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Copyright © Linda S. Rubin | CockatielsPlusParrots.com
Companion Bird Articles
c. 2011 Robin Kulas
PURCHASING COCKATIELS
©2000 Linda S. Rubin

CF Genetics Consultant  & Panel Judge
All Photos and Articles “All Rights Reserved” by Author and Photographers
Written permission required for reprints.

First published in the April 2000 issue of BIRD TIMES magazine &
December 2002 issue of UK BIRDKEEPER magazine
When purchasing a pet cockatiel, or foundation breeding stock, be certain to make your selection
from a facility that is clean and cares for its birds adequately. Some retail pet stores maintain very
high standards, keeping birds isolated behind glass or in a separate room and provide a varied diet
that includes fresh food and other extras. Similarly, there are professional and hobby breeders who go
to great pains to feed, house and maintain their breeding stock with utmost care. Unfortunately, these
are stores and breeders who do a poor job of maintaining healthy conditions.



                     
For that reason it is a good idea to visit the premises where you are considering a purchase. Most
reputable breeders welcome the opportunity to show their aviary. Aviary visits are usually scheduled
by appointment, so the breeder has time to discuss the diet and care you plan to give any bird you may
buy. Literature, such as general diet and care handouts and other important information will be given
to you at this time. If a purchase is made, breeders who close band their birds with traceable
aluminum leg bands usually provide a pedigree or birth certificate record that will include the bird’s
date of birth, gender (if known), color variety and parental background.



            
Care needs to be exercised when turning to printed advertisements to purchase cockatiels. For
example, ads listing a “pair” for sale merely guarantee two birds are available, not necessarily that the
pair consists of a male and a female. To purchase a bona fide male and female, look for
advertisements listing a proven pair, which indicates the pair has already produced fertile eggs.



It is a good idea to secure references before purchasing a bird from an unknown source. Ask for
references that you can check yourself, not simply ones provided by the breeder. First rate references
come from well-known breeders; local and national bird clubs; and trusted pet and retail outlets, zoos
and private aviaries.



                      
Determining the sex of cockatiels is relatively easy, compared to other birds. In the majority of color
mutations, including the nominate normal grey, adult males can be identified by their solid yellow faces
with bright orange cheek patches. Males of the Whiteface series carry a pure white mask. However,
there are exceptions to this simple definition, depending upon the color mutations involved. In these
instances, the cock’s behavior of strutting, bowing and whistling serenades helps distinguish it from
the hen. Sometimes, the purchaser must rely upon the breeder’s word for gender information, all the
more reason to find a reputable breeder.



                           
Another important factor to consider before purchasing a bird, or a pair of birds, is age. Always
attempt to secure young birds. If the bird is to be sold as a pet, a young bird will be more receptive and
impressionable. This applies not only to taming and teaching the bird to talk, but also in teaching
correct eating habits. Older birds are more stubborn and resistant to change, so the younger the bird,
the better for you both.



                               
Those seeking an established, proven pair of cockatiels for breeding will also want to obtain young
birds. Young, proven pairs can be quite productive, safely throwing two clutches of four to six babies
each year. More mature pairs – 10 years of age or older – may still be able to breed, but such activity
can be more taxing, or even dangerous, to older birds. Some of the warning signs that a pair should be
retired include poor breeding results; soft-shelled eggs, denoting a loss of calcium which can lead to
osteoporosis, especially in hens; and other stress markers.





Although it would be ideal to obtain a proven pair that is still young, breeders often will not part with
such birds. The next best option is to purchase a young, unproven pair, providing the breeder will
guarantee their genders as one male and one female. A young pair can be set up to breed as soon as
they enter the breeding cycle, which is usually by 12 to 18 months of age.



                           
One caution about buying young birds; always buy cockatiels that are fully weaned, especially if you
have never handled hand-feeding before. Most breeders consider birds weaned once they are fully
eating on their own and filling their crops every night for about a week. Many a saddened pet owner
has been devastated by the loss of a new pet because they did not receive adequate information on
how to wean a baby that is not yet independent.
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