Diet is the biggest factor in a cockatiel’s health span. Here’s a simple, safe plan you can start today.
The simple plate method
60–70% pellets (complete nutrition)
20–30% fresh veg (leafy greens, orange veg, peppers, herbs)
≤10% treats (millet, seeds, fruit)
Safe foods list (starter set)
Leafy greens, broccoli, carrot, pumpkin, sweet potato, bell peppers, corn, peas, cucumber, zucchini, basil, coriander, parsley (small amounts), berries, apple (no seeds), pear, banana.
Toxic or avoid
Avocado, chocolate/caffeine, alcohol, onion/garlic (in quantity), xylitol, fruit pits/seeds, salty/fried foods, big dairy portions, uncooked beans (soak/cook).
Sample weekly menu (copy)
Mon/Wed/Fri: pellets AM; PM pellets + chopped greens + carrot ribbons
Tue/Thu: pellets AM; PM pellets + mixed veg + a tiny millet spray for training
Sat: pellets AM; PM veggie chop + a small fruit cube
Sun: pellets AM; PM forage tray (leafy greens under paper, a few seeds to find)
Hydration, calcium & foraging
Fresh water daily; cuttlebone/mineral block available; use foraging cups and paper wrap treats to keep minds busy.
Download our printable diet list and see available hand-raised cockatiels.