Avian Medicine:
Basic Information Sheet for the Cockatiel

• Natural history
• Taxonomy
• Physical description
• Coloration
• Sexual dimorphism
• Diet
• Husbandry
• Behavior
• Normal physiologic values
• Anatomy/physiology
• Restraint
• Venipuncture
• Preventive medicine
• Injections
• Important medical conditions
• References

Cockatiels originate from the non-coastal regions of Australia. The free-ranging population is very large, and the IUCN lists this species’ conservation status of “least concern”. Cockatiels probably represent the smallest of the cockatoos, although there is some controversy surrounding this classification. Cockatiels are common as aviary birds and they make excellent pets.

The cockatiel is a small parrot (approximately 32 cm or 12.5 in) with an erectile crest and long retrices or tail feathers.

The standard or wild type cockatiel is predominately grey with yellow, orange, and white accents. Many color mutations exist including lutino, cinnamon, fallow, whiteface, pied, silver, olive, yellowcheek, and pearl.

Male cockatiels have yellow foreheads, throats, crests and cheek patches with orange ear coverts. Females have much less yellow and a barred pattern underneath the wings. Males have solid black plumage under their wings.
Sexual dimorphism is most obvious in the standard or wild type cockatiel. Until maturity at 6 months of age, coloration will resemble that of a female including yellow or white bars on the ventral surface of the wings.

• Cockatiels are granivores and frugivores. Free-ranging birds feed on grass seeds, grains, berries, and other fruits.
• Feed companion birds a varied diet to decrease the likelihood of obesity.
• Since psittacines hull seeds before ingestion, they do not require grit. In fact, some individuals will overeat grit when ill putting them at risk for impaction.
• All-seed diets are deficient in protein, vitamins, and minerals including calcium and vitamin A.

• Provide frequent water baths or showers to maintain normal skin/feather quality and to help control powder down dust.
• Cages should be at least 20-24 in (50-60 cm) long and wide.
• Perch diameter should be approximately 5/8 and 1.5 in (1.6-3.8 cm). Provide at least two perches placed far enough apart that the cockatiel can fly or glide. Sand paper perch covers are very abrasive to the feet, and are not recommended.
• Cage bar spacing of 0.5-0.75 in (1.3-1.9 cm) is recommended.

• Cockatiels are sociable birds.
• Cockatiels can have traumatic “night frights” which usually involve the bird thrashing around its cage in extreme fright.
• Foraging is an important part of normal daily parrot activity. Teach and encourage pet birds to play and forage.

Anatomic traits of Order Psittaciformes include:

• Communication of the right and left nasal sinus
• The only avian tongue with intrinsic muscles
• Simply syrinx
• Craniofacial hinge of beak is a synovial joint
• Ceca absent
• Gall bladder often absent
• Zygodactyl foot: two toes pointed backward and two pointed forward

Cockatiels may be restrained by holding the head between index and middle fingers. Support the body with the palm of the hand as well as the thumb and little finger.

Use a 27-gauge needle and 1 to 3-mL syringe to draw blood from the right jugular vein. Collection of up to 1% of body weight is acceptable in healthy patients.

• Obtain a complete history and perform a thorough annual physical examination.
• Establish baseline data with regular clinical testing (complete blood count, protein electrophoresis, and plasma biochemistries.
• Ensure proper nutrition and husbandry.
• Recommend quarantine of newly acquired birds.
• Perform additional testing for select diseases based on history and physical exam findings: avian polyoma virus, psittacosis.
• Determine the origin and history of newly acquired sick birds to contain and prevent further spread of disease.

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Harcourt-Brown N, Chitty J (eds).  BSAVA Manual of Psittacine Birds, 2nd ed. Quedgeley, Glouchester: British Small Animal Veterinary Association; 2005. Pp. 4, 28. 

Harrison GJ, Harrison LR. Clinical Avian Medicine and Surgery, Appendix 4, Philadelphia; W.B. Saunders; 1986. P.662.

Koustos EA, Matson KD, Klasing KC. Nutrition of birds in the order Psittaciformes: a review. J Avian Med Surg15(4):257-275, 2001.

IUCN 2010. IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Version 2010.4. IUCN Red List Web site. 2010. Available at http://www.iucnredlist.org/. Accessed June 12, 2011.

Lafeber Company. The Cockatiel. LafeberCares Web site. Available at: http://www.lafebercares.com/knowledge/birds/cockatiel.html Accessed May 16, 2011.

Low R. Parrots in aviculture: A photoreference guide. Pickering, Ontario; Silvio Mattachione & Co; 1992. P. 82.

Morgan D. Bird Care. Neptune City, NJ: TFH Publications; 2005. Pp. 15-16, 17-18.

O’Malley B. Clinical Anatomy and Physiology of Exotic Species. Edinburgh: Elsevier Saunders; 2005. Pp. 156-157.

Tully TN. Birds. In: Mitchell M, Tully TN (eds). Manual of Exotic Pet Practice. St. Louis, MO: Saunders; 2008. Pp. 270-271, 276.