I want to get a cockatiel!

[Synthem]

Yes I know about that information, I studied and read about Cockatiels before I bought mine. I found that Cockateils don't fit my schedule. Before getting her I had a budgie who had died recently, I liked budgies so I thought that a Cockateil wouldn't be much different. But it also depends on where you get your bird from.

That's more than most parrot owners can say.

I wanted to make sure our friend here was aware of that, too.

—and that's a good point!

It's important to weigh the pros and cons of pet stores, breeders, rescues, etc... and be careful where or who you buy your bird from, because of what Veer67 said. Where you get your bird can make a significant difference in their temperament and overall health.

 

[Chicks Galore3]

Thank you all SO very much! I might look into a Green Cheek Conure. As much as I REALLY want a cocktiel, my brother is more important to me.

 

[Luvmy9hens]

I own 3 cockatiels - all male. I will say that they all have very different personalities. I received one as a gift and the other two were adopted from homes whose owners could no longer keep them. None of them were older than 4 - 6 months when they were acquired. They are all tame and can be handled, know and respond to their names, and enjoy being held and rubbed on the head, beak, and neck. Two of them are excellent whistlers with good memories and can whistle and talk. They can say the words, "If you're happy and you know it start to tweet" and then whistle the remainder of the tune, whistle the Mexican Hat Dance, mimic Cardinal and Robin calls, as well as random "made up" tunes. Additionally, each says about 7-8 phrases including "want some spaghetti." I taught cockatiel #1 which in turn taught cockatiel #2. The third tiel we adopted, although a male, is not as proficient at whistling and has never spoken. Cockatiels can be loud both in the morning and at dusk. Cockatiel #1 has never been caged and prefers to stay on a branch that I keep in one section of the living room with newspaper beneath. His wings are clipped. He often has #3 as company. Cockatiel #2 prefers the security of a cage but enjoys coming out for short periods. All have their wings clipped but can fly very short distances. The eldest is now nearly 6 yrs. Dust is kept down by frequent showers which they enjoy. It would be important to ensure that your brother can tolerate cockatiel dust before bringing a tiel into your home. The "dust" however, seems more confined to the area in which they are housed and is not equally concentrated in all rooms. One of our family members also has allergies and bouts of asthma and the tiel does not effect his condition. Good luck!