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Hi, can I bring up a few more questions? All applying to cockatiels
1-Best cage for tiels? I'd prefer to stay under 200, but can go a little over if necessary.
2- Best food? Price doesn't really matter.
3-Best toys? Again, not picky on price.
I would get a flight cage so the cockatiel would have plenty of space to stretch her wings.
As for food, a tiel should eat about 50% pellets and 50% seeds, along with plenty of fresh foods. Some good brands for pellets are Roudybush and Harrisons. Some good seed mixes are Dr. Harvey's and Goldenfeast.
Tiels enjoy shreddable toys like balsa wood, piñata type toys, palm toys, paper toys, sea grass, etc.
That cage would work, sorry I can't tell you anything about it quality wise, etc.
Dr. Harvey's Colossal Cockatiel blend is good. I would get the mini or crumble size for the Roudybush.
If you get a cockatiel, it's good to feed what the breeder (if it's a baby) has weaned him on. I would look for a breeder that weans their babies onto pellets and veggies, rather than just seeds. If your getting a rescue, you will need to feed him whatever he is already eating, until you can switch him to something more healthy if needed.
Also, I just checked Craigslist.. that cage I had linked is on there for 35$, still in box. The person thought it would be big enough for there cockatoo, but it was too small. Would you guys get it? I'm still not sure.
Well, two things happened Monday. First, the cage that I wanted they decided to keep. Second, I went back to talk about getting the white faced tiel where I watched a 90ish year old lady take her. I'm sad, but I hope she takes good care of her! Back to square one for me...
I have 2 of the cages you mentioned. I think they'd be fine for your tiel. My tiels are in a same-sized cage but I believe it's by A&E, only because when I switched birds around that is how it came out.
The roudybush food comes in several sizes, I had mine on smaller (crumbles or nibbles) but they like the mini better.
I just got a call from a lady.. she had a lutino tiel that was hit by a car that she has nursed back to health, but she says he'll never fly. He's apparently scared of new people, but once he knows you well he is a big sweetheart, but needs help learning to step up. She would be willing to give me his *huge* flight cage, 20lbs of roudybush, and all of his toys for free..(although I wouldn't pick him up until September when she is 100% sure that he's healed) I feel this would be hard, but I would feel good doing this. (He's a gorgeous bird aswell!) Opinions?
Poor bird! It's great that he's going to be okay. I would go and meet him and see if you make a connection. If you decide to get him, maybe you could go visit between now and September so he gets to know you. Many tiels are shy at first, but then become more bonded after time. It might take a while, however. It seems to me that it takes many birds nine months to a year to get really comfortable in a home.
Well, I met him yesterday and he was super sweet (but VERY reserved and shy), and I instantly had a connection with him. But, he is certaintly in rough shape, and certainly has a long long recovery time. She has another lady interested, and if she doesn't put a deposit (she wanted to see who's a better fit) I'm going to go for it!!