Globale leeftijd: Geboorte – 1 jaar

The young cockatiel stage

In their first year, cockatiels bond with their people and learn sounds and routines. A calm start, a reassuring routine and a varied diet are the foundations of this stage.

  1. Jong dier
  2. Volwassen
  3. Senior
Dit deel is nog niet in het Nederlands beschikbaar; je ziet voorlopig de versie in het Engels.

In het kort

  • Cockatiels are social birds that bond with people; daily interaction matters.
  • They can be skittish; sudden movements and frightening sounds in the dark can cause panic flapping.
  • Vary the diet with pellets, seed, vegetables and greens.
  • Provide supervised flying time in a safe room.
  • Hand-taming should be patient and use small rewards.

The juvenile stage runs from hatching to about 1 year of age. Cockatiels go through their first moult, learn to fly and explore, and start forming strong bonds with their people.

What is happening in this stage?

  • The first moult happens and adult colors and patterns (depending on variety and sex) become clear.
  • Flying skill and balance develop.
  • Whistling, sounds and mimicry attempts may begin.
  • Trust and bonding are shaped now.

What should you do differently?

  • First days: Place the cage in a quiet corner where they can see people without too much traffic.
  • Night: A dim night light can help reduce panicked flapping in the dark.
  • Diet: Quality pellets and seed, plus fresh vegetables and greens daily; introduce new foods patiently.
  • Flying: Flying time in a safe room where you've checked windows, mirrors and hot surfaces.
  • Taming: Reward stepping onto a finger with small treats; keep sessions short.

What should you monitor?

  • Weight (weekly weighing)
  • Appetite and droppings
  • Feather condition and sitting fluffed up
  • Fear responses and night-time thrashing

Expected behavior

Raising and lowering the crest, practicing whistles, exploring everything with the beak and enjoying walking on the floor are normal at this stage.

Reminders

  • First veterinary check-up (with an avian-experienced vet)
  • Weekly weighing
  • Daily fresh water and clean dishes

Next stage

From about 1 year of age your cockatiel enters the adult stage.

De leeftijdsgrenzen zijn bij benadering; verschillen binnen een soort (zoals grootte bij honden) kunnen de overgangen vervroegen of vertragen.

Deze inhoud is algemene informatie en vervangt geen onderzoek of diagnose door een dierenarts. Maak je je zorgen over de gezondheid van je dier, neem dan contact op met je dierenarts.