Copyright 2007 Cockatiel Foundation, Inc.
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PAGE 2 - Continued


Be extra careful of the unexpected such as new plants growing up against aviaries that may be toxic if your
cockatiels reach through to eat them. Know what plants are safe for your bird or better yet, start a patch of vegetable
garden for both you and your birds. Some excellent greens and vegetables to grow for cockatiels include: kale,
carrots, collards, parsley, and even dandelions can be cultivated. Be sure that all foods are pesticide-free and soak
them well, washing and rinsing repeatedly before presenting them to your birds to eat.


Perhaps the most important caution and heartbreaking loss that occur during the warm weather months is the
number of cockatiels that escape their owners into the wild blue yonder.

Unfortunately, when the weather grows warm, windows and doors are likely to be open more frequently and provide
for a route of escape. Also, walking to the door with a beloved pet cockatiel on your shoulder and opening it before
remembering it is there, is heart rendering should the cockatiel suddenly take off.

The best advice then, especially in summer months is to clip your cockatiel’s wings!  A good wing clipping done
properly by a professional handler/breeder or avian veterinarian is well worth the cost of protection against possible
escape and the loss of a family member. Properly executed, wing-clipping slows a bird down, throws its flight
pattern off, and allows you to recapture the bird without too much effort. As cockatiels are known as one of the
strongest and swiftest flyers of the entire parrot family, it is usually necessary to clip both wings. Test your cockatiel’
s ability to fly before leaving the wing-clipping appointment to make certain the clip is effective.

Staying alert and taking precautions for your cockatiel’s well-being will be worthwhile and rewarding as you and
your cockatiel enjoy the summer months ahead.
"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
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Cockatiel Foundation, Inc.
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.
c. 2008 Jane Gillespie
SUMMER CARE
Caring for Companion Cockatiels
During the Hot Weather Months
© 2001-2008 LINDA S. RUBIN
Published June 2008 CAGE & AVIARY BIRDS (UK)
Published June 2001 BIRD TIMES magazine
"All Rights Reserved"
c.2008 Susan Weber
c. 2008 Amy Hopkins