Tips for Keeping Weiros as a Pet in your Home

Cockatiels or more commonly known as Weiro’s are one of the best birds to keep for pets. They are bigger than a Budgerigar and smaller than Galahs. We have bred birds for over twenty years and to be honest I cannot say that I prefer one bird more than others.

All birds like humans have their own individual personalities. For instance Finches are beautiful and very active birds. They are fascinating to watch especially at breeding time as they build their nests, carting sticks and bits and pieces back and forth working tirelessly until it is just right.

Cockatiels, Budgerigars, Galahs and Ring neck parrots can all be taught to talk. Therefore it is a personal choice as to which type of bird you select as a pet.

Question 1: When you have a pet bird, can you put it back into an aviary with other birds?

Answer 1: Yes, you can put your pet bird back in an aviary. You will lose that one on one interaction with the bird to a certain extent. Having said that; if you go into the aviary every day and still encourage your pet bird to feed out of your hand you can keep it interacting with you. Encourage it to land on your shoulder and if it talked keep talking to it the same as when inside the home.

Question 2: Can you still breed with this pet bird?

Answer 2: He or she may take on a mate and breed while in the aviary if that is what you have in mind. Make sure you have the appropriate nests that your particular bird uses.

It is best to choose a young bird if you really want to teach it to talk for a Budgie or Weiro. If you are thinking of having a Galah, ring neck or even a white Cocky or Sulphur Crest for a pet then you will need to take one right from the nest.

By doing this it will bond with you so much quicker. It will mean more hard work although the rewards will be worth it. You will have to hand feed this bird every four hours and this is not always easy. As they eat better they will become more fastidious or cantankerous.

Question 3: Will pet birds bite?

Answer 3: Yes, they sure do and boy it really hurts especially if they get a good grip on you.

As you have taken a young bird from the nest you will need to keep him/her in a small box. If the weather is cold it would be a good idea to put a small wattage globe over the top of the box to keep it warm. This is mainly because it no longer has its parents or other siblings to keep it warm. As it grows it will get feathers and then you can put it into a small cage where it can sit on a perch.

Requirements for hand feeding

• Buy the premixed food for the particular bird you have chosen
• Syringe
• Teaspoon with side edges turned up to form a spout.
• Very small dish to mix food
• Tissues to keep the bird clean (if cold weather you do not want the bird to get wet food on it)
• Lots of patience

Follow directions on food. It will depend on the age of bird as to the consistency of the mixture. Start with it being runny. As it improves to accept the food, gradually thicken slightly. You need to mix it with hot water, but as with feeding a baby you do not want to burn this little bird’s throat so be very careful.

Hold the bird in your left hand (if right handed) with a cloth wrapped around it under its beak. Proceed to feed it with either the syringe or the teaspoon. Keep a check that the food does not become cold. It is far better to mix a tiny bit than give it cold food.

Like I said it will take a lot of patience, it takes awhile for the bird and you to learn the process. So persevere and you will succeed.

Choose a two syllable name, something like Sammy, or Rocky, or something similar to that. Now repeat that name every time you walk near his cage. No it will not happen overnight. It will take a couple of weeks, although you need to be repetitive with that name only until he/she learns it then start saying “hello Sammy” or whatever you named it.

Then as it learns that try whistling the same tune over and over again. Or you could even try the old wolf whistle. Do me a favor; please do not teach it to swear. I know it is funny at the time, but could prove very embarrassing at other times.

We have hand reared many ring necks cockatiels successfully and they are beautiful birds. Just a word of caution: If you decide to go with the larger parrots you need to be aware of the fact that these birds have sharp beaks and will damage your furniture with these beaks. Also they love sitting on doors and any type of chewable wood.

They will attempt to help you while you peel the vegetables or stea things when your back is turned. But having said this. They make beautiful pets and are also great companions.