We love our pets, but they are a huge responsibility. When we have others dependent upon us for survival, getting up and heading out for a two-month road trip is possible, but it takes some planning and a little outside help.
Dogs need a walker, but you can leave cats for a few days without visits. But what about birds? Can you leave your cockatiel alone? We have an answer for you.
Can cockatiels be left alone?
Yes, cockatiels can be left alone for up to a few days as long as they have ample access to water and food. It is best to get a pet sitter that is going to spend some time with your cockatiel if you are going to be gone longer than a day or two to make sure they have ample water and food and companionship.
If you are just running out and are new to owning a cockatiel, then I am here to tell you if the cage is secure and closed, there is ample food and water in the cage, then you can feel free to leave to the day. Your cockatiel will be fine.
You, too, can leave your cockatiel alone for those planning to go for an overnight trip or visit. Just be sure to leave ample food and water in the cage. You can leave your bird alone for some time as long as there is access to food and water, but it’s not the best situation if you plan on being away for long periods.
Birds need stimulation like any other living creature and, if yours is the only bond your cockatiel has, then they will miss you. It’s always a good idea to get someone to come over and just say a few words or hang out with your cockatiel. They may not bond with that person, but the activity will be good for them.
What you should never do is leave your cockatiel out of their cage when you aren’t home. It can be a recipe for all kinds of disasters, especially those that can injure your cockatiel. You don’t want the family cat realizing your bird is a fun thing for playtime.
How much time should you spend with your cockatiel?
You should spend as much time as you can with your cockatiel. But we know that spending every hour of every day with your bird isn’t practical, or is it possible. There are other pets, people, and tasks that require our attention as well. But, the more time you spend with your bird, the better your bond will be and the happier you will make your bird. Your happiness level should rise as well.
At the least, you should spend at least an hour a day with your cockatiel. It does not have to be a consistent hour. You can schedule intervals throughout the day. But it’s worth mentioning that cockatiels love together time. The more time you spend with your cockatiel, the happier and healthier you both will be.
Can they be left out of the cage?
No. If you or someone else is not around to watch them, I would not recommend you go your cockatiel out of its cage when unsupervised under No circumstances. There are too many places for a bird to get caught up in trouble. Air vents, heating ducts, and mouse traps are just a few hazards a little bird might encounter if there is no one around to keep him out of danger.
As for time out of their cage, the more “out of cage time” they get, the better off they are. Out of the cage is where you will do a great deal of your bonding, and you can spend the time teaching your friend how to talk or do fun tricks. But, if they are left unsupervised, you are risking their health, safety, and possibly their lives.
How long should cockatiels sleep?
Cockatiels should sleep anywhere from 10 to 14 hours a day, but this will likely span out throughout the day instead of one long sleep. For the best health, your bird should get at least 12 to 14 hours of sleep every day.
They have different positions, so it may be difficult to tell, at first, when your cockatiel is sleeping. There is the normal position, which on one leg and their head under their wing, baby birds sleep with their legs underneath them, or sleeping on both legs.
One thing you’ll notice is that cockatiels will tend to get puffy when they are sleeping. There is no reason for alarm. It just means they are in a relaxed state.
Of course, if you find that all your cockatiel does is sleep, then it may be time to take them to a doctor. If you don’t have an avian vet, then we recommend you find one in your area. While general vets are great, the training an avian vet goes through is much more specific to your cockatiel.
How to get them back in their cage?
Once you let your bird fly around the room and find its footing in your home, you will find that, at times, you are going to have to make them get back in its cage. For birds that can’t fly, this is pretty simple. But sometimes, they get on a roost and can become rather stubborn. Not that I blame them. They adore their time spent out of the cage so much sometimes it seems like they never want to get back in.
Unfortunately, things like work and school beckon for us to leave, and we know we can’t leave our bird out in the open where she can find her way into danger. So how do you get a bird to get back in their cage when they don’t seem to want to go back?
First of all, try to quell anxiety or feelings of being rushed on your part. Cockatiels are very sensitive to human emotions and can pick up your senses. If you are emitting an edgy vibe, your bird will pick up on that, and you will make your job all the more difficult. Just relax and do your best to get them to come to you.
Also, if you are having an issue, it may be a good idea to get your bird’s wings clipped. With this procedure, you can choose the level of height that you want them to achieve. They are easier to tame that way, and it is for their safety. A bird that can fly high tends to get caught in tight places or even escape, which could be seriously dangerous.
Training techniques like repetition are helpful when trying to get a bird to come to you. Treats and other positive reinforcement are lovely training tools as well.
Going on vacation.
Do you need a pet sitter? It all depends on how long you plan on being gone. As we mentioned earlier in this piece, cockatiels can be left to their own devices for a short period, but if you plan to be gone longer than one night, it would be best to pay someone or get a friend to come by visiting them once a day.
Not only will they get lonely, but their water dish will also likely get cloudy from regurgitation, and it will need to be changed. Plus, birds bond tightly, and the distraction of a familiar friend would be suitable for them, especially if they are the only pet you have. If you have other pets, you most definitely need a pet sitter, which would run you less than boarding.