Collection: The Best Bird Toys For Cockatiels

Cockatiels are among the sweetest and most affectionate pet birds, but they’re also sensitive creatures that rely on a stable environment, gentle handling, and thoughtful care. Knowing what not to do is just as important as knowing what to do, because even well-intentioned mistakes can cause stress, fear, or behavioural problems.

First and foremost, never shout at or punish your cockatiel. These birds don’t understand discipline in the way a dog might. Raising your voice, clapping, or startling them can create fear and damage the trust between you and your bird. If your cockatiel bites or behaves badly, take a calm approach — step back, give them space, and address the reason behind the behaviour. It might be fear, hormones, boredom, or even lack of stimulation.

Speaking of stimulation, don’t leave your cockatiel without toys or enrichment. They are curious and intelligent, and a lack of stimulation can lead to feather plucking or loud calling. Rotate their toys regularly to keep things interesting — like hanging colourful Bell Toys for Cockatiels or chewable options that encourage natural play and exploration.

Another common mistake is not providing enough social interaction. Cockatiels are flock animals, and they thrive on companionship. If you have only one bird, you’ll need to spend time every day talking, whistling, or gently interacting with them. If you ignore them or leave them isolated for long hours, they can become lonely, anxious, and withdrawn.

Also, never expose your cockatiel to strong fumes or unsafe environments. Things like non-stick cookware (which emits toxic fumes when overheated), aerosol sprays, scented candles, and cigarette smoke can be deadly to birds. Even something as simple as perfume can irritate their delicate respiratory system.

Avoid abrupt changes to their routine or environment. Cockatiels feel safest with predictability. Moving their cage too often, changing locations suddenly, or introducing new pets without gradual introductions can make them feel insecure.

It’s also important not to clip their wings incorrectly or too harshly. While a light trim by a professional can prevent injury from flying into windows, over-clipping can make them feel helpless and increase fear-based behaviour.

Lastly, don’t neglect their diet or hygiene. A cockatiel fed only seeds will eventually suffer from nutritional deficiencies. Instead, they should have a balanced mix of high-quality pellets, fresh vegetables, and small amounts of seed. And don’t forget fresh water daily — birds are just as sensitive to stale water as we are.

Your cockatiel’s emotional and physical health are intertwined. Keeping them engaged with toys that reduce boredom and stress-related behaviours for Cockatiels, providing social time, and maintaining a consistent, safe environment will help your bird live a long and happy life.

In short — yes, cockatiels make wonderful pets. But to truly appreciate why, you have to look beyond their cute crests and cheerful whistles. These birds are intelligent, affectionate, and social creatures that can become deeply bonded companions when treated with patience and respect.

Cockatiels are part of the parrot family, but they’re smaller, gentler, and generally easier to care for than many of their larger cousins like cockatoos or macaws. That makes them ideal for both first-time bird owners and experienced avian enthusiasts alike. One of their best qualities is their gentle and friendly nature. They love interaction and quickly learn to trust their humans. Many will perch on your shoulder, whistle songs, or gently preen your hair — all signs of affection in the bird world.

Another reason cockatiels are so loved as pets is that they’re incredibly expressive. Their crest feathers are like an emotional barometer: when they’re happy and curious, the crest stands tall and perky; when relaxed, it softens; and when frightened, it flattens back. It’s a beautiful way to “read” how your bird feels at any moment — something not all pets can show so clearly.

Cockatiels are also known for being smart and trainable. With gentle repetition and positive reinforcement, they can learn to whistle tunes, step up on command, and even mimic short phrases. While they aren’t as talkative as larger parrots, they make up for it with their melodic whistles and sweet chirps that brighten any home.

However, it’s important to understand that cockatiels need daily social interaction and enrichment. They are flock animals by nature, so they crave company — either from you or another bird. Without mental and physical stimulation, they can become bored or even depressed. Providing a variety of toys, perches, and challenges is essential. For example, hanging colourful or textured toys like the Crinkle Crinkle Little Star Bird Toy can keep your cockatiel entertained for hours while encouraging natural foraging and play.

When it comes to care, cockatiels are relatively low-maintenance compared to many exotic pets, but they do have specific needs. They require a balanced diet — pellets, fresh vegetables, and a small portion of seed — plus regular access to clean water and a safe, roomy cage. A little sunlight or full-spectrum lighting also supports their overall health and feather quality.

Their personalities vary, too. Some cockatiels are outgoing and talkative; others are calm observers who enjoy quiet company. But once a cockatiel bonds with you, that trust runs deep. They’ll greet you with whistles when you come home, tilt their heads to “chat,” and even snuggle under your chin during quiet moments.

The key to having a happy cockatiel is understanding their emotional intelligence. They’re empathetic creatures that sense mood and tone — so kindness and consistency go a long way. With love, attention, and enrichment (like a dangling toy such as the Dangly Croc Bird Toy), you’ll have not just a pet, but a loyal little friend who becomes part of your daily life.

So yes — cockatiels are truly wonderful pets. They bring song, charm, and warmth into any home, rewarding care and companionship with endless affection and personality.

The short answer: yes, cockatiels can speak, but not quite in the same way as larger parrots like African Greys or Amazons. Cockatiels have the ability to mimic human words, phrases, and even household sounds — but their speech is often softer, less distinct, and more melodic. Still, many owners find their attempts at “talking” incredibly charming and full of personality.

