Do cockateils make good pets? Poo a lot? What are the monthly expenses? Are they too loud for apartments?

[Duckyfuz]

Hi,
I own cockatiels and many other parrots and by far, I have to admit cockatiels (by the way, that's the correct spelling) are one of the birds with the sweetest, most even personalities. They are gentle, docile, and very social birds who love human interaction and love to spend time with their "human flock". They are playful, affectionate, forgiving, and full of personality. They make great companions if well cared for. So for your first question, a definite yes.

Poo a lot? Well, sure, but it depends. Cockatiels are one of the smaller parrot species, considered medium size, and usually its the smaller birds that poop more than the large ones. But kept clean, it has never been a problem for me all these years of caring for them. Keeping the cage clean and when outside, keep it on a play stand or play gym, it is fine. And they do not have odors like other pets such as dogs or cats.

Monthly? Well compared to macaws and African greys at about $100 per month, cockatiels are fairly cheap. For supplies, food, toys, vet bills, an average of $15. But when you get the bird, the average cockatiel can be from $50-$175, depending on tameness, age, location, mutation, and such. Hand raised ones are more expensive than untamed ones, but I HIGHLY suggest a hand raised one. A untamed one is technically a wild one, which DON'T make good house pets. Hand raised ones love interaction and socialization while the untamed ones just do their best to stay away from you. But on average, a $15 per month and $300 for the bird, cage, supplies and stuff the first time you get it.

Too loud? No way. Cockatiels are simply ideal for apartments, condos, and considered fairly quiet. Males are louder than females, sometimes their screams getting a bit loud and shrill, but properly cared for, they should never be calling loudly constantly. Shrieking is mostly a sign of depression, boredom or loneliness.

So cockatiels come in various mutations, bred for different colors. There is the grey (original), lutino, cinnamon, pied, emerald, silver, whiteface, pearl, fallow, and a few more. Since the normal grey is the original, it is usually cheapest. Lutinos and pearls are about the same price. But the whiteface, cinnamon, goldcheek, and silver are just a bit more expensive, not too obvious though.

Cockatiels, male and female, have big differences in personality, and which gender you get can affect the bond between you and the bird. Even though mostly it depends on the INDIVIDUAL bird and not the different species or genders in personality, here's a few hints to both the female and male bird's personalities:

MALE
Males are more colorful than females in some mutations, striking yellow, white, red, etc., on their feathers. Males usually have a more outgoing, courageous, adventurous personality. They are naturally curious and love to explore and play and entertain. Males are much more active than females. Males also have a better chance of learning able to talk, and almost all males are natural star whistlers. But males are much louder than females, even though normally not a problem for apartments, can get a bit loud if not controlled.

FEMALE
Females have duller feather colors than males, and they are not as playful or active as males. However, even though females are heard to be a bit harder to tame and train than males, well trained and hand raised females are also said to be more cuddly and snuggly than males with their owners. Females have a even, sweet personality, but also quite timid at times. They aren't likely to learn to talk or whistle, even though it is possible, but females are very quiet, barely ever making a sound. But many people choose males over females because female birds can have egg laying issues, which are a problem for many owners and very serious for the bird.

Those are just a few I listed about cockatiels. They are amazing companion parrots who can live to 15-20 years, with big personalities who love socialization and are excellent friends to have.

If you have any questions or problems or need some advice, you can email me at littleowl6420@gmail.com! I would love to help!