Reptile & Amphibian Forums

My friend Danny is looking into getting either a Cockatiel, Cockatoo or a Conure.

So could you guys/gals please tell me everything he needs to know about getting a Cockatiel, like average life span if they can talk and if they are playful.

Email bosco55@gmail.com

Thanks

If your friend is not going to be interested in taking a bird to the vet then I suggest none of them!! All birds no matter what the cost need a vet checkup. They need one when they first come home unless it can be guaranteed with paperwork that they just had a checkup and all the results. Then they need a checkup every six months to a year even if they are healthy. If they are not healthy tbey could have very high bills even up to the 1000's of $$$$. Not eveyone is going to want you to return a bird because you don't want to pay vet bills. THat being said!!

Cockatiels can talk, they can be playful life expectancy around 30 years depending on care but this seems to be average listed in most publications I have. The only way they live this long is with vet care and knowledge before buying a bird not after!! They need a good diet, proper size cage and lots of attention. They will not start talking immediately or automatically love their new owner it takes a while no matter what kind of bird you get.

Please don't let your friend get another bird until he is ready to take on the responsibility of all costs no matter what the price of the bird. If you get a bird for free as a present does this mean it needs no care because hey it was free?? No it doesn't!!!

Stephanie

Average life span is aprox 26 years, only if you look after it properly! Yep they talk, love people for companions, etc. There's plenty of resourses on the net & great books out on tiels. I strongly suggest you do some research before buying. If you don't you can easily find a very sick or dead tiel in your care. Once you know the basics about them it becomes easier to look after them, & recognise there signs & what they mean.
They are fun birds to have around when you know what you're doing...
Good Luck!!

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