Let’s start with what makes them capable of speech in the first place. Like other parrots, cockatiels have a syrinx — the avian version of vocal cords — located at the base of their trachea. This allows them to control airflow and produce a wide range of sounds, from whistles and chirps to surprisingly accurate mimics of human voices. However, compared to their larger cousins, their vocal muscles are less powerful, and their beak structure is smaller, making their pronunciation softer and less precise.

That said, some cockatiels can build quite an impressive vocabulary with the right encouragement. Male cockatiels, in particular, are known to be better talkers than females. This is because, in the wild, males use vocalisation to attract mates — they’re natural show-offs when it comes to sound! Females, while usually quieter, can still learn a few words or sounds if they’re regularly exposed to them.

If you want to teach your cockatiel to talk, patience and repetition are the keys. Start with simple, short words such as “hello,” “pretty bird,” or their name. Say the word clearly and cheerfully every time you interact with them. Cockatiels are very responsive to tone, so a happy, encouraging voice will capture their attention. It also helps to repeat phrases during feeding time, when they’re most relaxed and focused on you.

One thing to note: cockatiels are excellent mimics of sounds, even if they don’t always use human words. Many learn to imitate whistles, microwave beeps, phone rings, or even the sound of the vacuum cleaner. Some will create their own little songs by combining bits of what they hear every day — a delightful display of their creativity.

Beyond speech, communication for cockatiels goes far deeper. They “talk” through their body language, too. That raised crest, the tilt of the head, or the soft chattering before bedtime all tell a story. Learning to read these signals helps you understand their moods and needs — and makes your bond even stronger.

Even though not every cockatiel becomes a chatterbox, that doesn’t make them any less engaging. Their whistles and gentle calls are often more musical and pleasant than actual talking parrots. Many owners prefer this softer communication, as it feels more natural and less repetitive.

And remember, whether your cockatiel speaks words or not, mental stimulation and enrichment play a big role in keeping them vocal and happy. Toys that encourage play, movement, and curiosity — like Bell Toys for Cockatiels or hanging puzzle-style toys — give them outlets for their energy and reduce boredom, which in turn encourages vocal expression.

In the end, while cockatiels may not hold full conversations, they have an incredible ability to connect emotionally and communicate in their own sweet way. With daily interaction, gentle encouragement, and a stimulating environment, your cockatiel might just surprise you one day with a soft “hello” — or their own musical interpretation of your favourite tune.

A healthy diet is the foundation of a long, happy life for any bird — and cockatiels are no exception. These little parrots might be small, but their nutritional needs are surprisingly complex. In the wild, cockatiels forage all day for seeds, grasses, fruits, and vegetation across the Australian outback. So, when they’re kept as pets, their diet should reflect that natural balance — varied, fresh, and full of essential nutrients.

Let’s start with the most important truth: a seed-only diet is not enough. For decades, many cockatiels were fed only seed mixes, but research has shown that this can lead to serious health issues like fatty liver disease, obesity, and vitamin deficiencies. Seeds are high in fat and low in key nutrients like calcium and vitamin A. So while a small amount of seed is fine (especially as a treat or training reward), it should never be the main part of their diet.

Instead, the base of a cockatiel’s diet should be high-quality pellets — ideally those made specifically for small parrots. Pellets are nutritionally balanced and help ensure your bird gets all the essential vitamins and minerals they need. Aim for about 60–70% of their daily food intake to be pellets.

The next vital part of their diet is fresh vegetables and leafy greens. Cockatiels love variety, so offer a mix of colours and textures. Safe vegetables include carrot, spinach, silverbeet, kale, broccoli florets, sweet potato, and corn. You can also give herbs like parsley, basil, or coriander for added flavour and enrichment. Try chopping veggies finely or clipping them to the side of the cage for fun foraging.

Fruits should be offered sparingly — about twice a week — since they’re high in sugar. Apples (without seeds), pears, melon, kiwi, and berries are all good options. Most cockatiels have a sweet tooth, so these make great treats or rewards for training.

Clean, fresh water must always be available and changed daily. Cockatiels can be a little messy with their food and feathers, so it’s best to refresh their water at least once a day (or more if needed).

A few things are absolutely off-limits, though. Never feed your cockatiel chocolate, avocado, caffeine, alcohol, onion, garlic, or salty or sugary foods. These can be toxic and, in some cases, fatal. Always double-check before offering any human foods — birds have very sensitive digestive systems.

You can also offer occasional protein sources such as cooked egg or a few soaked legumes, which help during moulting or breeding seasons when they need extra nutrients for feather growth and energy.

And don’t underestimate the power of foraging and playtime during feeding. Cockatiels are naturally curious eaters. Instead of serving food in a bowl every time, hide small pieces in toys or hang vegetables on clips. Interactive toys like the Crinkle Crinkle Little Star Bird Toy or Dangly Croc Bird Toy encourage natural foraging instincts, exercise, and mental stimulation — all while keeping your bird happy and healthy.

Lastly, observe your cockatiel’s droppings and behaviour to gauge their diet health. Droppings that are too watery or discoloured can signal diet imbalance or illness. A healthy cockatiel should have smooth feathers, bright eyes, strong perching, and steady weight.

In summary, the ideal cockatiel diet is a mix of pellets, vegetables, some fruit, a touch of seed, and plenty of variety. The more natural and enriching you make their feeding routine, the healthier and happier your cockatiel will be. Combine good nutrition with regular play and safe, engaging toys, and you’ll have a bird that sings, whistles, and thrives for many years to come.