Home » Bird Forums » Birds Of A Feather » Cockatiels » Inquiries.....Please respond - URGENT
Posted by snowcharmed on Sat, 08/19/2006 - 21:41
I have 2 cockatiels (male & female). First question, do cockatiels need sunlight..Will it affect their health if they don't get expose to it? 'Coz ever since I bought them, I just place the cage inside my room. I don't even have a garden or a backyard where I can place them. Second question, ever since I bought my cockatiels they have been so stubborn and unfriendly. What can I do so they can be sociable? Third question, this might sound silly but I'm quite unsure about this...How do you find out if a cockatiel is a male or a female? I have been told by the seller that a male cockatiel has colorful feathers than a female one but I still have a doubt. I would really appreciate if somebody will give clear explanations to my inquiries. =)
login or register to post comments | previous forum topic | next forum topic
Posted by karen on Sun, 08/20/2006 - 21:27.
First, birds don't need sunlight, but it is beneficial. Letting them spend some time in front of an open screened window will work fine in warm weather (they should however always be able to get out of the sun if they get warm). You could also use a full-spectrum light.
You will have a harder time taming two since they don't really need you for companionship. If they are young, you could try seperating them, taming them individually, and then putting them together again. If they are adults and bonded to each other however, it would be hard on them to seperate them. I don't really know how you'ld go about taming two, although I would guess bribing them with treats like sunflower seeds or millet would help.
Female tiels and males before their first molt will have yellow stripes on the underside of the tail. After the first molt (6-8 months) males will have solid color tail feathers. This works for most tiel colors but not for some like lutino. Males will usually have a bit brighter cheek spot and crest. Males are also much more vocal than females.
Karen
Chico (conure) and Pippin (budgie)
WI
login or register to post comments
Posted by ppxstnr on Tue, 08/22/2006 - 19:20.
If you are intent on sun light, the full spectrum lighting would be an alternative. Sunlight helps all creatures produce vitamin D and I believe another, maybe K. Most books recommend sunlight. The screen idea is a good one. Windows block the good UV rays they need. Be carefull that a neighborhood animal doesnt happen by.
login or register to post comments