mind without causing exhaustion.

Final Thoughts

From fragile chicks needing warmth and careful feeding, to active adults requiring enrichment and balanced diets, and finally to gentle seniors needing comfort and medical support—cockatiel care evolves across a bird’s life. By understanding and meeting these changing needs, you’ll ensure your cockatiel enjoys a long, healthy, and joyful life as your companion.