Also known as: tiel, 玄凤鹦鹉 · Small–medium (80–120 g)
Cockatiels are seed-loving Australian parrots prone to two diet-driven problems: obesity and fatty liver disease from too much seed, and vitamin A deficiency from too little orange and leafy veg. A good cockatiel diet leans on vitamin-A-rich vegetables (sweet potato, carrot, dark greens) and pellets, with seed as a smaller part of the plate.
Vitamin A deficiency is extremely common in seed-fed cockatiels and shows up as poor feather quality and respiratory issues. Orange vegetables (sweet potato, carrot, pumpkin) and dark leafy greens are the fix — make them a daily feature.
Cockatiels can be stubborn seed addicts. Grate new vegetables over their familiar food, or offer warm chop, to coax them onto fresh food. Zucchini and sweet potato are good gateway vegetables.
Female cockatiels are prolific egg-layers, even without a mate, which drains calcium. Offer calcium-rich greens (kale, bok choy), a cuttlebone, and crushed cooked eggshell.
Foods that suit a cockatiel's needs particularly well. Tap any for serving tips.
These need extra care for cockatiels specifically — or are toxic to all parrots. Tap any for the reason.
Quick answers for the foods people ask about most for cockatiels.
Wondering about a specific food? Check any food on the ParrotPlate food checker — every verdict applies to cockatiels too, with species notes where they matter.
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