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PangoVet advocates for adopting before shopping. We understand there are many reasons for seeking a breeder or purchasing from a store, though, so we encourage it to be done the right way. Learn more.
Cockatiels are one of the most popular companion birds, and for good reason. They’re quiet, non-destructive, and relatively easy to care for once you know how. They’re gentle and affectionate, making them a great pet for all kinds of families, including those with children. If you’re considering welcoming a cockatiel into your home and heart, you need to decide where you’ll buy yours from. Read on to learn about how to acquire a cockatiel responsibly.
Cockatiels as Pets: What to Know Before Welcoming One Into Your Home
Caring for a cockatiel is not like caring for a cat or dog. You should be prepared to make significant lifestyle changes before bringing a cockatiel home. First and foremost, your home will need to be bird-proofed. Using the incorrect cookware and home appliances can instantly kill your bird. Cookware and appliances coated with polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) can create airborne toxins when heated to specific temperatures.
For the safety of your bird, you’ll need to donate all your PTFE-containing products (e.g., frying pans, pressure cookers, hair dryers, space heaters, etc.) and invest in PTFE-free alternatives. You’ll also need to avoid using respiratory system irritants like aerosol sprays, candles, incense burners, and some cleaning products.
Once you’ve made the necessary lifestyle changes, you’re ready to welcome your sweet cockatiel home. These beautiful birds are friendly, gentle, and affectionate, fitting perfectly into nearly any home.
Where to Adopt a Cockatiel
Adoption is perhaps the easiest and most common way to acquire a cockatiel; however, it requires research. You can adopt a cockatiel from your local shelter or rescue agency, which is a great way to give a loving home to a bird that needs one. However, you must ask the right questions to get a cockatiel that suits your needs. You’ll need to know everything about the bird’s past, including where it came from, how it was raised, and if it was around other birds.
You may also find adoptable cockatiels from owners looking to rehome their pets. Before adopting, you must meet with the bird to ensure it is in good health and well cared for. This is especially true if you have other pets, as bringing in a sick bird can devastate the health of the others in your home.
1. Petfinder
Petfinder provides an online searchable database of animals of all species that need a home. It is a directory of over 11,000 animal shelters in North America, so it’s a great place to start searching for a new cockatiel friend. Petfinder is great because you can search by zip or postal code to find available animals near you. The website also allows shelters to upload photos and descriptions of all their animals so you know more about the cockatiel before meeting them.
At the time of writing, there were over 100 cockatiels available for adoption.
2. Mickaboo Companion Bird Rescue
Mickaboo is a Northern California nonprofit organization that rescues companion birds from neglect, abuse, or injuries. Like Petfinder, it doesn’t specialize in cockatiels; however, a few dozen are currently available for adoption on its website.
3. Craigslist
Craigslist is an online classifieds website where regular people can list items to sell. You can find people looking to rehome their cockatiels on this site, though we recommend proceeding with caution. Many irresponsible breeders and scammers use Craigslist, so research any animal you stumble across on this site before adopting. We recommend requiring the seller to confirm the cockatiel is in good health with proof from a veterinary clinic before adopting.
Where to Buy a Cockatiel Online
Online shopping is surely convenient for many things, but it’s not something we generally recommend when acquiring animals.
The problem with buying a cockatiel sight unseen is that you don’t get to meet them first. You won’t know what conditions they’ve been living in or if they’re even tame. You won’t know if the bird has been hand- or parent-raised or if it’s open to interacting with humans. You have to take the seller at their word, and while this would be okay in a perfect world, not every online seller is responsible, reputable, or even trustworthy.
That’s not even mentioning the logistical nightmare of having a live bird shipped to you.
Pet Stores That Sell Cockatiels
Pet stores are another common place where you can find cockatiels for adoption. Most pet stores have cockatiels in stock since they’re one of the most popular companion birds. A great perk of purchasing from a pet store is that it can be your one-stop shop. You can buy all the essentials you’ll need for your cockatiel at the same place, and their helpful customer service team can provide valuable insight into which supplies you’ll need for your new pet.
1. PetSmart
PetSmart is the largest pet supply company in the United States, though it also has stores across Canada and Puerto Rico. All the animals sold by PetSmart are vet-assured and screened for illnesses. Many stores have cockatiels available for adoption from local rescues and shelters, so buying from PetSmart is a great way to provide a loving home to a bird in need.
2. Petco
Petco is the second-largest pet supply company in the United States. Like PetSmart, it partners with local animal welfare organizations to provide adoptable animals.
3. Locally Owned Pet Stores
Most cities have “mom and pop” style pet stores owned by local citizens and not operated at a chain level. These smaller shops typically don’t have as many birds, but it’s still worth popping in to see what they have in stock.
How Much Does a Cockatiel Cost in Stores?
The price of cockatiels in stores varies depending on which store, where you’re located, and the type of cockatiel you’re adopting. Cockatiels typically range between $80 and $150 at Petco and $100 to $150 at PetSmart. Most locally owned pet stores have higher prices, so you can expect to pay closer to $300 for a cockatiel.
Cockatiel Breeder Information
Many cockatiel owners acquire their birds through a local breeder. However, this requires research on your behalf. Unfortunately, some irresponsible breeders are in the business for all the wrong reasons. A Google search should provide a list of cockatiel breeders near you. After locating several breeders, you must separate the good and bad ones.
You can talk to the potential breeders, asking questions like how long they’ve been breeding cockatiels and if they would allow you to tour their facilities. Any responsible breeder will show enthusiasm for the birds they’re producing and should be more than willing to show you their facilities. Ensure the breeder you work with can provide proof of healthcare and vaccinations.
Tips for Adopting or Buying a Cockatiel
Whether you acquire your cockatiel through a rescue agency, pet store, or breeder, here are a few factors to consider.
- Appearance and behavior. A bird’s appearance and behavior can tell a lot about its overall health. Are there visual signs of illness, such as discharge from eyes or nostrils, dirty or ragged feathers, or improper droppings? Is the bird energetic and interested in you or lethargic and hiding away in a corner? Unethical sellers and breeders will take photos to hide signs of illness.
- Parent- or hand-raised? Hand-raised cockatiels make much better pets than parent-raised ones. They are friendlier to humans and easier to bond with. While you can undoubtedly bond with parent-raised birds, your new pet will take much longer to trust you.
- Male or female? Before adopting a cockatiel, ask yourself which qualities you want your new bird to have. We suggest you go with a male for a friendly, chatty bird. Males can learn to imitate sounds and have a unique, harmonious way of communicating, while females generally don’t talk much or whistle.
- Environment. What environment is your potential pet in right now? Is the cage clean? Is the bird kept in a proper-sized cage? What does the area smell like? Were you asked to sanitize your hands before handling the bird? The answers to these questions can provide insight into the bird’s health and help you determine if the source you’re adopting from is legitimate.
Conclusion
Cockatiels make fantastic pets, but you must do your due diligence before choosing one to adopt. You must educate yourself on how to care for a bird properly and research the sources you may adopt from. Unethical breeders and irresponsible sellers may try to sell you on a sick bird or one that hasn’t been adequately cared for. The last thing you want to do is welcome a sick bird into your home and heart.
Featured Image Credit: CapturePB, Shutterstock
