What’s the Best Food for Cockatiel Birds?

Cockatiels are among the most popular pet birds worldwide, loved for their affectionate personalities, playful nature, and beautiful crests. A balanced diet ensures cockatiels live longer, stay active, and maintain glossy feathers.

But what’s the best food for cockatiel birds? In this guide, we’ll break down the essentials of a cockatiel diet and also cover what foods to avoid.

Seeds: Tasty but Not Enough

Lots of folks reach for seeds first when feeding birds, but seeds alone aren't the best. Cockatiels enjoy them because they're full of fat, but they don't have all the vitamins and minerals birds require.

If you decide to give seeds:

Go for a good seed mix created just for cockatiels (don't grab any old parakeet seed).

Combine seeds with pellets and fresh stuff to make sure they get a balanced diet.

Don't go overboard on sunflower and safflower seeds—they're fatty and can cause obesity if you feed too many.

Seeds should be only about 25–30% of what they eat.

Pellets: The Key to a Healthy Diet

Most bird doctors suggest that pellets should be a cockatiel's main food. They're made to have all the nutrients birds require, so your pet is much less likely to miss out on something important.

Pick pellets that are designed for cockatiels or other small parrots.

If you can, don't get pellets with artificial colors—the natural ones are better.

Get your bird used to pellets slowly by mixing them in with their seeds.

Ideally, pellets should be 60–70% of what your cockatiel eats.

Grains, Legumes, and Treats

So, besides their regular pellets, cockatiels can also enjoy some cooked grains and beans. It's like adding some variety to their meals!

Whole grains: Think about things like brown rice – the plain kind is best. Quinoa is another good option. Oats, like the kind you eat for breakfast (cooked, of course!), and barley are good choices too.

Beans and Lentils: Your bird can munch on beans and lentils, but make sure they're completely cooked. Never give them raw beans; those aren't suitable for birds. Fully cooked beans and lentils add a nice change.

Occasional nuts: Now, for something special, you can give your cockatiel a few nuts every now and then. Almonds and walnuts are usually big hits. Just remember these are treats, so don't go overboard!

How to Attract More Birds to Your Bird Feeder Camera?

Use a Smart Bird Feeder for Freshness and Convenience

Keeping your cockatiel's grub fresh is very important. Seeds can get stale faster than you think if you don't store them right. So, what if there was an easier way to keep everything fresh and avoid waste?

That's where a WoBirdy window bird feeder comes in. It's packed with stuff that makes feeding time way easier and safer for your feathered buddies.

First off, it's got a design that helps keep seeds and pellets fresher for longer. It protects their food from the things that make it go bad.

Plus, it kind of encourages your birds to eat little by little. This helps cut down on the amount of wasted food, which is a win for your wallet and the environment!

And the great thing is that it's not a hassle to clean. It helps you keep things nice and tidy for your lil' pets.

Now, WoBirdy backyard feeder is actually made for wild birds, but a lot of cockatiel owners are finding it really Useful for everyday feeding. It can be a lifesaver, mostly if you have a bunch of birds or if you're always on the go!

Foods to Avoid for Cockatiels

Some food that's fine for us can be seriously bad news for your feathered buddy. Here's a list of foods to absolutely avoid giving your cockatiel:

Avocado: Seriously, no avocado! It contains persin which can be toxic to birds.

Chocolate: It’s a big no-no. It can cause all kinds of problems, including seizures and even death.

Anything with Caffeine (like tea, coffee, or soda): Caffeine messes with their little systems. Keep those drinks far away!

Alcohol: This should be obvious, but never give alcohol to your cockatiel. Their bodies can't handle it.

Onions and Garlic: These can cause anemia in birds. So, even cooked it is best to leave them out of sharing.

Apple Seeds, Cherry Pits, Peach Pits: These contain cyanide, which is poisonous. The fruit part is usually okay, but steer clear of the seeds and pits.