What to Know About Hand-Raising Cockatiels

Cockatiels are one of the most popular companion birds—and for good reason! These charming, intelligent, and affectionate birds make excellent pets when raised in a caring and attentive environment. Hand-raising a cockatiel requires time, patience, and knowledge, especially in the early stages.

Here’s everything you need to know if you’re planning to raise a cockatiel from a chick.

1. Choosing the Right Age to Start 🐣

Ideally, cockatiel chicks should be hand-raised from around 2–3 weeks old.

• Chicks younger than 2 weeks are fragile and require professional care

• At 3 weeks, they begin developing pin feathers and can be safely transitioned to hand-feeding

• Avoid separating a chick from its parents unless necessary or if bred for hand-rearing

2. Hand-Feeding Schedule & Formula 🍼

Cockatiels cannot eat seeds or pellets when they’re babies—they need hand-feeding formula.

• Use a commercial hand-feeding formula made for parrots (follow package directions)

• Feed with a syringe or spoon with soft tip

• Temperature of the formula: 39–41°C (102–106°F)

• Frequency:

  • 3–4 weeks old: every 4–5 hours

  • 5–6 weeks: 3 times/day

  • 6–8 weeks: reduce to 1–2 times/day as they begin weaning

Tip: Never reheat old formula; make fresh every time.

3. Brooder Setup & Warmth 🌡️

Until chicks are fully feathered, they need a warm brooder.

• Use a box or small tank lined with soft towels

• Add a heating pad under half the box or a heat lamp

• Maintain temperature:

  • 1–2 weeks: 35°C (95°F)

  • 3–4 weeks: 30°C (86°F)

  • 5 weeks+: slowly reduce as feathers grow

Always allow the chick to move between warm and cool zones.

4. Socialization & Bonding 💛

Hand-raised cockatiels are often very affectionate with their humans.

• Gently talk, stroke, and handle your chick daily

• Introduce toys and safe objects for exploration

• Play soft music or sing to them—they love sound!

• Avoid rough handling or sudden loud noises

Socialization helps them build confidence and trust.

5. Weaning to Solid Food 🍓

Around 6–8 weeks old, chicks begin to peck at solid foods.

Offer:

• Soft pellets soaked in warm water

• Chopped veggies and fruits (carrot, broccoli, apple)

• Small seeds like millet

• Clean, fresh water at all times

Let them explore different textures—they learn through beak play!

6. Grooming and Care ✂️

• Bathing: Mist them gently or offer a shallow dish once they’re feathered

• Nail trimming: Be careful—ask a vet if unsure

• No wing clipping until they’re strong flyers (optional and controversial)

• Vet check-ups: First visit around 2–3 months old

Clean their cage daily and provide chewable toys for beak exercise.

7. Daily Life & Lifespan 💫

A hand-raised cockatiel can live 15–20 years with good care.

Needs:

• A cage with horizontal bars for climbing

• Time outside the cage daily

• Companionship—either from humans or another bird

• Enrichment: swings, mirrors, bells, etc.

• Patience—they’re intelligent but sensitive

Conclusion

Raising a cockatiel by hand is a rewarding journey. With proper feeding, warmth, gentle handling, and social interaction, you can raise a happy and healthy companion bird that will brighten your life for many years.