Chirpy, Clever, and Totally Trainable: Why Cockatiels Make Great Companions
- LIBEVC
- 7 days ago
- 3 min read
Cockatiels are great companion animals for people interested in caring for birds and willing to dedicate time to training and integrating them into their daily routine. Cockatiels are intelligent parrots, capable of learning about 20 human words, and will often learn the tune to whistle numerous songs. They love frequent interaction with their human companion and are known for being highly expressive and affectionate birds.
Cockatiels have been known to do exceptionally living with a single attentive owner, but can also blossom in families. If you are considering welcoming a cockatiel into your home, every family member must learn how to safely handle birds and interact with them. The first step for every cockatiel owner, new and old, should be to start scheduling regular checkups with an experienced avian vet.
Caring for Your Pet Cockatiel
There’s a lot of cute content online about birds, but it is important to know what information is current and accurate to give your bird the best chance at a healthy, long life. Your cockatiel needs:
A diet of pellets and always fresh vegetables and fruits.
Time outside the cage every day. Flying is exercise, not an option.
A large enough cage to stretch their wings and move around.
A stable routine—birds thrive on predictability.
A safe, toxin-free home (seriously—this list is a must-read).
And, just like us, cockatiels get bored. If you don’t provide enrichment, they’ll find… creative ways to entertain themselves. Save yourself the headache and check out The Importance of Enrichment and Foraging for Parrots for easy ideas that keep their brain busy.
How to Train a Cockatiel (No Whistles Required)
If you’re wondering how to train a cockatiel, start with the basics: respect, consistency, and positive reinforcement. These birds are smart, but they don’t respond to pressure. Think trust-building, not dominance.
Begin with “step up”—an essential cue for perching on your finger. Try to stick to healthy treats, such as a fruit or vegetable, and a calm voice. Once that’s reliable, you can work on recall, targeting, or even whistling tricks.
Keep sessions short and positive. Ten minutes a day is more productive than one long session when everyone’s tired. And if your bird doesn’t seem into it? Try again later. Training works best when you’ve already built a strong bond.
Need a starting point? Our Parrot Care Guide covers the essentials, from daily routines to enrichment ideas.
Is Your Bird Trying to Tell You Something? Understanding Cockatiel Behavior
Cockatiels communicate with body language as much as sound. Their crest feathers are a great mood indicator:
Upright: Alert, curious, maybe a little unsure.
Flattened back: Agitated or scared.
Relaxed curve: Comfortable and content.
Other signals—like pacing, screaming, or withdrawing—often point to stress, boredom, or illness. These birds can be subtle, so changes in appetite, posture, or vocalizations shouldn’t be ignored. If you’re unsure what’s normal, it’s always best to check in with an avian expert who understands the nuances of cockatiel behavior and health.
Don’t overlook this important health risk—Avian Polyomavirus and Your Pet Bird covers what you need to know to help keep your bird safe.
Final Cockatiel Tips…That Actually Work
Remember that bonding requires time and patience. Don’t overcrowd their cage; open space is just as important as toys when it comes to comfort and movement. Stick to a consistent bedtime and always cover the cage at night. Cockatiels need 10–12 hours of sleep to stay healthy and balanced. Rotate enrichment weekly to keep things interesting and prevent boredom. And remember to use your indoor voice as cockatiels are sensitive to loud sounds, and too much noise can leave them anxious. Learning how to bond with your cockatiel isn’t about being flashy, it’s about being predictable, kind, and tuned in to their cues.
Thinking About a Cockatiel? Start Here.
Cockatiels make wonderful companions—but only when their humans do the work. If you're considering adding one to your life, or if you’ve already got a feathered roommate who’s keeping you on your toes, we’re here to help.
Contact Long Island Bird & Exotics Veterinary Clinic to schedule a checkup, troubleshoot training, or just make sure your bird is on the right track.
