Copyright 2007 Cockatiel Foundation, Inc.
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ARTICLE
| Continued - page 2 corn/rice/bean mix, or egg food (provided it is replaced or removed after several hours), should be lightly salted with a powdered avian multi-vitamin/mineral supplement containing vitamins A and D3. Breeders require vitamins on a daily basis and resting birds several timeseach week. Cuttlebone or mineral block, a vital source of calcium for both resting and egg-laying birds, must also be provided. Breeders also sometimes provide soluble oyster shell, or chicken egg shells roasted at 350 degrees for 45 minutes. Be certain to wash the shells before baking to remove any possible Salmonella bacteria. Water: Provide clean, fresh water, on a DAILY basis, in clean, disinfected vessels. Water isvital to the metabolism of nutrients and necessary to maintain good health. Be certain tothoroughly disinfect the water vessels using only clean sanitary instruments not used for other birds. The author uses paper towels and dishwashing liquid each day to clean and rinse the vessels; and replaces all vessels every week with an alternate clean set while used vessels are scrubbed, disinfected, then run through the dishwasher and stored for future use. Interestingly, a research study entitled Cockatiel Research at the University of California at Davis (Roudybush, 1985) found that fledgling cockatiels required the provision of water in order to be successfully weaned, otherwise weaning was delayed. Fresh Produce: A variety of fresh vegetables should be offered two to three times per week minimum, and daily to breeding, weaning, and young birds to keep them trained in the habit of eating a variety of produce. Dark green, leafy vegetables supply necessary carotene(converted by the liver into vitamin A) for example: dandelion greens (and flower), collardgreens, carrot tops, and kale, rank highest in vitamin A. Other vegetables containing a variety of vitamins and minerals include: broccoli, mustard greens, fresh peas, string beans, chicory, parsley, and watercress, are all favored. Lettuce and the cabbage family contain little food value and are next to useless. Yellow/orange vegetables high in carotene (a precursor to vitamin A) include: raw carrots, and cooked vegetables such as yams, squash, sweet potato, and pumpkin. In a pinch frozen vegetables (e.g., corn, peas, carrots, and beans), can be served cooked. As with other parrots, avoid avocado and eggplant which are toxic. Fresh fruit, such as apple, orange, cut grapes, banana, and especially berries in season such as cranberries and blueberries, and pomegranates, etc. are well accepted provided birds are exposed to all these foods while young. Cherry pits are toxic and should never be fed. Cockatiels, unlike other members of the parrot family are not big fruit eaters, instead preferring fresh greens and other vegetables. Yet, fruit can become an additional part of the diet if birds are patiently trained to eat them while young. Table Foods: Breeders with smaller collections or just a few birds may be able to provide some occasional table foods. Simple carbohydrates such as fruits and vegetables, or complex carbohydrates if fed in moderation including: pastas, noodles, macaroni, brown rice, spaghetti, etc. are good when offered without the sauce. Whole grain foods such as oatmeal, sugarless cereals, pancakes, and similar breakfast foods are all good. Proteins such as cheese, scrambled or 20-minute hard-boiled eggs, small pieces of well cooked chicken or meat, can all boost the diet. As a rule of thumb, think of your cockatiel as a health food nut, never offer foods containing high fats, sugar, chocolate (it's toxic to birds), alcohol, or caffeine, all of which can cause harm or toxicity. Cockatiels must be exposed to dietary items on a regular basis to develop good eating habits. This means feeding such foods from as early an age as possible and never giving up until your bird(s) accept these foods. In time, they will. Never give up! Breeding/Environmental Conditions: Breeding Cockatiels require ... continued in next issue of the Cockatiel Chronicle. Don't miss out on this and other articles like it! Join by mail or now easily online. |
| "Providing Resources to the Cockatiel Community" The Cockatiel Foundation, founded in June 2007, began out of a growing need in the avicultural community to offer its members programs for pet owners, breeders and exhibitors, in addition to services never before addressed in the cockatiel community. CF is establishing a Cockatiel Adoption & Placement Program to hrlp in the placement and rehoming of cockatiels to new, permanent "forever" homes. CF offers a wealth of information on color genetics, mutations, and breeding research. CF is addressing the needs of our Youth Members in the CF Youth & Education Program developed for tomorrows' next generation of cockatiel afficionados. Please visit our unique LOST & FOUND Center to report and reunite birds with their owners! Joining the Foundation When you join the Foundation as a Member, you will receive many benefits, including the Cockatiel Chronicle and have access to the Members' Only Yahoo Group for chat, PHOTO CONTEST, Members' Articles & more! Please read about our Membership benefits and peruse the website. COME JOIN US! |
| Linda S. Rubin is an aviculturist, lecturer and avian educator of 30 years, with an international byline in avicultural magazines around the world and author of several books at www.CockatielsPlusParrots.com. She is the cockatiel expert columnist for Bird Talk’s website, BirdChannel.com, writes as an overseas columnist for Cage & Aviary Birds (United kingdom), and she serves on the board of directors as National Specialty Vice President for the American Federation of Aviculture, Inc. She is the founding president and genetics consultant of the Cockatiel Foundation, Inc. Linda is a certified panel judge for the Cockatiel Foundation, and the Society of Parrot Breeders & Exhibitors, judging shows throughout the US, Puerto Rico, and Canada since 1984. |
| Disclaimer Articles on this website are not meant to take the place of proper veterinary and other medical care. If your bird appears ill or shows symptoms of illness, please contact your avian veterinarian as quickly as possible. Birds are prey animals and hide their symptoms in order to survive; by the time owners see symptoms, a bird may have become extremely ill. Owners are advised to seek medical attention immediately. To find an avian veterinarian in your area, contact the Association of Avian Veterinarians at www.aav.org. |
c. 2005 Linda S. Rubin
Cockatiel Foundation, Inc.
| COCKATIEL HUSBADRY: BREEDING PROGRAMS FOR Y2K featuring Nutritional Requirements © 2000 LINDA S. RUBIN Speaker Paper presented at the 2000 Canadian Parrot Symposium, Toronto, Canada "All Rights Reserved" |
